The Kelp Forest Exhibit | Photo by Monterey Bay Aquarium
Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium for FREE
Thanks to the Otter Student Union's partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, current Cal State Monterey Bay students can visit the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium for FREE with a one-time day pass once an academic year, saving them an estimated $65 at the door.
Fall 2024 passes are expected to arrive in September, make sure you're following the Otter Student Union on Instagram @osu_csumb so you'll be the first to hear the announcement.
How to claim your free student pass
Monterey Bay Aquarium Free Student Stewardship passes are available in the fall and spring semesters, with dates and black out dates set by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. When passes become available, the Otter Student Union will make the announcement on social media and the digital displays in the building.
Passes will be made available in the OSU Office, Room 306, during our office hours of Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Students wanting to claim their pass should have the following ready:
- CSUMB Student OtterCard
- CSUMB Student Username
- CSUMB Student ID Number
Limit one pass per student per academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Current CSUMB students are limited to a single pass once an academic year. If you get and use a pass in the fall semester, you cannot get a pass in the spring.
No, we receive enough Monterey Bay Aquarium passes so that each Cal State Monterey Bay student can get one each academic year.
No, passes must be picked up in person from our OSU Office, Room 306. They cannot be emailed or mailed out.
A CSUMB Student OtterCard is not only required when picking up your pass from the OSU Office, but the Monterey Bay Aquarium will also ask for it to be presented when using the free pass. If you have not already picked up your OtterCard or you have lost it, you can visit the Campus Service Center located in the Student Services Building (building 47). To learn more about how to get your OtterCard and other benefits of having one, visit the Campus Service Center's page here.
Passes are to be used by the student that claimed it and are not transferrable to other individuals.
Monterey Bay Aquarium • 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
I have my own vehicle
For those with personal vehicles, use Google Maps to enter the address above to navigate to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Street metered parking and parking garages are available nearby. Additional costs may apply.
Travel for free with the Monterey-Salinas Transit Bus (MST)
CSUMB students, staff, and faculty may board any MST Bus in the network for free by swiping their OtterCard
during the Fall and Spring Semesters. MST takes about 45-60 minutes to get from CSUMB to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, traveling 12.1 miles. Be sure to check the MST website for the latest schedules. MST buses can get crowded, so be prepared to stand.TO AQUARIUM FROM CSUMB:
- Take the MST Line 17/18 bus from the CSUMB Alumni & Visitor’s Center bus stop.
- Remain on the bus, it will change to JAZZ A/B.
- JAZZ A/B will travel to Monterey Transit Plaza in Downtown Monterey, then continue to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
- The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a short walk from the Cannery Row stop (Irving Ave and Foam Street).
TO CSUMB FROM AQUARIUM:
- Take the MST Jazz A/B bus from the Cannery Row stop on Irving Ave and Foam Street.
- Jazz A/B will travel to the Monterey Transit Plaza in Downtown Monterey.
- Remain on the bus, it will change to Line 17/18.
- Line 17/18 will travel to CSUMB Alumni & Visitor’s Center bus stop.
For your convenience, download the MBA Directions with MST PDF. A little nervous about taking the bus? Check out Mini Monte's visit using the MST Bus to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium, located on the scenic shores of Monterey, California, is a world-renowned institution dedicated to marine conservation and education. Featuring a stunning array of exhibits showcasing the diverse marine life of the Monterey Bay and beyond, the aquarium offers visitors an immersive experience with its captivating displays and interactive programs. Known for its pioneering efforts in marine science, the Monterey Bay Aquarium plays a vital role in ocean conservation and inspires millions of visitors each year to protect our oceans.
Follow the Monterey Bay Aquarium on Instagram @montereybayaquarium or visit them online to learn more and plan your visit.
