Many Miles Later

A Day at the Aquarium of the Pacific and Whale Watching in Long Beach

Planning a trip to Long Beach, California? Two of the most popular attractions for ocean lovers are the Aquarium of the Pacific and a whale watching tour. We booked the combo package online, which was convenient and allowed us to schedule the experiences on different days. If you are curious whether this duo is worth it, here is our honest take on both and why one stands out as the clear winner.

Exploring the Aquarium of the Pacific

As a Floridian, I found the Aquarium of the Pacific fascinating because it highlights the unique marine life of the Pacific Ocean, which is a big contrast from the tropical Atlantic waters I am used to. From colorful sea jellies to mesmerizing kelp forests, the exhibits were a fun way to learn about the ecosystems of the West Coast.

We also visited the Honda Theater to watch their short films. Most were enjoyable, but the one titled Love and Life Beyond the Glass really missed the mark for me. It lacked the emotional pull you would expect from a conservation-focused film and felt oddly condescending with its repeated messaging that “the work does not stop when you go home.” That is not exactly inspiring and honestly not great recruitment messaging either.

Overall, the aquarium is worth seeing once if you are in the area, but for me, it is a one-and-done experience.

Whale Watching: The Real Highlight of the Day

If you are debating between the two experiences, let me save you some time. The whale watching tour is the true star. Everything about the excursion felt well-organized. The boats are clean and spacious, equipped with restrooms and a snack bar. Small details like these make a big difference when you are out at sea for a few hours.

We did not see any whales during our trip, but we did encounter something equally spectacular. A huge pod of common dolphins raced alongside the boat, leaping through the waves and putting on an incredible show. It was absolutely magical and, in my opinion, worth the trip on its own.

Tips for a Comfortable Whale Watching Trip

Dress in Layers: Even on sunny days, the ocean breeze can be surprisingly chilly once you are offshore. A light jacket or windbreaker will keep you comfortable.
Wear Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential. The sun reflects off the water and can be intense even if the air feels cool.
Plan for Motion Sickness: If you are prone to seasickness, bring medication or a motion-sickness patch. It is much better to be prepared than to risk feeling miserable halfway through the trip.

Final Thoughts: Worth It?

Aquarium of the Pacific — General Admission

• Adult (ages 12–61): $44.95
• Child (ages 3–11): $34.95
• Senior (62+): $41.95

Aquarium of the Pacific — Combo Package (Admission + Whale Watch)

• Adult: $87.95
• Child: $66.95
• Senior: $77.95
  This package includes aquarium entry plus a whale-watching cruise facilitated by the Aquarium’s naturalists.

Whale-Watching Only (Outside Aquarium Package)

If you prefer to book just the boat tour independently, here are typical walk-up rates in the Long Beach area:

• Adults (12+): $45–$50 (weekday vs. weekend/holidays)
• Children (3–11): $30
• Seniors: Around $40

If you are visiting Long Beach, the combo package is a solid deal. If you can only choose one experience, go for the whale watching tour. It is an incredible way to experience the Pacific Ocean’s beauty and wildlife up close. And who knows, maybe next time we will spot a whale.