Become A Member
Did you know your membership helps further our mission to connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet? As a member, you'll enjoy unlimited admission all year long and make unforgettable memories at the aquarium. Plus member perks like:
- No reservations required for daily admission
- Exclusive discounts on aquarium events like Perspectives Lectures
- Member-only newsletter
- Discounts at the Gift Shop and Blue Wave Bistro
Summer Member Perk
Birch Aquarium members receive free admission to The Wave Waterpark in Vista from July 1 to Aug. 31. Show your aquarium membership card at the waterpark ticket booth to receive the offer — please be sure to check their hours and events before you visit.
- Individual and Coastal Explorer Members receive 1 adult free admission
- Dual and Coastal Ambassador Members receive 2 adults OR 1 adult and one child
- Family, Ocean Protector Members and above receive 2 adults and up to 4 children (ages 0-17)
Membership Levels
Join our community of ocean lovers! Find your perfect membership level below.
Download Membership Level Grid
Coastal Explorer
Enjoy unlimited admission for one adult for one year. Additional benefits include access to unique member opportunities and 10% off at Blue Wave Bistro and The Gift Shop.
Coastal Ambassador
Enjoy unlimited admission for one adult and one guest for a full year. Additional benefits include access to unique member opportunities and 10% off at Blue Wave Bistro and The Gift Shop.
Ocean Protector
Enjoy unlimited admission for two adults and up to four children for a full year. Additional benefits include access to unique member opportunities and 10% off at Blue Wave Bistro and The Gift Shop.
Ocean Champion
Enjoy unlimited admission for two adults and up to four children for a full year — plus a transferable VIP Card (admission for up to three guests without a member present). Additional benefits include access to unique member opportunities, priority registration for camps, special event tickets and 20% off at Blue Wave Bistro and The Gift Shop.
UC San Diego Community
All UC San Diego students can receive a Coastal Explorer Membership at a discounted rate of $49.
All UC San Diego and UC San Diego Health students, staff and faculty are eligible to receive $10 off a Coastal Explorer, Coastal Ambassador, or Ocean Protector level membership.
To sign up for this membership promotion, please visit our Guest Services office with your current UC San Diego ID.
Friends of Birch Aquarium
Friends of Birch Aquarium is a dedicated community of donors helping to advance youth programs, expand access, support education and more through the aquarium’s mission. Learn more about joining at the $1,000+ membership level by visiting our Friends of Birch Aquarium page.
Special Notes
Please note, we do not collect children’s names or personal information for membership.
All memberships must have a named adult (ages 18 and up).
Memberships are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Your privacy is our priority, review our Membership Program Data Privacy Policy here.
For additional information, please contact our Membership Department at aqmmembership@ucsd.edu.
Birch Aquarium reserves the right to make changes to its membership policies, prices and benefits at any time with or without notice. Any misuse of membership or behavior not in alignment with the Guest Code of Conduct will result in the loss of membership privileges. The aquarium reserves the right to terminate, cancel, suspend or revoke any membership at any time.
FAQs and Rules
- Become/Renew Membership
There are several ways to become a member or renew a membership:
- Online — existing members enter your member number and last name to link to your account. New members follow the prompts in checkout.
- Phone — call Guest Services at 858-534-5771.
- In-Person — visit Guest Services
- Mail in renewal form with a check payable to UC Regents.
Please note, all Birch Aquarium memberships must have an adult (ages 18 and up) named on the membership.
- Visiting as a Member
No reservations required for members. Present your member card along with your ID to enjoy the aquarium!
- Membership Start Date
- Your membership begins immediately at the time of purchase.
- If purchased online/phone/email, a digital membership card (with member number) and instructions for visiting the aquarium will be sent by email.
- If purchased in person at Guest Services, you will receive your membership card(s) that can be used the same day.
- Membership Card
- To allow us to be sustainable, membership cards are sent digitally via email. Membership cards can be printed and/or mailed upon request.
- One card is issued for each named adult on your membership.
- Member Refunds/Transfer
- Memberships are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
- Membership transactions are tax-deductible contributions to Birch Aquarium, and as such cannot be refunded, transferred, resold or exchanged.
- Unnamed Guest Option*
- The Unnamed Guest option gives you the flexibility to host a different person with you on each visit for the duration of your membership. It takes the place of the second adult on Ocean Protector level and above.
- For Ocean Protector level and above, you can either name the second adult OR host an Unnamed Guest. This choice is made when purchasing your membership and cannot be changed for the duration of your membership.
- Is My Membership Tax Deductible
Depending on the cost of your membership level, any additional donations, and the fair market value of the goods and services received, there may be deductibility for income tax purposes. Contact our Membership Department at aqmmembership@ucsd.edu for your specific tax deductibility information.