Public Programs
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium offers many activities and programs for individuals and families to learn about marine science. Our unique location allows participants to wet their hands and get sand between their toes. Guided walks, art classes, voyages and science lectures are available for all ages and interests.
Join Cabrillo Marine Aquarium for a trip that truly is the journey of a lifetime. Learn about the Baja Adventure Voyage.
Discover the wonder of California’s Channel Islands with CMA Educators. Join us for one trip or all three! Hailed by scientists as the "California Galapagos,” trips to the coastal Channel Islands offer impressive glimpses into California’s rich human and natural history in addition to the amazing endemic animal and plant species found nowhere else on earth.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium proudly presents the Discovery Lecture Series on Fridays from 7pm to 9pm. Lectures are available online and in-person.
Upcoming lectures:
Friday, October 2, 2026
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM|
Discovering the underwater lives of Risso's dolphins in California waters
Dr. Ari Friedlaender, UC Santa Cruz
Friday, December 4, 2026
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Seal lice boldly go where no insects have gone before
Dr. Kayce Bell, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Watch the captivating grunion come up on the beach to spawn! Learn about the interesting mating rituals and biology of this curious fish. The program includes an auditorium program about the unique fish, the aquarium open for exploration, then a guided observation at the beach. Cabrillo Beach closes at midnight. Warm clothing and a flashlight are recommended. During April, May and June (closed season) grunion may be observed but not touched. March, and July are open season, when grunion may only be taken by hand. Grunion hunters, 16 years or older, must have a valid California fishing license.
2026 season is open! Get your Grunion Run tickets today!
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Go Whale Watching!
Take to the seas to experience whales, dolphins and sea lions in their natural habitat while enjoying a fun boat trip with an experienced guide. Our nutrient-rich waters may provide opportunities to see migrating gray whales, as well as humpback whales, fin whales, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, California sea lions, sea birds, and other marine life.
Cabrillo Whalewatch volunteer naturalists accompany you on two to three hour boat trips from various landings.
Fee: Varies by landing, contact Cabrillo Whalewatch at cabrillowhalewatch@gmail.com, or call 310-548-7770
Available year-round!
After School Programs for Students
Little Squirts (ages 2-4)
On four consecutive Wednesday afternoons, join CMA Educators for a series of hands-on after-school marine science adventures. Activities may include observing animal behavior, exploring the wonders of mud at the salt marsh and getting up-close with microscopes. Child must be with parent.
Fee: $30 ($27 Friends members) for the series and includes a program t-shirt. Space is limited, registration is required. Sorry, walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
SEA Club – Science Education Afternoons (grades K-1; 2-3; 4-6)
On four consecutive Wednesday afternoons, join CMA Educators for a series of hands-on after-school marine science adventures. Activities may include observing animal behavior, examining rocky shore animals at the tidepools, exploring the wonders of mud at the salt marsh and getting up-close with microscopes.
Fee: $30 ($27 Friends members) for the series and includes a program t-shirt. Space is limited, registration is required. Sorry, walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
Summer Camps for Students
See OUR CALENDAR for all class dates.
Download the Summer Classes 2026 Dates.
Tales Between the Tides (ages 3-5) 10am - 12pm
You and your Young Explorer will help us discover nature at a child’s “see” level. Using the Aquarium, our Classroom Laboratory and the Coastal Park, we will hear stories, see fascinating creatures, touch live sea animals, and even scamper like crabs! Each day we will make special memories and focus on a different theme. So choose one or both sessions!
Fee: $26 ($24 Friends members) for the two-day session. Space is limited, registration is required. Sorry, walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
Galloping Snails (entering grades 1-2) 9am - 12pm
Watch snails “gallop” and other seashore animal behavior through shoreline exploration and laboratory activities. Make ocean art and other projects as records of your discoveries.
Fee: $85 ($77 Friends members) for the four-day session and includes a program t-shirt. Space is limited, registration is required. Sorry, walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
Crab Shells (entering grades 3-4) 9am - 12pm
Observe animal behavior as you hold hermit crabs, go crab fishing, feed barnacles and more! Discover the marvelous mud at the salt marsh and explore how humans are connected to the ocean.
Fee: $85 ($77 Friends members) for the four-day session and includes a program t-shirt. Space is limited, registration is required. Sorry, walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
Ichthyology (entering grades 5-6) 9am - 12pm
Students will examine the inner and outer anatomy of a fish. Learn about the biology of fishes, from sharks to eels and to the garibaldi. Discover how ichthyologists use special tools, techniques and careful observation to understand more about fishes. Dissections, fish printing, and fish feeding are all included as part of the discovery!
Fee: $85 ($77 Friends members) for the four-day session and includes a program t-shirt. Space is limited, registration is required. Sorry, walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
Coastal Research (entering grades 7-8) 1-4pm, or (entering grades 9-12) 9am-12pm
Observe animals, plants, and algae around the Cabrillo Coastal Park and around the aquarium while learning field and lab research techniques.
Fee: $85 ($77 Friends members)
Beach Cleanup
Help protect our coastline by joining Cabrillo Marine Aquarium educators and volunteers for our monthly Beach Cleanup. Together, we'll remove marine debris, care for local wildlife, and make a positive impact on our community. Meet at the steps in front of the John M. Olguin Auditorium on the first Saturday of each month.
Free and open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are requested for groups of 15 or more.
Native Garden Restoration
Get your hands dirty while helping our native garden thrive! Join Aquarium educators on the second Saturday of each month to care for native plants, enjoy the outdoors, and learn about the important role these species play in supporting local wildlife. Meet behind the Aquarium at the native garden.
Free and open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are requested for groups of 15 or more. Student service credit is available.
Nature Journaling
Slow down, observe, and connect with nature through the art of journaling. Join our education staff to learn how to identify common marine animals while practicing sketching and observation techniques. All supplies are provided, including an upcycled nature journal to take home, though you're welcome to bring your favorite art materials. Meet in the lower courtyard and drop in anytime during the program.
Free and open to all ages; no registration required.
Public Fish Dissection
Take a closer look beneath the surface during this engaging fish dissection demonstration. Aquarium educators will guide you through the fascinating anatomy and adaptations of a fish, offering an up-close view of both its external and internal features.
Free and open to all ages; no registration required.
Salt Marsh Open House
Discover one of Southern California's most important coastal habitats at Salinas de San Pedro. Explore the salt marsh with Aquarium educators and volunteers using binoculars, magnifying glasses, and other tools to observe the plants and animals that call this unique ecosystem home or simply relax and enjoy the changing tides and abundant birdlife.
Free and open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are requested for groups of 15 or more.
Tidepool Walks
Experience the magic of the rocky shore on a guided Tidepool Walk to the Point Fermin Tidepools. After a brief orientation, join Aquarium naturalists to discover fascinating marine life in its natural habitat while learning how to explore responsibly. Outdoor clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
Free and open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required for groups of 15 or more.
Walk Cabrillo
Explore the incredible diversity of Cabrillo Coastal Park on a guided nature walk led by Aquarium educators. Beginning in the Aquarium courtyard, you'll visit the native garden, salt marsh, beaches, and tidepools while discovering fossils, native plants, beach wrack, and other fascinating coastal treasures along the way. Bring a snack, wear comfortable walking shoes, and enjoy a fresh perspective on one of Los Angeles' most remarkable natural spaces.
Free and open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are requested for groups of 15 or more.