Education Programs

Aquarium of the Bay’s classes focus on inquiry-based, hands-on learning experiences that include scientific activities, games and a guided tour of the Aquarium.

School groups can choose from three different types of programs for their visit:

• Classroom Programs:  A themed, hands-on class combined with a guided tour through the Aquarium’s exhibits which lasts two hours. 
• Self-Guided Tours:  Tour the Aquarium’s exhibits on your own and take as much or as little time as your group would like.
• Discover the Bay Hybrid Ferry Program: Check out our newest education program for 5th through 8th grade students, taking place aboard Hornblower's Hybrid Ferry and inside the Aquarium.

Classroom programs and self-guided tours are free to all K-12 Bay Area schools (San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Sonoma, Napa and Solano counties) and take place from mid September through early June of each school year.  Reservations are required.  We have limited availability for our free programs, and they book very quickly. 

Reservations:
Click here to use our online reservation form for a free classroom program or tour during the 2010/2011 school year, or contact: Mayra Rivas, Education Coordinator, at 415-623-5376. Mayra is in the office Tuesday through Friday to take reservation requests.

To make a reservation for the Hybrid Ferry Program, contact Mayra Rivas.

The Aquarium’s education department also offers evening and weekend programs for scout and family groups.  Please visit the sleepovers, scout day programs and birthday parties sections of our special events pages for additional information on these programs.