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New Years Eve, Night Dive, Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, CA | Dec 31, 2025

The Aquarium of the Pacific, which spans 5 acres in Long Beach’s Rainbow Harbor, is one of America’s most innovative ocean conservation centers. Since its inception in 1998, this 156,735-square-foot facility has welcomed over 1.8 million annual visitors to see 12,000 aquatic critters representing 500 species through interactive exhibits that highlight the Pacific aquatic’s tremendous biodiversity from Baja to the Arctic.

Main Attractions at Aquarium of the Pacific

Architectural Marvel & Sustainable Design

Building Specifications

Main Tank Capacity: 350,000 gallons (three floors tall)
Water Systems: 1.2 million gallons total.
Solar Power: 324 panels offset 10% of energy consumption.
Seawater intake: Pumped directly from the harbor (filtered).

Notable Design Features

Wave-shaped roof represents ocean currents.
Outdoor lagoon with touch pools.
In 2019, the Pacific Visions wing expanded to include a 4K theater.

Signature Exhibits & Marine Habitats

Southern California/Baja Gallery

Two-story kelp forest containing leopard sharks.
Giant sea bass (300+ pounders)
Moon jelly touch pool with bioluminescent displays.

Tropical Pacific Gallery

Coral reef tunnel (walk-through acrylic tube).
Weedy sea dragons (a rare Australian species)
A living reef with over 1000 tropical fish.

Northern Pacific Gallery

Sea otters do daily feeding displays.
Coldwater octopus with color-changing displays.
Giant Pacific crabs with 12-foot leg spans.

Ocean Science Center

ROV simulator for operating underwater drones.
Microscope Station for Plankton Research
Whale tracking is interactive.

Interactive Experiences & Animal Encounters

Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Tour	Duration	Highlights
Aquarium Backstage	60 mins	Food prep areas, veterinary lab
Penguin Interaction	30 mins	Meet Magellanic penguins
Shark Sleepover	Overnight	Sleep next to predator tank

Daily Programs

Dive shows include SCUBA divers answering questions.
Feed lorikeets with nectar cups ($3).
Seal and sea lion training sessions

Conservation & Research Initiatives

Key Projects

A breeding program for seahorses resulted in the preservation of 12 species.
Coral rehabilitation involves transplanting corals to wild reefs.
Urban Ocean Education (microplastics research)

Rescue Operations

Annually, around 50 sea turtles are treated for rehabilitation.
Marine animal stranding response
Oil spill emergency treatment

Visitor Experience & Amenities

Dining Options

Venue	Specialty	Sustainability Notes
Café Scuba	Fish tacos	MSC-certified seafood
Lorikeet Landing	Smoothies	Compostable packaging
Splash! Café	Kids’ meals	Ocean-friendly utensils

Best Times to Visit

Weekday mornings (9-11 am)
Evening events (June-August longer hours).
Winter weekdays (lowest crowds).

Special Annual Events

Pacific Islander Festival (June).
Scarium in the Pacific (October)
Noon Year’s Eve (December 31, family-friendly)

Why the Aquarium Stands Out

The largest tropical reef tank on the West Coast.
The most complete Pacific ecosystems under one roof.
Cutting-edge conservation with public participation.
Architectural landmark in the harbor.
Interactive technology integrates teaching and fun.

The Aquarium of the Pacific transforms ocean science into an immersive experience, from the ethereal glow of jellyfish exhibits to the deafening splashes of sea lion feedings. The attraction serves as a living classroom that promotes marine conservation and fosters connections between humans and the planet’s most important ecosystem. Whether you’re stroking a bamboo shark or seeing divers hand-feed gigantic groupers, the wonders of the Pacific will leave you not only entertained, but altered.

Cost: From $30
Phone: (562) 590-3100
Email: aquariumofpacific@lbaop.org
Website: www.aquariumofpacific.org
Address: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Location Map: