Membership
Your membership helps further our mission to connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet!
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:
- Admission For a Full Year
- Enjoy unlimited aquarium admission for 365 days from date of purchase.
- No reservations required for daily admission
- Reciprocal Admission Opportunities (Availability Varies)
- Birch Aquarium members can participate in annual events such as The Big Exchange, Kids Free October and San Diego Museum Month.
- Enjoy seasonal admission to partnering local museums and institutions
- Member Exclusives
- Free admission to Perspectives on Ocean Science Lectures
- Invitations to exclusive members-only events
- Member-only newsletter
- Discounts for Members
- Discounts at the Gift Shop and Blue Wave Bistro (discount varies depends on membership level)
- Exclusive discounts on aquarium events like Halloween Aglow
- Exclusive discounts on behind-the-scenes tours
Member Perks
Planning an upcoming visit with your membership? Stay in the loop with upcoming events and Member Appreciation Days — and don’t forget to check the daily schedule to catch fun talks, feedings and more!
Gift a Membership
When you give the gift of membership to a loved one they’ll experience a year of ocean fun and exploration at the aquarium, along with all the exclusive benefits that come with being a member.
For a limited time, receive $20 off a Coastal Explorer, Coastal Ambassador or Ocean Protector gift membership.
This special offer is valid from Dec 1 - 31, 2025 and can be redeemed online (use promo code GIVEAGIFT) or in person at the aquarium's Guest Services office.
Membership Levels
Join our community of ocean lovers! Find your perfect membership level below.
Download Membership Level Grid
Coastal Explorer
Includes all general member benefits for one adult, plus 10% off at Blue Wave Bistro and The Gift Shop.
Coastal Ambassador
Includes all general member benefits for one adult and one guest, plus 10% off at Blue Wave Bistro and The Gift Shop.
Ocean Protector
Includes all general member benefits for two adults and up to four children, plus 10% off at Blue Wave Bistro and The Gift Shop.
Ocean Champion
Includes all general member benefits for two adults and up to four children, plus:
- A transferable VIP Card (admission for up to three guests without a member present
- Two (2) Special Event Tickets
- Priority Registration for Summer Camp
- 20% off at Blue Wave Bistro and The Gift Shop
UC San Diego Staff and Faculty
Become A Donor
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.
More Ways To Give
Birch Aquarium has played an important role in creating a healthier planet for future generations and communicating cutting edge scientific research to our communities and beyond. Philanthropy continues to play a vital part in helping Birch Aquarium achieve that goal.
Member News
Scientists Study How Syngnathids Snack at Super Speed
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanograp...
Celebrating Birch Aquarium Members This December!
This December, we’re spreading extra holiday cheer ...
Little Blue Penguin Nesting Season Begins at Birch Aquarium
The Little Blue Penguin nesting season is officiall...
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.