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Aquarium of the Pacific - A Non-profit Organization
Today's Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Two people are interacting with stingrays at a touch pool in Shark Lagoon. They appear joyful as they feed the animals under the water.

Animal Encounter: Sharks and Rays

Feed the sharks and walk among the rays! Join an Aquarium educator and animal care staff for a private encounter at the touch pools of Shark Lagoon.

Animal Encounter: Sharks and Rays

Feed the sharks and walk among the rays! Join an Aquarium educator and animal care staff for a private encounter at the touch pools of Shark Lagoon.

Two people are interacting with stingrays at a touch pool in Shark Lagoon. They appear joyful as they feed the animals under the water.

Credit: Josh Barber / Aquarium of the Pacific

Spend time with the animals in the warm, tropical waters of Shark Lagoon before the Aquarium opens to the public.

Important Information

  • The touch pool is about 18 inches deep. Water booties and a towel will be provided, and you will get wet.
  • Please wear shorts.
  • Guests must be at least 4’6” tall.
  • This encounter includes stepping into and standing in a shallow (18” deep) pool of water with the animals. If accommodations are needed, please call (562) 590-3100, ext. 0.
  • You are welcome to use your underwater camera during the Shark and Ray Animal Encounter while under the supervision of Aquarium staff. Please note that underwater cameras are not allowed during regular operating hours. If you would like to use your underwater camera during your encounter, please let Aquarium staff know when you arrive at Shark Lagoon. Your camera must be soaked in fresh water before and after the encounter to eliminate health risks to the animals. You are responsible for testing the effectiveness of your camera’s underwater protection and/or housing before use at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Aquarium staff members are not allowed to take photos using your underwater camera, and the Aquarium is not liable for any resulting damage to the camera from your participation in this program.
  • Please arrive on time. Late arrival may result in a canceled encounter without a refund. Guests can still enter the Aquarium with their included general admission ticket.

Animal Encounter Confirmation Materials

Once you have booked your Animal Encounter, please have each paying participant complete the waiver and release form and bring it with you on the date of your encounter.

Animal Encounter Waiver and Release Form
TICKETS
Purchase your tickets for this program here. Please select an available date from the calendar to book the program.
Members, please call to make your reservations.
DATE
Saturday & Sunday at 8:30 a.m.
8:15 a.m. arrival
Book at least 48 hours in advance
COST
$199 per person
$179 per Aquarium member
Aquarium admission included.

Minimum of 2 and maximum of 4 participants per day from the same household.
Guest feeding shark by hand

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific/Madeline Walden

Fiddler Ray closeup

Fiddler Ray Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific/Ken Kurtis

Blue spot ray closeup

Blue spot ray Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific/Ken Kurtis

Brown-banded bamboo shark clustered together

Brown-banded bamboo shark Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific/Ken Kurtis

EVENT DETAILS
Saturday & Sunday at 8:30 a.m.
8:15 a.m. arrival
Book at least 48 hours in advance
Purchase your tickets for this program here. Please select an available date from the calendar to book the program.
Members, please call to make your reservations.
$199 per person
$179 per Aquarium member
Aquarium admission included.

Minimum of 2 and maximum of 4 participants per day from the same household.
(562) 590-3100, ext. 0
Children under 16 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult participating in the animal encounter.

For more information, please call 562-590-3100 ext. 0.

Cancellations made 72 hours before the program will receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 72 hours before the program will be charged the full program price. Cancellations must be made by phone at 562-590-3100 between 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Aquarium Discounts

Discount tickets available at Ralphs for a limited time.