$100 MEMBERS | $115 GENERAL PUBLIC
During this tour, you’ll learn more about what makes Little Blue Penguins so unique and discover how you can help protect this special seabird. You’ll even get the chance to go behind the scenes into our Penguin Care and Conservation Center, where you'll meet a member of the Penguin Care Team and get an up-close look at our penguins.
Aquarium admission included. Tickets must be purchased at least 1 hour prior to start time. Purchase tickets by phone at 858.534.3474 or onsite in the Guest Services Office. Guests must be at least 8 years of age to participate. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- What to expect
- This tour is led by both an aquarium educator and a penguin care professional, providing a unique front-of-house and behind-the-scenes glimpse into what makes Little Blue Penguins so special. To ensure the health and safety of our Little Blue Penguin colony, this tour does not include any contact or touch experiences. Please note that the tour itinerary may change at any time based on animal behavior.
- Tour Capacity
We can accommodate up to 6 guests. Each guest must have a ticket for the tour.
- Age Restriction
Guests must be at least 8 years of age to participate. Children ages 8-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Check-In location
- Present your tour ticket for admission to the aquarium.
- Meet outside of the Guest Service office 10 minutes before the scheduled tour.
- Closed-Toed Shoe Requirement
Guests must wear closed-toed shoes for this encounter. For your safety, sandals and heels are not allowed to be worn behind the scenes.
- Photography Policy
Photography may be permitted under guidance of Birch Aquarium's Husbandry Team.
- Bag Policy
Large bags and backpacks are not permitted on the tour. They may be left in the Guest Services Office during the tour.
- Reschedule/Refund
Refunds are not available, however, if canceled 24 hours before the start of the tour and space permits, it may be possible to reschedule for a future date.
- ADA Accessibility
Most (but not all) behind-the-scenes areas are ADA accessible. In some areas a wheelchair can access but will not be able to turn around and will need to back out to exit the space. Some tours may include small ladders and/or stairs with a few steps which are not ADA accessible. Be prepared for dim lighting and potentially wet floors.
- Service Animals
Service animals are not permitted in our Penguin Behind-the-Scenes space. Please reach out to our Guest Services Team to discuss accommodations at aquariuminfo@ucsd.edu or 858.534.3474 before booking your tour.
For other accommodation requests please contact Guest Services at aquariuminfo@ucsd.edu or 858.534.FISH (3474)