Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach out to our Visitor Services team at aquariuminfo@ucsd.edu or 858-534-FISH if you are not able to find the answer to your question below.
TICKETING
Do I need to buy my tickets in advance for a specific time and date?
Yes. Tickets must be reserved for a specific date and entry time and in advance — even for members — on our website here. There will be no in-person ticket sales. Tickets can be purchased on mobile devices, but to ensure a spot is available, we recommend reserving timed tickets in advance.
Why do members need to reserve tickets?
Following state and local guidelines, the aquarium is currently limiting its daily capacity. As a result of limited daily capacity, all guests, including members, need to reserve an entry time to ensure access to the aquarium.
What is the capacity?
Birch Aquarium is limiting its guests to about 30 percent of average capacity, and as state and local restrictions lift, this capacity will increase.
What if I arrive early?
We suggest that you proceed to the entrance no more than 15 minutes before your entry time. We may not be able to accommodate your party before your designated time. If you do arrive early, feel free to grab a coffee or pastry — or a delicious lunch — at Splash! Café, which is located right outside the gates.
What if I arrive after the entry time on my ticket?
If you arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled entry time you may be asked to wait to enter. Depending on your arrival time and capacity levels, you may be rebooked to a later entry time or another day.
If I arrive more than 15 minutes late and cannot enter immediately, can I get a refund?
We will do our best to accommodate late arrivals and appreciate your cooperation with our new health and safety protocols. Refunds will not be provided for late arrivals, but reservations may be rebooked to another time or date based on availability.
Can I buy tickets on site?
We highly recommend buying timed-tickets in advance. If you arrive without pre-purchasing tickets, you can check availability and buy tickets from your mobile device. If you are not able to purchase tickets using a mobile device, our staff can assist you to purchase tickets, however, we cannot guarantee availability.
Is there a time limit once I enter the aquarium?
No. After arriving at your designated entry time, you are welcome to stay and explore until we close.
What happens if it rains?
Birch Aquarium is open rain or shine, however If severe weather causes us to close for the safety of our guests and staff, we will be happy to reschedule your visit to another day. In the event of a weather related closure you will receive a notification. You may also contact the Visitor Services team at aqminfo@ucsd.edu or 858.534.FISH.
I have a ticket purchased or given to me before the closure. What do I do with my ticket?
Please contact us for assistance making a reservation. Email aquariuminfo@ucsd.edu or call 858-534-FISH.
I have a VIP ticket with a sea turtle on it, can I still use this ticket?
Yes, if it expired in December 2020. Please contact us for assistance making a reservation. Email aquariuminfo@ucsd.edu or call 858-534-FISH.
Do you offer discounts?
Please see our Discounts and Offers page for current promotions, or to see if a promotion you hold is still valid.
What if I have a Go San Diego Card?
Please call us to make a reservation before your visit.
Can I buy tickets for a large group?
At this time, we are limiting capacity to keep our guests and staff safe. Large groups will be broken into smaller groups with staggered entry times based on capacity.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
What measures is the aquarium taking to keep us safe?
- The aquarium is reopening with new pathways and new procedures to keep guests — as well as staff and volunteers — safe and healthy.
- Face coverings are still required for all guests ages 2 and up and must cover both nose and mouth at all times (indoors and outdoors), regardless of vaccination status.
- Guests will be asked to do a symptom check before entering the aquarium
- Birch Aquarium staff will also be completing daily symptom screenings, as well as frequent COVID-19 testing.
- Guest capacity will be limited during this initial phase, and a new one-way pathway has been created to encourage social distancing.
- We have increased the number of hand washing and sanitizing stations throughout the aquarium
- The HVAC system has been upgraded throughout the interior sections of the aquarium.
Why do I have to wear a face covering during my visit?
As we head into the next phase of the pandemic, and restrictions begin to lift in our community, the team here at Birch Aquarium is taking things slow in an effort to balance staff and guest safety.
We are looking forward to gradually easing back into normal operations over the coming months, but are keeping face covering guidelines — as well as other health and safety measures — in place.
What if I have a medical or mental health condition, or disability that prevents me from wearing a face covering?
Please contact Visitor Services before you visit at aquariuminfo@ucsd.edu or 858-534-FISH if you require a modification to the face covering order.
What if I forget my face covering, or my face covering breaks?
