5 Shocking New Updates And Must-See Exhibits At The San Francisco Aquariums (2025)

The San Francisco aquarium scene is currently undergoing some major changes and exciting updates for late 2025 and early 2026. Visitors planning a trip to the Bay Area need to know about the significant new exhibits and, sadly, a piece of heartbreaking news that has impacted one of the city’s most beloved institutions. This comprehensive guide details the freshest information available for both the iconic Aquarium of the Bay at PIER 39 and the world-renowned Steinhart Aquarium within the California Academy of Sciences.

As of December 2025, the focus for both major San Francisco aquariums has shifted toward deep-sea exploration, local marine conservation, and a reimagining of classic exhibits. Whether you are seeking a close encounter with sharks or a journey into the Earth's "Twilight Zone," the city's aquatic destinations offer a fresh, new look at the Pacific Ocean and the unique ecosystem of the San Francisco Bay.

The Essential San Francisco Aquarium Profile (2025)

San Francisco is home to two primary, world-class aquariums, each offering a distinct experience. Understanding their unique missions and locations is key to planning your visit.

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• Aquarium of the Bay (AOTB):
• Location: PIER 39, on the historic San Francisco waterfront.
• Focus: Dedicated to protecting, restoring, and inspiring conservation of the San Francisco Bay and its watershed, from Sierra to the Sea™.
• Key Feature: Known for its 300 feet of crystal-clear tunnels that allow visitors to walk through the waters of the Bay, surrounded by local marine life.
• 2025 Admission: General admission starts from approximately $28.
• Steinhart Aquarium (California Academy of Sciences):
• Location: Golden Gate Park, inside the California Academy of Sciences (Cal Academy).
• Focus: Part of the world's only aquarium/planetarium/rainforest, the Steinhart is a global institution focusing on scientific research and biodiversity.
• Key Feature: Home to over 800 unique animal species, including the world's largest living indoor coral reef.
• 2025 Admission: Adult admission is around $49.00 at the gate, with discounts available for advance purchase or CityPASS®.

Major Update: The Passing of a San Francisco Icon

In a piece of news that saddened the global zoological community, Claude, the beloved albino alligator at the Steinhart Aquarium, passed away in December 2025 at the age of 30.

Claude was one of the most famous residents of the California Academy of Sciences. His unique, pale appearance due to albinism made him a massive draw for visitors from around the world.

The Academy confirmed that Claude passed away due to cancer. His longevity was a testament to the dedicated care he received, as alligators in captivity typically live to about 50, but his condition was a major factor in his health. His habitat, the Swamp Exhibit, remains a key feature, but the loss of Claude marks the end of an era for the Steinhart Aquarium.

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New and Reimagined Exhibits You Must See in 2025

Both institutions have introduced or significantly refreshed exhibits, ensuring your visit is filled with fresh encounters and cutting-edge marine science.

1. Steinhart’s Dive into the "Twilight Zone"

The Steinhart Aquarium has recently refreshed its focus on the deep ocean with the "Twilight Zone: Deep Reefs Revealed" exhibit. This area introduces visitors to the unusual and colorful animals that inhabit the mesophotic zone—a deep-sea environment far below where sunlight fully penetrates.

The exhibit is as much an ode to the technology of marine exploration as it is to the poetic magnificence of some of the planet's most unusual life. Expect to see creatures with ingenious adaptations and candy colors thriving in extreme conditions. This deep-dive experience showcases the Academy's ongoing research into these largely unexplored ecosystems.

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2. The Draper Startup Shark Tunnel at Aquarium of the Bay

The Aquarium of the Bay has highlighted its second crystal-clear tunnel exhibit, the "Draper Startup Shark Tunnel," as a major attraction for 2025. This immersive experience allows visitors to explore the deeper waters of the San Francisco Bay.

It provides an unparalleled view of the Bay’s apex predators. Sharks, rays, sturgeons, and other massive local fish soar above or nestle on the seafloor right over your head. This tunnel is a powerful reminder of the robust and diverse ecosystem thriving just beneath the surface of the Bay.

3. The Reimagined Eelgrass Bed Exhibit

In line with its mission to protect the local watershed, the Aquarium of the Bay has completely reimagined the Eelgrass Bed exhibit for 2025. Eelgrass beds are critical nursery habitats for many marine species, acting as "rainforests of the sea" within the Bay.

This refreshed exhibit focuses on the vital role these underwater meadows play in the health of the entire San Francisco Bay ecosystem, from filtering water to providing shelter for juvenile fish and invertebrates. The new programming aims to inspire conservation action for this crucial habitat.

Beyond the Exhibits: Conservation and Planning Your Visit

Both San Francisco aquariums are deeply involved in marine conservation, extending their mission far beyond the tanks. This commitment provides visitors with unique educational opportunities and supports crucial research.

Conservation Initiatives and Topical Authority

The Aquarium of the Bay’s non-profit mission is tied directly to the health of the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research, working with partners like the American Cetacean Society to protect whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the region. The California Academy of Sciences also works with organizations like The Marine Mammal Center, extending their reach to various conservation efforts.

AOTB is hosting specific educational events in late 2025, such as a workshop on "How to Dye Fabric with Sea Urchins" and a June 2025 Lecture Series on "Sharks Up Close" and protecting endangered Manta Rays. These programs highlight their dedication to public education and marine biology.

Tips for Maximizing Your 2025 Visit

• For Local Marine Life Focus: Choose the Aquarium of the Bay at PIER 39. Its specialty is the San Francisco Bay, and its tunnel exhibits are its signature draw.
• For Global Biodiversity and Science: Choose the Steinhart Aquarium/Cal Academy. Your ticket grants access to the rainforest, planetarium, natural history museum, and the world-class indoor coral reef.
• Save Money: Consider purchasing a Go City or CityPASS® ticket. This can save you up to 46% on admission to San Francisco's top attractions, including both aquariums.
• Check for Peak Pricing: The California Academy of Sciences implements peak pricing during holiday weekends, summer, and the late November/December holiday periods, so plan accordingly.

With major new exhibits focusing on deep reefs and local ecosystems, and the recent, sad news about Claude, the San Francisco aquariums remain dynamic and essential destinations for anyone interested in marine life and conservation in 2025.