About Us

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s mission is to instill a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems. Our vision is to foster an inclusive community that works together to create our sustainable future. The Aquarium of the Pacific has redefined the modern aquarium. It is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and a place where important topics facing our planet and our ocean are explored by scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders in the search for sustainable solutions. It has taken a bold new approach in the future of aquariums with the opening of its Pacific Visions wing.

The Aquarium of the Pacific is Southern California’s largest Aquarium. It displays about 12,000 animals and more than 100 exhibits that celebrate the planet’s largest and most diverse body of water, the Pacific Ocean. Its galleries represent the frigid waters of the Northern Pacific, the temperate Southern California/Baja region, and the warm coral reefs and lagoons of the Tropical Pacific.

The Aquarium employs close to 1,200 volunteers and over 350 employees. Currently, the Aquarium has over 35,000 membership households and an annual operating budget of about $40 million.

Founded in June 1998, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Located on a six-acre site on Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California, the Aquarium encompasses 360,000 square feet.