Octopuses, Squid and Cuttlefishes are the main attractions at the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s new Tentacles Exhibit. This exhibit of Cephalopods is the first time such a large scale exhibit of these animals has been attempted. I was lucky enough to be one of the first people in the door to view this amazing exhibit.
Bigfin Reef Squid
Since this type of exhibit had never been attempted before it took the Aquarium over two years to develop it. These are special animals that live in conditions that are a lot different from the average aquarium display. The displays had to be developed to fit the environment that the animals are found in.
The other big challenge that the aquarium faced was that the lifespan of some of the animals is not very long. A breeding program was developed so that there would always be animals to display.
VISITING
You know that the Tentacles exhibit is a big deal when you walk up to the front of the aquarium and see giant octopus tentacles rising from the roof of the building.
Tentacles on the roof of the Monterey Bay Aquarium
The exhibit has over two dozen animals that rotate throughout the year. This is nice because there will always be something new to see in each visit. One of the most unique is the Flapjack Octopus which is found deep in the bay next to the aquarium and has never been displayed before.
Giant Pacific Octopus
Common Cuttlefish
What I really liked about the Tentacles exhibit was that it did not overwhelm me with information like some of these types of exhibits do. There were short explanations about the display which let me focus on the animals.
Bigfin Reef Squid Display
The use of interactive multimedia was nicely integrated into the exhibit and could be used to learn more about the animals. If you go make sure to try out the Cephalopod Selfie creator. It transforms your face into a color and pattern changing cephalopod and allows you to email it to yourself.
Chambered nautilus steampunk like display
Chambered Nautilus
The Tentacles Exhibit is only one of the reasons to go to the Aquarium. There are so many other great exhibits to see. I especially liked the Jellies Experience. I spent the whole day there and still did not get to see everything.
- The Aquarium located on Cannery Row and is open daily. Check the website for hours and more information.
- Tickets are $39.95 for adults and $24.95 for children 3-12. Discounts are given for Seniors and Students.
- If you are staying at a hotel in the area they have two day tickets for the price of a one day ticket.
- There are a Casual Cafe and Full Service restaurant in the Aquarium.
DISCLAIMER: My visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium was part of a trip sponsored by the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau. All opinions are my own.
Gaelyn says
April 18, 2014 at 3:13 PMI haven’t been there in years but do remember a great brew pub nearby. And so where is the pic of you as a Cephalopod?
Jeff says
April 18, 2014 at 3:46 PMIt is a great aquarium. The Cephalopod video needs some editing. 🙂
Jenna says
April 18, 2014 at 8:08 PMThat video of the octopus really shows what a beautiful animal it is! I really enjoyed your photos and agree that the short descriptions were a good fit for the exhibit–didn’t overwhelm me with too much.
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Jeff says
April 18, 2014 at 8:17 PMThanks. If you like the octopus video wait until you see the jellyfish ones.
Tim says
April 21, 2014 at 10:42 AMBeautiful photos of gorgeous animals. I went to the aquarium many years ago and was in awe back then. I have dived in Indonesia and seen Cuttlefish in the ocean. They are beautiful. I look forward to visiting the center in the near future. Always up for a road trip.
Tim recently posted..House Slippers and Gold Mines
Jeff says
April 21, 2014 at 5:22 PMIt really is a great aquarium. It must have been pretty cool to see the Cuttlefish while diving.
Margherita says
April 21, 2014 at 11:18 AMLooks like a really interesting exhibition. The octopus video was great, never saw one up close like this! Normally I just see them in the pot… just kidding. Thanks for sharing!
Margherita recently posted..Five Reasons to stop in Kota Kinabalu
Jeff says
April 21, 2014 at 5:23 PMI was lucky to get the video because it did not move around much.
Elena says
April 21, 2014 at 12:31 PMStunning photos- and the video captures the fluidity of the octopus so beautifully. I have never been to Monterey- but would love to visit one day (and explore the aquarium).
Elena recently posted..An Insider’s Guide to Florence for Foodies
Jeff says
April 22, 2014 at 4:27 PMI have not been to many aquariums but this one is the best I have seen yet.
Charlie says
April 21, 2014 at 3:46 PMWoooah, amazing sealife but all those tenticles make me feel a bit funny haha!
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Jeff says
April 21, 2014 at 5:23 PMImagine how you would feel if you were in the water with them. 🙂
Rachel says
April 21, 2014 at 7:04 PMAquariums are so cool The last one we went to was the Georgia Aquarium… very neat.
noel says
April 22, 2014 at 3:55 PMWonderful tour of the new Tentacles exhibit, the pictures and narrative are fantastic, thanks for sharing
Nancy D. Brown says
April 23, 2014 at 9:45 AMI have been fortunate to visit many aquariums in my travels and I consider the Monterey Bay Aquarium to be the best one I have discovered. I enjoyed your review and photos.
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Jeff says
April 24, 2014 at 6:50 PMIt is the definitely the best one I have been to. I could have spent a few days there.