Steinhart Aquarium

  • A woman and child in front of the Philippine Coral Reef tank
  • Vibrant red, pink, and white anemones, coral, and fish in Twilight Zone exhibit
  • Vivid orange jellyfish against a striking blue background
  • A smiling girl comes face to face with a swimming African penguin
From the canopy of our butterfly-filled, four-story rainforest to the bioluminescent depths of the little-known "twilight zone," explore the world's most vibrant, vital ecosystems from the heart of San Francisco.

Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most biologically diverse and interactive aquariums on Earth. Home to nearly 40,000 live animals, representing more than 900 unique species, it offers guests an unprecedented view of underwater and terrestrial habitats. From species displayed nowhere else in the world to exhibits about cutting-edge research in little-known ocean ecosystems, a visit to Steinhart Aquarium is full of discovery.

Since 1923, the Steinhart Aquarium has developed a colorful history of firsts. From becoming the first public aquarium to display flashlight fish and coconut octopuses to advancing exploration of the ocean’s mysterious “twilight zone,” innovation and scientific excellence are in our DNA.

Today, Steinhart Aquarium continues to shape the role that modern aquariums play in educating and inspiring the public about the biodiversity and sustainability of our oceans and rainforests.

A guest gazes in wonder inside the Amazon Flooded Forest tunnel

Exhibits that inspire

From our new Venom: Fangs, Stingers, and Spines exhibit with over a dozen species that bite, stun, and sting, to our charismatic colony of endangered African penguins, the Steinhart Aquarium captivates visitors of all ages.

0
An orange fish peeks out from the tentacles of a sea anemone

Hope for Reefs

The Academy’s bold initiative to research and restore critical coral reef ecosystems focuses on solutions to sustaining these “rainforests of the sea” for future generations.

Why we're hopeful

0
Biologist Vicki McCloskey feeds a hungry colony of African penguins

Animal care and well-being

Caring for nearly 40,000 live animals goes far beyond daily feedings and regular check-ups. Enrichment programs developed by aquarium biologists ensure that animal residents remain happy, healthy, and engaged.

Meet the team

0
Incredible macro photograph of a dwarf cuttlefish embryo in its egg sac

Species Survival Plan programs

Steinhart biologists participate in a variety of breeding programs aimed at conserving species and maintaining genetic diversity in zoo and aquarium populations, including African penguins, frogs, cuttlefish, and corals.

Learn more

0
Dive Safety Officer Mauritius Bell descends into a brilliant blue canyon off Grand Cayman

Scientific diving

From performing daily dive shows and keeping aquarium tanks pristine to conducting underwater research in ocean depths around the world, the Academy’s scientific diving program is making waves.

Dive in

0
An elegant red sea star displays its ventral side against an exhibit tank

Sustaining our oceans

As part of the Academy’s commitment to sustainability, our aquarium biologists and marine scientists work to protect and conserve vital ocean habitats—from restoring coral reef ecosystems to reducing single-use plastics, sustainability is at the center of our science.

Sustainability Success Stories

0

Aquarium Exhibits

Keep tabs on your favorite creatures with 4 live webcams.
Twilight Zone exhibit; Photo: Kat Whitney
Twilight Zone: Deep Reefs Revealed

Descend into the twilight zone, where sunlight is scarce and every dive yields surprising discoveries.

image-large
The Water Planet exhibit's blue glow creates a beautiful place for exploring watery adaptations.
Water Planet

Discover how animals have evolved fascinating methods of living in and out of water.

image-standard
African penguin, Spheniscus demersus
African Penguin

African penguins establish strong pair bonds and use complex forms of communication in their social groups.

Silhouetted guests point and gaze at the 100,000 gallon California Coast exhibit
California Coast

Get a glimpse of the richness right off our coast and gaze at rockfish, eels, a giant Pacific octopus, and more.

image-large
Philippine Coral Reef
Philippine Coral Reef

Watch reef fish dart through colorful forests of coral while giant rays sail gracefully under your feet.

image-large
Claude the alligator with albinism sits on his rock in the Academy's Swamp exhibit
The Swamp

Explore a Southeastern swamp habitat, home to snapping turtles and our beloved alligator with albinism, Claude.

Exterior view of rainforest glass dome with California Coast habitat in foreground
Osher Rainforest

Journey through a living 4-story rainforest, home to free-flying butterflies and birds and giant Amazonian fish.

Animal and specimen donation information