HOW TO REGISTER
Call 858-534-7336 to reserve all programs and self-guided visits. Registration for School Programs opens August 17, 2009. Registration hours are 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Reservations are required two weeks in advance and are on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend that you register as soon as possible to ensure a visit on the date of your choice.
NOTE: Fall is a great time to visit—fewer crowds, great weather, and lower program fees! Please keep in mind that program fees change March 1, 2010, to reflect peak-season rates.
Please have the following information ready when you call to register:
1. The specific program for which you wish to register.
2. A selection of your preferred dates and times.
3. Your school’s or organization’s mailing address, e-mail, and phone number.
PAYMENT
Payment by cash, check, credit card, or purchase order must be received no later than two weeks prior to your scheduled visit. Please make your check or P.O. payable to UC Regents and mail to:
BIRCH AQUARIUM AT SCRIPPS
Education Department
University of California, San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive, Dept. 0207
La Jolla, CA 92093-0207
Please indicate the reference number for your program on all correspondence. Please call us at 858-534-7336 with payment questions.
PROGRAM CONFIRMATIONS
We will e-mail your confirmation and pre-visit packet to the e-mail provided when you book your program. If no e-mail is provided, we will mail your package within a few days. If you do not receive your confirmation within one week, please call 858-534-7336.
HOW TO CANCEL A PROGRAM
To cancel a scheduled program, please complete the cancellation form sent in your pre-visit packet and submit it to the Education Office at least two weeks prior to your scheduled visit. Fax forms to 858-534-5610, and include your school name, reference number, date of program, and program title. Your school will be contacted to confirm that the cancellation notification was received. If you do not receive a phone call confirming your cancellation within one week of submitting your cancellation form, please call the aquarium at 858-534-7336 to ensure that we have received it.
REFUND POLICIES
To receive a full refund, your cancellation form must be received two weeks prior to your scheduled visit. An 80% refund is given if your cancellation is received less than two weeks prior to your scheduled visit. If you do not show for your program and we do not have your cancellation form, NO refund will be given and you are responsible for full payment.
The aquarium reserves the right to cancel or adjust your program if your school is more than a half hour late. You will be responsible for full payment.
All prices, policies, and program schedules are subject to change. If your program is cancelled, we will work with you to reschedule it to the next available date and time.
COMING SOON!
Online Registration—We are excited to announce that this year you will be able to book your program online through our website. You are just a few clicks away from viewing our programs, scheduling your visit, and receiving your confirmation. Our new reservation should be online in a few months.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURE
Please plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled program to allow for parking, unloading, check-in, and orientation. Programs begin promptly at the time they are scheduled. Upon arrival, the teacher or group leader will check in with the Education Scheduling Office while students remain outside. Please know the exact number of children and adults in your group. If you arrive more than a half hour late, your program will be adjusted according to the time remaining.
PARKING
We offer three hours of courtesy parking in the aquarium parking lot. If you plan to stay for longer than three hours, parking passes can be purchased in the Education Office. (See confirmation packet for current price.) These passes must be placed on the dashboard of your vehicle.
LUNCH AND FOOD SERVICES
Food and beverages are available from Splash Café located outside of the aquarium. Pre-ordered boxed meals, featuring a variety of gourmet sandwiches, snacks, and a beverage, are available for $12 each by calling the Café at 858-534-2417 at least two weeks before your visit. Boxed meals must be paid for separately and picked up at Splash Café.
Lunches and snacks must be eaten in designated areas. No food, drink, or gum are allowed inside the aquarium. Picnic tables and storage cubbies are available but limited in number. Additional picnic tables are located at Kellogg Park, one mile south of the aquarium on the beach. Parking is free at Kellogg Park. Please ask the reservation staff for a map and directions.
SOUVENIR DISCOVERY BAGS
The Birch Aquarium Book & Gift Shop offers student souvenir discovery bags for pick-up during your visit. These bags must be pre-ordered and paid for separately through the bookshop. If you have any questions, please call the bookshop at 858-534-8753.
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