Our Visitor Services team has disposable face coverings on hand. Our Gift Shop also sells fun ocean-themed and Birch Aquarium face coverings for children and adults.
When am I allowed to take my face covering off?
Face coverings are required at all times, except while you are eating or drinking in designated eating areas. There are two designated eating areas: one at Splash Café, outside the front gates, and one at Robert Smargon Exhibit Court, near Shark Shores.
What does a symptom check before entering entail for guests?
Before you enter, you’ll be asked if you or anyone in your family are exhibiting any of the following:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Guests experiencing any of the above symptoms may not visit Birch Aquarium.
What is the social distancing requirement?
We ask that groups remain six feet apart from each other (or roughly the length of a Leopard Shark). Floor graphics have been added to help you remember.
How is the aquarium enforcing the guest social distancing and face covering requirements?
Birch Aquarium staff will be available to answer questions and remind guests of our new safety policies when necessary. Guests who do not comply with our policies will be asked to leave.
Will you have hand sanitizer available?
In addition to the hand sanitizing stations the aquarium already had in place, several new hand washing and sanitizing stations have also been added throughout the aquarium.
What are you doing to circulate air? Will you keep the doors open for fresh air to go in and not recirculate the virus?
We have upgraded the HVAC system throughout the entire building to better filter the air. In The Hall of Fishes — the most congested area — we have also added Bipolar Ionization technology, which inactivates viruses including COVID-19 by 99.4 percent. Doors on both sides of the Galleria will also be propped open to keep air flowing.
How long will these protocols be in place?
We will continue to follow state and local regulations, as well as those set forth by the university, and will loosen restrictions as soon as it is considered safe to do so. The situation is constantly changing, so we recommend checking the website immediately before your visit for the latest information.
GENERAL VISIT INFORMATION
Do you accept cash transactions?
For the safety of our staff and guests, we encourage electronic or credit card payment transactions, but will accept cash if no other alternative is available.
Can I leave the aquarium and come back in after exiting?
At this time, there is no re-entry after exiting the aquarium.
If the aquarium has a one way path, can I go around a second time?
Yes, you may enjoy exploring the aquarium as long as you like. We ask that you ‘go with the flow’ and maintain social distancing.
Can we bring a stroller?
Strollers are welcome, but you must keep them with you at all times.
Is the Gift Shop open?
Yes. The gift shop is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and will remain open until 7 p.m. during extended summer hours. An online store is also available featuring an exclusive collection of Weedy Seadragon merchandise.
Are there any dining options available?
Yes. Splash! Café is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will remain open late during extended summer hours.
Can I bring food into the aquarium?
Yes, food purchased from Splash Café before entering the aquarium, or brought from home, may be brought into the aquarium. We require you to eat in one of the designated eating areas and to practice social distancing while enjoying your food.
Can I rent a wheelchair?
No, wheelchairs are not currently available to rent.
Is there a private nursing room available?
We do not have private nursing facilities. Please go to Visitor Services and we can recommend a quiet area for nursing.
EXHIBIT INFORMATION
When are your feedings or the Kelp Forest Dive Show?
Activities where large numbers of people typically gather, such as dive shows and feedings, are cancelled until further notice.
Can I still touch animals?
Yes, there are several touch opportunities on Tide Pool Plaza. Please be sure to wear your mask and follow social distancing and hand washing guidelines.
Will you be offering behind the scenes tours?
At this time, behind the scenes tours are not currently available.
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
Was my membership extended to account for the closure?
Yes. All memberships and guest passes active at the time of the March 2020 closure were extended by four months. Memberships and guest passes that were still active as of November 2020 are being extended by an additional three months. No action is required by you in order to extend your membership.
How do I know my membership expiration date?
Your membership expiration date is on your card. If your membership expired Nov 2020-Feb 2021, your new expiration date is now May 31, 2021. If your membership expires in March 2021 or after, three months have been added to the end of your current expiration date.
Your current membership card is still valid for entry. If you would like an updated card, stop by Visitor Services on your next visit, or e-mail aquariuminfo@ucsd.edu.
OTHER QUESTIONS
What are your hours of operation? Are you open on holidays?
- Birch Aquarium is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. In July and August, the aquarium is offering extended summer hours, staying open until 7 p.m.
- Last entry is at 4 p.m. when the aquarium closes at 5 p.m., and at 6 p.m. on days when the aquarium closes at 7 p.m.
- Birch Aquarium is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Closing early New Years Eve.
