Great White Shark

In 1984 , the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey , California housed its first Great White. [2] However, in July 2003 , Monterey researchers captured a small female and kept it in a large, netted pen off Malibu for five days, where they had the rare success of getting the shark to feed in captivity before it was released. [3] It was not until September 2004 that the aquarium made history by becoming the first aquarium in the world to place a Great White on long-term exhibit. The young female, who was caught off the coast of Orange County, was kept in the aquarium's massive 1 million-gallon Outer Bay exhibit for 198 days before her successful release back to the wild in March 2005 . [4]

Family Time Coupon

Plan a visit now to take advantage of our special family time coupon offer—$59.95 for two adults and two children (ages 3 thru 17). Print and bring the coupon to the aquarium box office on the day of your visit. We're open every day except Dec. 25.

Your mission in 2006 is to do some extreme exploring and have fun while you help protect the future of our oceans. An “Official Explorer’s Passport” will guide kids and their families through a year of special events and activities at the aquarium, at partner attractions and online.

The “Year of Exploring” officially begins on January 28 and 29 at our kick off weekend. Pick up your passport and be among the first to get stamped! Special entertainment, activities and some surprise guests will make this weekend a must-do for families! Continue your explorations February 25 and 26 at “Shark Days".

As you approach the peninsula take the Monterey - Del Monte Avenue exit and keep to your right. This will lead you through the remains of Cannery Row to the world class aquarium. The aquarium appeared in “Star Trek, the Voyage Home.” In the film it was moved to Sausalito and had a whale enclosure added.