It’s Shark Summer at Birch Aquarium!
Get ready to dive into a summer packed with fin-tastic fun! Shark Summer celebrates sharks’ vital role in our ecosystem while spotlighting the important conservation efforts and research dedicated to protecting these amazing creatures.
Shark Summer Schedule of Events/Activities
All Shark Summer activities are included with the price of aquarium admission.
Talks and Feedings
- Sharks and Rays Feeding
Join an educator to learn more about our Sharks and Rays residents during their feeding session! Takes place Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Noon.
- Sharks and Rays 101
Discover the diversity in our local San Diego waters and find out what makes our sharks and rays so special. Takes place Sundays at Noon.
- Kelp Forest Dive
Discover how we care for a variety of animals in our Giant Kelp Forest like Horn Sharks, Swell Sharks and more! Takes place Saturdays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
Interactive Shark Stations
- Shark and Ray Exploration Station
Dive into the world of sharks and rays through hands-on experiences that explore how these incredible animals grow, sense the world around them and stay healthy. Activities may vary depending on the day.
- Meet The Shark Specialists
Learn from and ask questions to our team of shark specialists about the day-to-day care of the amazing shark species at Birch Aquarium!
Shark Summer Sunsets
Every Thursday throughout the event, the aquarium becomes a place to learn about sharks and enjoy the spectacular views from Tide Pool Plaza and Blue Beach. Offerings include Trivia Nights and Pop-up Science so guests can dive into their shark knowledge while enjoying shark-themed snacks and drinks from Blue Wave Bistro.
- Shark Trivia Nights
Ready to test your shark knowledge?! Put your fish facts and shark smarts to the test at our Shark Trivia Night in collaboration with Geeks Who Drink.
- Thursday, July 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, July 31 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Trivia Night is included with aquarium admission but advanced registration is required. Walk-up spots cannot be guaranteed.
- Pop-up Science
Sip, snack and science! Enjoy shark-themed drinks and bites, stunning ocean views and jaw-some shark science during select Thursday nights. It’s a fin-tastic evening you won’t want to miss!
Pop-up Science is included with aquarium admission.
SAFE Sharks and Rays
Centering around the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Shark and Ray Awareness Day on July 14, Shark Summer brings guests into the dynamic world of our local shark species while spotlighting Birch Aquarium’s partnership with the AZA SAFE Shark and Ray. The SAFE Shark and Ray program is a collaborative effort by more than 60 organizations nationwide to work together to save the more than 1200 species of sharks and rays worldwide from extinction through evidence-based education and communication.
During Shark Summer, proceeds collected in the donation box in the aquarium’s Galleria benefit the Association of Zoos and Aquariums SAFE Sharks and Rays program, a collaborative effort by more than 60 organizations nationwide to work together to save the more than 1200 species of sharks and rays worldwide from extinction through evidence-based education and communication.