Shark Summer Returns to Birch Aquarium!
This summer, sharks take the spotlight with fun activities for all ages!
Photo by: Jordann Tomasek, Birch Aquarium
La Jolla, CA (June 5, 2025) — Shark Summer is back at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego! Have you ever wondered what species swim in our local waters? Or wanted to know what makes sharks such unique animals? This summer, visit Birch Aquarium to 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 kicks off on July 5 and runs through August 10. This year’s activities include shark exploration stations, shark feedings, Sharks and Rays 101 talks and more throughout the month! Extra activities are planned for July 12 – 14 for Shark and Ray Awareness Day including an opportunity to meet Birch Aquarium’s shark experts and learn a little more about the work they do to care for our shark and ray species.
New for this year, stay late for Shark Summer Sunsets! Every Thursday throughout the event, the aquarium becomes a place to learn about sharks and enjoy the spectacular views from Tide Pool Plaza and Blue Beach. Offerings include Trivia Nights and Pop-up Science so guests can dive into their shark knowledge while enjoying shark-themed snacks and drinks from Blue Wave Bistro.
Centering around the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Shark and Ray Awareness Day on July 14, Shark Summer brings guests into the dynamic world of our local shark species while spotlighting Birch Aquarium’s partnership with AZA SAFE Shark and Ray. The SAFE Shark and Ray program is 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.
"Birch Aquarium is teaming up with the AZA SAFE Shark and Ray program to make a positive impact on shark and ray conservation,” said Brent Fish, Aquarist. “We're highlighting this unique and diverse group of animals to raise awareness how important they are and the threats they face."
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.
All activities are included with the cost of General Admission. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for the Daily Schedule. Through Shark Summer, the aquarium will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Staying late has perks — select the Plan Ahead Ticket at checkout and get $5 off admission when you visit during the final two hours of the day.
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.