Sharks are taking the spotlight at Birch Aquarium with various activities for all ages! Throughout July, you can enjoy shark feedings, kelp forest dives, trivia nights, weekend events, and more.
Have you ever wondered what species swim in our local waters? Or wanted to know what makes sharks such unique animals? Birch Aquarium has you covered. Mark your calendars for the entire month of July. Birch Aquarium will take you on a deep dive into the world of these amazing animals, offering fin-tastic fun for shark fans of all ages!
Shark Summer celebrates the vital role sharks play in the ecosystem while highlighting important conservation work and research to protect them.
There are activities for all ages, including shark feedings, dive shows, trivia nights, and weekend events. You don’t want to miss it! Weekend activities will occur on July 13-14, 20-21, and 27-28, with additional activities during the week. Activities offered during normal business hours are included with General Admission. However, some events, like Oceans at Night, require separate admission.
Here are some Shark Summer activities you don’t want to miss:
Shark Exploration Stations
- Saturdays and Sundays
Shark Physicals: Learn how a shark gets a check-up. Discover how our staff cares for our multiple shark and ray species by practicing a shark physical examination.
Learn About The Locals: Explore the diversity of the local shark and ray species off our La Jolla coast.
Scheduled Shark Feedings
- Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m.
- Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.
Kelp Forest Dives
- Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
Discover how we care for a variety of animals in our Giant Kelp Forest, like Moray Eels, Leopard Sharks, and a Giant Sea Bass.
Trivia Nights
- Wednesdays, July 17 and 31, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy interactions with Scripps researchers. Drinks and food are available on Blue Beach.
Shark-Themed Ocean Nights (21+) on July 25th
Celebrate the ocean’s wonders and mysteries after dark. This nighttime 21+ event features live music, craft cocktails, glowing games, and more! July’s Oceans at Night event will focus on sharks.
SAFE Sharks and Rays Program
During Shark Summer, proceeds collected in the aquarium’s Galleria donation box benefit the Association of Zoos and Aquariums SAFE Sharks and Rays program. This collaborative effort by over 60 organizations aims to save more than 1,200 species of sharks and rays from extinction through evidence-based education and communication.
Here’s what you need to know:
Activities during normal business hours are included with General Admission. Others, like Oceans at Night, require separate admission. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for the Daily Schedule with all details. Now through Labor Day, Birch Aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on select nights. Advanced reservations are recommended for all guests except members.”
