Outdoor Adventure Bundles Launch at Birch Aquarium
Pier Walks and Tidepooling return this fall along with a new experience bundle option.
Photos by: Jordann Tomasek, Birch Aquarium
La Jolla, CA (Aug. 6, 2024) — Calling all adventurers! Birch Aquarium is debuting new Outdoor Adventure Bundles this fall with the return of the ever-popular Sunset Scripps Pier Walks and Tidepooling Adventures at False Point and Scripps Beach. Outdoor Adventure Bundles offer a discounted price when guests purchase both aquarium admission and one of the Outdoor Adventure opportunities to extend their experience. This exciting new addition to the aquarium’s offerings provides new ways to connect with our local ocean ecosystems.
“Exploring the outdoors can feel daunting sometimes, but our Outdoor Adventures can be a great way to get your feet wet — both literally and figuratively!” said Matthew Arrollado, Public Programs Coordinator. “Our naturalist-led Sunset Scripps Pier Walks and Tidepooling Adventures offer insight into the local ecosystems, insider information about how research is done, and tips and tricks to exploring even more habitats!"
Sunset Scripps Pier Walks invite guests to join Birch Aquarium naturalists on an exclusive walking tour of the Scripps Pier — which is normally closed to the public — and learn about fieldwork being conducted by Scripps Oceanography researchers. The 90-minute tour features hands-on science stations where guests can scoop up plankton, examine samples under the microscope, dissect a squid and learn about local shark research.
The tour requires guests to walk the length of the pier and all participants must be ages 9 or older. Participants are encouraged to dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes. Tours meet at the base of the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier and do not include transportation.
Sunset Scripps Pier Walks begin August 30. Member presale begins on August 8 with tickets going on sale to the general public August 15 and will cost $27 for aquarium members, $32 for non-members as part of the Outdoor Adventure Bundle or $40 for standalone tickets. Tour times vary with sunset times. Advanced registration is required as Pier Walks typically sell out.
Tidepooling Adventures, ahoy!
On November 2, the ever-popular Tidepooling Adventures also return. This is the earliest Birch Aquarium has hosted this experience that takes guests directly to our local tidepools. During the 90-minute outing, guests will discover incredible animals that live in the intertidal zone, the rocky area that is exposed during low tide. Guests will also learn to safely navigate slippery rocks and spot the most elusive creatures in this rugged environment.
Tidepooling Adventures begin November 2 with ticket sales opening in October. Participants must be at least 3 years old and minors must be accompanied by a paid adult. Tidepooling Adventures will cost $17 for aquarium members, $20 for non-members as part of the Outdoor Adventure Bundle or $25 for standalone tickets.
Please visit the aquarium’s website for the complete list of dates, times and details.
About Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium features the groundbreaking work of Scripps Oceanography and UC San Diego scientists as well as conservation breeding programs and interactive exhibits. Birch Aquarium’s mission is to connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet, which it achieves through engaging hands-on learning opportunities for more than 500,000 guests and 40,000-plus pre-K-12 students each year. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information.