Monterey Bay Aquarium news release

NEWS RELEASE

MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM OFFERS SCUBA, SAILING,

OTHER SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR KIDS & FAMILIES

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"Aquarium Adventures" let visitors of all ages experience the ocean in
new ways




Summer visitors to the Monterey Bay Aquarium can take a sailing
excursion aboard a 65-foot research vessel, discover how a sea star
looks underwater, feed an abalone, scoop plankton from the bay using the
same tools as scientists, discover where "Doc" Ricketts set up his
laboratory and more by participating in exciting "Aquarium Adventures"
programs.

While most "Aquarium Adventures" are offered from Memorial Day weekend
through Labor Day, "Science Under Sail" expeditions returns a month
early this year, beginning May 5 for some spring sailing aboard the
elegant Derek M. Baylis. Early season sailors receive a discounted rate
on their three-hour sailing adventure each Saturday and Sunday through
June 16.

In celebration of Father's Day, dads can ride free with at least one
paid participant during special "Science Under Sail" program on June 17.
A great way to celebrate World Ocean Day on June 9 is a "Science Under
Sail" adventure where visitors will work alongside aquarium naturalists,
learn about the Marine Debris Initiative conservation program while
cleaning up the bay and receive a free t-shirt to commemorate the
experience.

The popular "Underwater Explorers" surface SCUBA experience for kids age
8 to 13 resumes in June. "Morning Rounds" behind-the-scenes feeding
tours, "Aquarium Detectives" family mystery and feeding adventures,
"Fishing for History" Cannery Row walking tours and family sleepovers in
the aquarium galleries happen on select days now through September.

Back by popular demand this year is the "Evening Breezes Cruise" aboard
the 65-foot Derek M. Baylis, an eco-friendly marine research vessel,
from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Friday and Saturday beginning May 4; and
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between June 20 and August 29. Guests
will enjoy a complimentary wine tasting, great views of wildlife and
learn about the spectacular Monterey Bay. The "Evening Breezes Cruise"
is $45 for aquarium members and $55 for the general public.

Also new this year is a "Star Spangled Sail." On Fourth of July you can
view the fireworks from the deck of the beautiful Baylis with wine and
dessert to top off the evening. The "Star Spangled Sail" is $115 for
aquarium members and $135 for the general public.

"Aquarium Adventures" activities offer great ways for children and
families to gain a deeper

appreciation for marine life at the aquarium and beyond. There will be
more time to enjoy the aquarium and all of its adventures on summer
weekends this year during "Evenings by the Bay" extended hours - until 8
p.m. - each Saturday and Sunday from Memorial Day weekend through Labor
Day weekend (May 26 through September 2).

Most "Aquarium Adventures" programs run between May and September; a few
are offered year-round. Costs vary per program, and there's a discount
for aquarium members. Visit www.montereybayaquarium.org
<http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/> for program details and previews.
A detailed list of "Aquarium Adventures" is included below. Advance
registration is recommended; register by calling 866-963-9646 or stop by
the Aquarium Adventures and Member Desk in the main lobby of the
aquarium.

Regular aquarium admission is $24.95 adult; $22.95 senior (65+) and
student (full-time college, with I.D.); and $15.95 children 3-12 and the
disabled. Children under 3 are admitted free of charge. Discounted
tickets for members of the military and their families can be purchased
in advance at many California and Nevada installations. The aquarium is
open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. with extended hours on Saturday and
Sunday beginning May 26 through September 3 on Saturdays and Sundays.

The mission of the Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of
the oceans.

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AQUARIUM ADVENTURES PROGRAMS

2007



Underwater Explorers

Daily from June 16 through September 3

Time: 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. (90-minute program)

Ages: 8 to 13

Fee: $59 per member; $79 per general public, plus aquarium admission



Kids can get a fish-eye view of marine life as they don mask, regulator
and dry suit and take the plunge in our Great Tide Pool for a surface
SCUBA experience. Our certified dive staff will assist participants in
the water and introduce them to the critters that live along the rocky
shore. The small group size ensures a safe and educational adventure for
everyone. No previous SCUBA experience is required, though you must have
basic swimming skills.



