Cute and small. It has been open for 14 years and is apart of the museums for all program. Which if you were not aware of this program it is where card holders of Medi-cal or Ebt can have low cost discounted admission to these places. It is a program that gives those in poverty the chance to learn just like everyone else. Definitely donate to this aquarium. their staff is lovely and so are their marine family. We all should help small places like these grow. I am so glad to have included this Aquarium in my itinerary. My mother, sister and two children loved it as well. Small in size but everything inside leaves the greatest memory.

This the smallest yet BEST Aquarium I have ever been too. Loved all of the knowledge of the staff. We were lucky to be there for the shark feeding and the octopus feeding. I would definitely stop in if visiting Avila Beach.

This wondrous gem of the Central Coast offers magical interactive experiences with living local Sealife. Nature lovers of all ages will learn about ocean stewardship through education, engagement and interaction with the animals ~ like petting a young swell shark! Come visit, and leave inspired. Donations always welcomed!

Tiny aquarium with two rooms and bathrooms. Volunteer working there was a student and really helpful and informative. There is a touch tank.

We were the only people in the whole aquarium (my husband, daughter and I). We paid the $9 per adult and went into the aquarium. Honestly not much to see, took us less than 10 minutes with a 2 year old to see everything. Went into the gift shop and she choose a shark bath toy that was labeled as $3. The whole basket of these toys say $3, the cashier even went and verified that it indeed said $3 but still wanted to charge us $6 for 1, not going to happen. Then she couldn't figure out how to scan the box of goldfish crackers and looked completely overwhelmed. We just ended up leaving buying nothing which set my daughter off since we told her she could have the toy and goldfish crackers. Pretty annoying experience and won't be going back.

Nice little aquarium. Great for kids. The staff were very accommodating, making sure my busy 3 year old was able to touch all the little critters. It is very small but a great little stop during the rain or to pass a bit of time. $9 a head can get expensive for what it is but I understand what they are doing takes money. We enjoyed it.

Megan was awesome. She was very informative and helpful. She let my children ask her many questions about the aquarium and Cal Poly.

The staff and volunteers are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. They go out of their way to teach you about the marine life in California. It may be small, but the size means that you get more of a chance to learn about each animal rather than rushing off to see the next exhibit. This aquarium is a place to go if you want to truly learn about the ocean rather than only glancing at each animal. Every question is answered in detail and depth leaving both kids and adults feeling like they have left with something of value.

If u really like the beach take the tour at the aquarium. It's less than $15 a person and they have different types of tours.

I was here once and enjoyed it. Tried to go again earlier this year but think the power went off or something; it was ridiculously windy that day. Was disappointed but sure we’ll go again next time.

It is an Avila tradition to watch a grandma walk up and turn to her big family dissapointed and say "it's closed" on perfectly reasonable times to be open.

It's a very small aquarium, we did get to touch a few things, including a shark. So over all the kids got about 45 min. of fun.

The kids loved it and all the workers were amazing

Super friendly and helpful staff. They truely have professional interest in their work and love what they do which made for an amazing trip. Best part was Rosa the octopus, very cool!!! Will be back again! And affordable price too!!!!