Transportation and Parking
Birch Aquarium is located at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
Public Transportation options to Birch Aquarium:
- Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Bus Route 30 stops at La Jolla Shores Drive & Discovery Way. Walk 100 feet east to Expedition Way. Walk downhill 0.3 miles to the entrance.
- North County Transit District (NCTD) Bus Route 101 stops at Expedition Way. Walk down Expedition Way to the aquarium (15 minutes).
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) Shuttle: The SIO Shuttle runs Monday - Friday and stops at areas between UC San Diego campus and SIO, excluding university holidays.
Parking:
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps offers free 3-hour parking.
- Designated handicapped parking stalls are located next to the traffic circle at the front of the aquarium.
- Additional 3-hour parking is available on Expedition Way from June 1 through September 15.
- Due to space restrictions, parking for buses and large vehicles, such as RVs or trailers is not allowed in the parking lot. There is public parking along La Jolla Shores Drive that may accommodate large vehicles.
Accessibility
- Please visit our accessibility page for detailed information.
- Due to new health and safety protocols, wheelchairs are not available to borrow at this time. Learn more on our accessibility page.
- Drop off is available in the traffic circle at the front of the aquarium.
- Accessible parking is located between the traffic circle and the main parking lot.
Guest Code of Conduct
Guests are expected to follow our Guest Code of Conduct to ensure that everyone has a pleasant visit.
Is there a place to store my belongings?
Birch Aquarium at Scripps does not provide storage for personal belongings.
No Weapons Policy
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is part of the University of California San Diego and adheres to University of California Weapons Policy. Birch Aquarium strictly enforces a no weapons of any kind policy to ensure an enjoyable experience for all guests and to reduce potential risks to the safety of our guests and staff. Weapons include — but are not limited to — firearms (including toys and replicas), chemical or electronic “non-lethal” devices or sprays (such as tasers or pepper sprays), impact weapons, knives or other sharp instruments. Visitors are prohibited from carrying firearms — concealed or not, regardless of whether the owner holds a permit.
Photography and video usage
Guests are encouraged to take photos and video for personal use. Please share through social media with #BirchAquarium.
- Flash photography is allowed inside the aquarium, except where noted.
- No tripods.
- Commercial photography is allowed only with prior written permission from the Marketing Department.
- Photos taken at Birch Aquarium may not be used as stock photos, royalty free or otherwise.
Please note that guests may be recorded by aquarium staff or media for marketing and educational purposes. Entry into the aquarium grants permission for use of these images.
Filming with Drones and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
The use of all unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) on UC San Diego owned property, including Birch Aquarium and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and/or for official UC San Diego business must be reviewed and approved by the Department of Environment Health &Safety (EH&S) prior to flight. All drone/UAS use must also be approved by Birch Aquarium's Marketing Department. Learn more.
Smoking policy
For the health and safety of our guests and animals, smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed anywhere on Birch Aquarium at Scripps property, including outdoor exhibits, sidewalks, Splash Café, and the parking lot.
Can I bring my pet inside?
Only trained service animals are permitted at Birch Aquarium at Scripps. For the health and safety of your pets, we request they not be left in cars in our parking lot. If a pet is found in a car, they may be removed and held by University of California San Diego police.
Can I bring food and drinks into the aquarium?
Food and beverages are permitted inside Birch Aquarium at Scripps, but are only to be consumed in dedicated eating areas. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic lunch or purchase coffee, snacks, or a delicious meal from Splash Café by The French Gourmet.
Is there a dress code?
There is no formal dress code, but guests are required to wear clothes and shoes for their safety.
Do you offer Community Donations?
Our community donation program is currently on hold. You can learn more on our community donation page.
What is your mailing address?
Birch Aquarium has a different mailing address from our physical address. All mail being sent to Birch Aquarium should be sent to:
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
9500 Gilman Drive #0207
La Jolla, CA 92093
Waiver of Claims, Limitation of Liability
Participant waives the right to any claim against UC related to or arising from the acquisition of or exposure to any infectious disease. Neither UC, nor any of its campuses or medical centers, nor any of its employees or agents shall be liable for any claims of loss, expense, or damage to participant relating to the acquisition of or exposure to any infectious disease.
UC MAKES NO WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO THE SAFETY OF THE PREMISES WITH REGARD TO ANY INFECTIOUS DISEASE.