Science Under Sail

Saturdays and Sundays: May 5 through June 16; Daily: June 16 through
September 3; Saturdays and Sundays: September 3 through September 30

Time: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Fee: $49 per member youth (10-17 years); $59 per member adult; $59 per
general public youth; $69 per general public adult.



Step aboard the Derek M. Baylis, a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly
65-foot research sailboat for the adventure of a lifetime. In this
exclusive program you'll spend three hours getting hands-on experience
and learn how marine biologists study the life of the Monterey Bay
National Marine Sanctuary.



Specials: "Early Season Sail Special," May 5 through June 16; $40 per
youth; $50 per adult.
Father's Day special, dads ride free with at least one paid participant
on June 17.



Evening Breezes Cruise

Fridays and Saturdays: May 4 through September 29; Wednesdays, Fridays
and Saturdays: June 20 through August 29

Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Ages: 10 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Fee: $45 per aquarium member; $55 per general public



Join aquarium naturalists for a great evening of natural history and
ocean wildlife aboard the Derek M. Baylis. Enjoy wine and light
refreshments as you learn more about the many animals that make Monterey
Bay their home. Join us and discover how we can keep our oceans healthy.




Special: "Star Spangled Sail," Wednesday, July 4; $115 per member adult;
$135 per general public adult.



Youth Group Seashore Sleepovers

Friday, March 16; Friday, April 20; Saturday, August 11; Friday, October
5; Sunday, November 11

Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Ages: Youth groups with children, age 6 to 14; one adult chaperone, 21
years or older, is required for every five youth campers.

Fee: $50 per member and per member guest.



Youth group sleepovers are a special way to enjoy the aquarium after
hours and sleep next to your favorite exhibit. We'll offer activities
throughout the evening, or you can explore the aquarium on your own. The
evening concludes with a bedtime snack. In the morning, you'll wake up
with the fishes and enjoy a continental breakfast in the Portola Cafe.



Morning Rounds: Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Sundays: now through June 16; Tuesdays: June 16 through September 3;
Saturdays; September 3 through 2008

Time: 8:15 to 10:30 a.m.

Ages: 8 and older, under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult

Fee: $45 per member; $65 per general public, plus aquarium admission



Join us for a rare opportunity to interact with our exhibit animals as
an aquarist would. The morning includes a private viewing of a sea otter
feeding and training session. Then you'll go behind the scenes on
"morning rounds" and help prepare food, feed animals and learn daily
maintenance for exhibits.



Fishing for History: A Cannery Row Walking Tour

First Sunday of each month

Time: 1 to 3 p.m.

Ages: 10 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult

Fee: $16 per member; $20 per general public, plus aquarium admission



Past and present meet as we journey from the days of Monterey's native
Rumsien/Ohlone people through the boom times that made Monterey the
"Sardine Capital of the World." Along the way we'll share stories of the
diverse communities and early marine scientists who contributed to the
rich culture of Cannery Row. Our guided tour starts with the historic
cannery exhibits at the aquarium then leads you on a gentle walk along
Cannery Row to the Maritime Museum at Fisherman's Wharf. The program is
co-sponsored by the Monterey Maritime and History Museum.



Aquarium Detectives

Saturdays: Now through June 16; Thursdays: June 16 through September 3

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. or 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. (call for exact times
and dates)

Ages: Families with children ages 3 to 9 years; children must be
accompanied by a paying adult

Fee: $16 per member; $20 per general public, plus aquarium admission



Have you ever wondered what it's like in the aquarium in the quiet
morning hours before we open? It's a mystery! You and your family will
discover what goes on before the first visitors arrive. You'll even get
a chance to serve breakfast to a few of our critters.