Shark Summer Makes a Splash at Birch Aquarium

La Jolla, CA (June 27, 2024) — This July, Birch Aquarium is making a splash with its first-ever Shark Summer! Dive 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. Activities will take place from July 13 to 31.   

Shark Summer Activities: 

What: Shark Feeding
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.
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.

What: 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!
When: Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

What: 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 Specialist — 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! 

When: Saturdays and Sundays (Shark Specialist Station July 13 - 14 only)

What: Trivia Nights
Trivia Nights featuring Scripps researcher interactions. Drinks and food are available for purchase on Blue Beach.
When: Wednesday, July 17 and 31 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. 

What: 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! 
When: July 25 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

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. 

Activities offered during normal business hours are included with the cost of General Admission while Oceans at Night requires separate admission. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for the Daily Schedule with all of the details. Now through Labor Day, the aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on select nights and advanced reservations are recommended for all guests, except members.