It’s Shark Summer at Birch Aquarium!
Have you ever wondered what species swim in our local waters? Or wanted to know what makes sharks such unique animals? This July, join us as we dive deep into the world of these amazing animals, with fin-tastic fun for shark fans of all ages! Shark Summer celebrates the vital role sharks play in the ecosystem, while shining a light on the important conservation work and research being done to protect them.
Shark Summer Schedule of Events/Activities
Catch Shark Feedings and Kelp Forest Dives, trivia nights, weekend activations and more throughout the month. Weekend activities will take place July 13-14, 20-21 and 27-28 with additional activities during the week. Activities offered during normal business hours are included with the cost of General Admission while others (such as Oceans at Night) require separate admission.
- Shark Feedings
Come join us for a feeding with our sharks and rays! Learn all about our local sharks and rays and discover how our husbandry team cares for them during this feeding.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m.
- Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.
- Kelp Forest Dive
Discover how we care for a variety of animals in our Giant Kelp Forest like Leopard Sharks, Moray Eels, a Giant Sea Bass and more!
- Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Shark Exploration Stations
Join us on Saturdays and Sundays for some Shark Exploration Stations:
- Shark Physicals — Want to learn how a shark gets a check-up? Explore how our staff at the Birch Aquarium cares for our multiple shark and ray species by practicing how to give a shark a physical examination.
- Learn About The Locals — Explore the diversity of the local shark and ray species right off our La Jolla coast!
- 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! This station takes place on July 13 and 14.
- Trivia Nights
Trivia Nights featuring Scripps researcher interactions take place Wednesday, July 17 and 31 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Drinks and food are available for purchase on Blue Beach.
- Shark-Themed Oceans at Night
Celebrate the wonders and mysteries of the ocean after dark — don’t miss out on this nighttime 21+ event featuring live music, craft cocktails, glowing games and more! July's Oceans at Night event will be all about sharks!
SAFE Sharks and Rays
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.