monterey bay national marine sanctuary exploration center

We stayed in a hotel not even a block from the wharf and this little center is directly across the street from the beginning of the wharf and close to the SC Beach Boardwalk. It was a very well presented, imaginative yet professional venue which we enjoyed and did not realize how long and how much we really did enjoy until we looked at our watches! :-) Good for all ages and set itself apart from similar educational attractions we've experienced in our lives. We are so glad it is here and a much needed/welcome entity to compliment and round out, for a 'whole' understanding of our eco systems, the parts we play, etc., etc. Good for all ages, genders, nationalities. Plenty of pleasant, enthusiastic, knowledgeable docents to help direct you or explain more about the exhibits. Highly recommend!

A nice free attraction that's fun for everyone, you'll find a lot of interesting exhibits about marine life and the environmental issues affecting the wildlife and plant life in the Monterey Bay. There's a little gift shop in the lobby with a friendly staff person or two who can answer your questions. When I was there, I met a friendly woman who had an advanced degree in Marine Biology eager to fill me in on the details about the marine sanctuary and the exploration center. (These are two separate places.) The center is full of dedicated people who love the ocean and all it's inhabitants.There's an educational video about the ocean on the second floor of the center. The professional interactive displays about aquatic animals and plants are worth a look. A touch pool area for kids is a lot of fun for everybody, but my favorite spot was the outdoor balcony area with a telescope that allows you a fantastic view of the bay. Great place for family pictures. Definitely worth a stop! We toured the center in the morning, then walked down to the wharf for lunch and shopping. It's a nice day and easy on the budget.Parking your car can be a challenge. You can park in a large lot down by the Boardwalk and take the trolley to the center for 25 cents. It's busy on Saturdays, so plan ahead.

Yes - it's free. Right near the Boardwalk. No live animals. Friendly, active and knowledgeable Docents there to help you understand the dynamics of Monterey Bay - geologic and aquatic. Great displays and interactive features. Fantastic movie about the life in the bay waters. Excellent clean bathrooms.

Great staff, educational about the area and its wildlife. Sit through the 15 minute documentary, well worth it!

We found this Center on a rainy day in Santa Cruz and liked it very much. The staff was friendly and gives us informations during our visit. There was an interesting short movie and we learnd many new things . After hour visit they gives us recommends for our trip

Fun & educational, right across the street from the wharf & beach. The Google earth maps were very busy when we visited, guests from all over the world. We really enjoyed the video explaining the work of the Sanctuary. The photography & story were great for almost all ages. All of the staff were very knowledgeable, lots of "hands on" for both children & adults. Go, enjoy & learn a lot!

A working Fresnel lighthouse light , close up. A good selection of maritime stuff, form capitans cabins to compasses. An good easy access museumWel, worth the time and top hey had some great photographic works

If you like marine biology, or just want to learn about the what the Monterey Bay Sanctuary is, this place is excellent. The staff are very knowledgeable, and there is a video with outstanding cinematography with the history of the Sanctuary. Also there is a miniature underwater vehicle that kids can control -- overall this place is great!

Right across from the Wharf, this is a great place for the kids to explore. I especially like the humongous, multi-screen Google Maps exhibit. You can zoom out and in at your leisure and see an amazing amount of detail to terrain and buildings. Everything is digital and electronic. A couple of things may not work or be under repair. No living organisms here for those who think zoos and aquariums are prisons for animals. Nice short stop for families before or after enjoying the sun at the Wharf and the Boardwalk. Did I mention? It's FREE!

Lot's of great exhibits, all kinds of hands on stuff for the kids (and adults). We enjoyed talking to the volunteers who really knew what they were talking about and were able to teach us a little while we were having fun. The movie is a must see and since it is free, the price is always right!

A very nice, family friendly, interactive attraction. We were amazed that it was free! It is staffed mainly by volunteers but they were ever so knowledgeable and helpful. Lots of hands-on activities for children, and it is located right by the downtown trolley. For the price, you can't beat the attraction and children might gain an early interest in marine life and habitat.

Free on Wed. A great movie and lots of hands on displays. This was a great place to visit for kids and adults. We are seniors and loved it. I even played with the learning displays quite a bit. Clean, great helpful staff.

We were a family of 5 adults, and most of the exhibits are geared for hands on activities for kids. The 20 minute video is worth seeing. The volunteers provide a lot of information. Free entrance, probably would plan around an hour with kids.

I first went down to visit during the film festival they where holding there as a local event, we got there late and couldn't stay very long unfortunately though as there was another event we attended that same day. However, the time there, it was definitely worth going too. I think my favorite exhibits was the controllable submersible drone visitors could control.The other being another interactive exhibit, a digital screen where you try to spot creatures in a created tide pool. It's sort of like a game, you can compare scores and such. Other than that, there was a lot to do and learn about local ecosystems. Definitely recommend

I save time to with the entire free film, it was touching and very well made. The docent was delightful. Very precious addition to Santa Cruz. What happened to the skate park? Hope the skaters are happy with wherever they are now.