Sanctuary Exploration Center

people walking in front of a building — Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz. Photo: Expressive Photographics

Overlooking Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the Sanctuary Exploration Center offers engaging interactive exhibits and programs focused on remarkable marine ecosystems, as well as information on how you can protect this special underwater place by responsibly enjoying its unique habitats and wildlife.

Plan Your Visit

Free Admission!

Open Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Open Days: Wednesday to Sunday

Phone: (831) 421-9993

Location: 35 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060

Parking

Limited metered parking is available on the surrounding streets and nearby lots.

Shuttle

Visitors can ride the Santa Cruzer Beach and Downtown Shuttle from downtown to the Sanctuary Exploration Center to avoid traffic congestion and parking challenges during summer months. There is a small fee to ride the shuttle.

Nearby Attractions

Santa Cruz Wharf, Beach Boardwalk, Cowell Beach, Lighthouse Field State Beach, Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Explore the sanctuary virtual tour to learn more.

Gift and Bookstore

The gift and bookstore, operated by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, offers a variety of ocean-themed eco-goods, with a focus on sustainability—many of which are uniquely sourced from local artists.

Public Tours

Self-Guided: For group sizes larger than 12 participants, the Sanctuary Exploration Center offers free self-guided tours from Wednesday to Sunday, with a reservation. Although this tour is self-guided, docents will deliver a welcome orientation for your group and be available to answer any questions.

Docent-Guided: For group sizes up to 35 participants, experience the Sanctuary Exploration Center with your own personal docent guide! Groups will be split into smaller groups of eight to 15 to explore exhibits with a knowledgeable interpretative docent who will provide an orientation, focused discussions, and guided observations. Kindergarten through 12th grade groups can also explore the exhibits with a scavenger hunt. Chaperones are free with a required 1:6 adult to student ratio for K-2nd grade, and 1:10 for ratio for 3rd-12th grade. Participant fees apply for docent-guided programs, contact us for details.

Reservations are required for all self-guided and docent-guided tours. Submit a request at least 15 days prior to your visit. For more information, email: explorationcenter@noaa.gov or call (831) 425-9993.

Public Programs

For upcoming events, check out the event calendar [link to 1.2.1], including our annual Get Into Your Sanctuary [link to 1.2.2] celebration. To receive Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s email newsletters, sign up on our email list and follow us on Facebook at @mbnms.

School Field Trips

Immerse your students in ocean conservation with exploratory, inquiry-based K-12 education programs at the Sanctuary Exploration Center and nearby beach. Through interactive exhibits and outdoor, place-based learning experiences, students will deepen their knowledge of ocean science and conservation. Programs are offered for different grade levels and support Next Generation Science Standards and practices to describe what scientists do to investigate the natural world. Programs are available by reservation, visit Sanctuary Exploration Center school field trips for more information.

Toddler Time

Just for kids! Each Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., join us for free Toddler Time featuring stories, songs, crafts, and more. We offer a new theme and activity every week, no reservations required. For upcoming events, check out the event calendar [link to 1.2.1].

Facility Rentals

The Sanctuary Exploration Center is a unique venue with views of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and easy access to many of Santa Cruz's most desirable attractions, restaurants, beaches, and hotels, guests will have an unforgettable experience. The 12,000 square foot facility is equipped with a classroom, outside enclosed courtyard, prep kitchen, large theater, and exhibits hall that may be available for your event. Fees apply.

a decorated room with tables and chairs — An 800 square-foot large classroom can accommodate special events. Photo: NOAA

Rental Hours and Availability

The Sanctuary Exploration Center is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Private event rental is available Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Note: The exhibit hall and lobbies are not available for private events during public hours.

Classroom and Courtyard

The classroom is available Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Rental amenities include a projector, white board, and wireless internet. Seven tables (3x6 feet) and 60 chairs are available for use inside. The adjacent outside courtyard, undressed, is included with classroom rental. The classroom is 800 square feet and can accommodate up to 60 individuals seated in rows. The outdoor, enclosed courtyard is 600 square feet. Maximum standing capacity of the combined areas is 120 persons.

room with tables and chairs organized in rows — The classroom can be set up to host meetings and events. Photo: NOAA

tables and chairs surround an outdoor patio area — The enclosed courtyard is available for outdoor events. Photo: NOAA

Green Building Features

blueprint of the exterior of a building with arrows pointing out the various sustainable
features of the building.

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center is designed architecturally to meet LEED Gold Certification standards. Image: Thomas Hacker Architects Inc.

Opened in 2012, the Sanctuary Exploration Center is a model for sustainable, environmentally sensitive design, construction, and operation. This type of construction helps create a healthier environment, minimizing adverse impacts on the natural systems that support life on land and in the ocean. The Sanctuary Exploration Center supports the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria, a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of green buildings which exemplifies the best strategies for sustainable development with emphasis on water consumption, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. Thomas Hacker Architects Inc. designed this architecturally distinct building to meet the standards for a LEED Gold Certification. NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries collaborated with the City of Santa Cruz and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation to build the 12,000 square-foot facility.