Behind the Scenes Tours

Seahorse Tour

A women feeds a seahorse behind the scenes at the aquarium.
When Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays | 11 am - 12 pm

$80 Members | $95 Non Members

Venture behind the scenes for a one-hour private tour and explore the fascinating world of seahorses. Get a glimpse of seahorse babies, learn about Birch Aquarium's renowned breeding program, and understand what it takes to care for these unusual fish on this immersive behind-the-scenes tour!

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.

 

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 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Check in location
  • Present your Behind-the-Scenes ticket at our ticket booth when you first arrive to the aquarium.
  • Meet in Smargon Courtyard 10 minutes before the scheduled tour — look for large floor sign indicating the tour meeting place.
  • After the tour concludes, you are welcome to explore the rest of the aquarium.
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

Only during the first half of the tour; once the tour goes behind-the-scenes, photography and video recording is not allowed. No exceptions. 

May I bring large bags or backpacks on the tour?

Large bags and backpacks are not permitted on the tour.  They may be left in the Visitor 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.

Is this tour ada accessible

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.

are service animals permitted on the behind-the-scenes tour?

Yes, but Birch Aquarium reserves the right to exclude service animals from these areas if they pose a direct threat to our animal population. Please note: access to behind-the-scenes areas requires stepping on foot bath pads which contain sanitizing chemicals that pose a hazard if ingested and should be rinsed off if skin contact occurs.

 

For other accommodation requests please contact Guest Services at aquariuminfo@ucsd.edu or 858.534.FISH (3474) 

 

Event Type