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Central Coast Aquarium, Avila Beach

3.5

#13 of 16 in Things to do in Avila Beach

Aquarium Zoo / Aquarium

• ©

Our family-friendly aquarium is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

During public hours, visitors have the opportunity to engage in hands-on exploration at the touch tanks - which are home to dozens of species of marine animals - from the commonly seen purple sea urchins, hermit crabs, sea stars and sea cucumbers to the unique gumboot chiton, abalone and kelp crabs. Our other exhibits include the red octopus, decorator crabs, flat bottom fish, rock fish, jellies and much more! And don’t miss the chance to get up close and personal with our local shark species during our shark talk and shark touch tank, offered every hour on the half hour! Staff, trained volunteers, and interns are stationed throughout the aquarium, ready to help identify animals on display, answer questions, and engage in conversation about the ocean environment.

See Central Coast Aquarium and all Avila Beach has to offer by arranging your trip with our Avila Beach trip planner .
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Central Coast Aquarium Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

32 reviews

Google

4.3

facebook

4.5

3,736 likes

• By Eileen M

  We spent much longer than the small size suggested because the docents and educators were so knowledgeable and enthusiastic.  more »

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Google

• By Xayvache Nobody

  Totally awesome shark breeding experience. Awesome to pet living swell sharks and see their offspring. The jellyfish and horseshoes crabs are pretty cool.

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• By brandon rodriguez

  The facility I noticed was rather small. However!! The aquarium is really fun. My 6 year old had a lot of fun. She got to see giant lobster, a very active octopus, an awesome jelly fish exhibit and small sharks. As feeding time rolled around everyone crowded around to watch how fast sleeping sharks became active in seconds! (Sorry that sounded weird) I'm just saying. My family had a great time.

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