Behind the Scenes Tour of the Aquarium of the Pacific + Giveaway

In September, when my children had a day off from school, we took a field trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California to take a behind the scenes tour.  When we arrived, we were kindly greeted by our friendly tour guide named Adrian Samora.  Since Adrian works for the Marketing Department at the Aquarium, we were extra lucky to have him.

Our first stop on the tour per my children’s request was a visit to the Shark Lagoon!  The Shark Lagoon features more than 150 sharks, some of which we were able to touch in the shark touch pools.  My kids especially enjoyed feeling the bamboo and epaulette sharks and sting rays.

Down below the Shark Lagoon is a large viewing window where children can nose-to-nose with a variety of sharks including the sand tiger, zebra and whitetip reef sharks.

After a few more stops around the Aquarium to see penguins, sea otters and sea lions, Adrian took us to the “wet side” of the building, a section normally not open to the public.  FYI, if you decide to take a behind the scenes tour, I recommend that you wear closed toed water proof shoes.  Otherwise, your feet may get a little wet like mine!

In the “wet site” of the building, we learned about the Aquarium’s water filtration system.  It is a highly involved system that requires constant monitoring and oversight by the Aquarium staff.  One mistake can affect an entire habitat.

In the back, we also saw where the caring staff of trained marine biologists and volunteers cared for the delicate sea animals that needed medical attention or were recently born.  The Aquarium staff also plan the animals daily meals and feeding schedule in the back.

From there, Adrian took us above the Aquarium’s largest exhibit, the Tropical Reef, to see and experience the sea animals from a different perspective.  First, we fed the tropical fish strips of seaweed.

Then we watched the scuba divers clean the tanks and volunteers hand feed the sharks and sting rays!

During our tour Adrian also shared with us some interesting facts about some of the Aquarium of the Pacific’s 11,000 animals.  For example, did you know that jellyfish are composed of more than 90% water and live only 2 – 6 months?  Fascinating!

Finally, no visit to the Aquarium is complete without taking a stroll through the Aquarium’s Lorikeet Forest to feed the birds.  A cup of bird feed costs a few dollars.

Measuring approximately 10 inches in length, lorikeets exhibit a dazzling color combination, ranging from brilliant blues and greens to exquisite reds, yellows, and deep purples.  When seen in full sunlight, these beautifully colored birds almost radiate an iridescent glow—a bright contrast to the thick, dark trees of their natural habitat.

Behind the Scenes Tour Pricing

A Behind the Scenes Tour of the Aquarium of the Pacific costs $19 for both Adults and Children.  This cost is on top of the normal price of admission.  For members, the tour only costs $15.

Some restrictions do apply.  Children must be 7 years or older and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.  The tour is also fully ADA accessible.

Aquarium of the Pacific Giveaway!

Now here’s your chance to win 2 general admission tickets to The Aquarium of the Pacific!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

US Residents Only.  No purchase necessary to enter.  One winner will be randomly selected via RaffleCopter and notified via email.  Winner must respond within 48 hours to claim the prize or a new winner will be chosen via RaffleCopter.  The prize will be fulfilled by the sponsor.

Happy Field Tripping!

Jilleen

Disclosure: We were invited as a member of the media to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific.  All points of view and opinions are my own.