90 Years of Ocean Stewardship
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has strived to be a leader in education and conservation for Southern California's marine life.
Celebrating 90 Years of Ocean Discovery
For 90 years, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has been a place where curiosity about the ocean turns into lifelong respect for the marine world. Since opening in 1935, the aquarium has welcomed generations of students, families, scientists, and ocean enthusiasts to explore the rich marine life of Southern California.
What began as a small marine museum dedicated to local tidepool life has grown into a vibrant center for hands-on marine education, research, and conservation. Throughout the decades, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has remained rooted in its founding idea: that meaningful connections with the ocean inspire people to care for it.
Today, as we celebrate our 90th Anniversary, we honor the history that brought us here while continuing to look forward - expanding opportunities for learning, discovery, and stewardship of our coastal ecosystems.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Ocean Stewards
At Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, education is at the heart of everything we do. Each year, thousands of visitors explore our exhibits, participate in school programs, attend public events, and experience the incredible biodiversity found along the Southern California coast.
Our mission reflects this commitment: To be a leader in accessible, science-based marine education where every person is inspired to understand, respect, and protect the ocean and all life it sustains.
From tidepool discoveries to laboratory learning experiences, we strive to make marine science accessible, engaging, and meaningful for every visitor. By connecting people with the ocean in tangible ways, we hope to inspire a deeper understanding of the delicate balance that sustains marine ecosystems and the role we all play in protecting them.
Investing in the Future of Ocean Education
As part of our 90th Anniversary celebration, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is proud to unveil a series of major facility improvements designed to enhance visitor experiences and strengthen our ability to care for marine life.
Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we recently completed an $8 million renovation that includes:
- A fully upgraded Life Support System that ensures the highest level of care for the animals in our exhibits
- A redesigned Jelly Lab, highlighting the beauty and science of these fascinating animals
- A refreshed Exhibit Hall and Welcome Exhibit that introduce visitors to the diversity of Southern California marine life
- A new Collections Room, expanding our ability to support research, education, and animal care
These improvements allow us to provide better habitats for marine organisms, more immersive exhibits for visitors, and expanded opportunities for science-based learning.
A Community Effort
This transformation would not have been possible without the generosity and dedication of our community. Donors, partners, volunteers, educators, and visitors all played a role in making this vision a reality.
Your support ensures that Cabrillo Marine Aquarium can continue to:
- Provide hands-on marine science education
- Care for and showcase local marine species
- Inspire future scientists, conservationists, and ocean advocates
As we celebrate 90 years of ocean discovery, we are grateful for everyone who has helped shape our past and support our future.
Together, we will continue inspiring people of all ages to explore, respect, and conserve Southern California’s extraordinary marine life.