NOAA Sanctuary Exploration Center

Free and educational, with helpful volunteers and staff. It’s worth a quick stop if you’re in the area, but probably not a destination in and of itself.
No live animals. Interactive displays and models teaching you about the bay, conservation, and marine life. Cute gift shop downstairs, nice view from upstairs.

We took our two grandchildren ages 2 and 4. They loved it. High points are the robot camera exploring tide pool exhibit and a spectacular 20 minute video that kept both children’s full attention throughout. They also enjoyed the rainmaker.

OK, why did people rate this place so highly? I have to add my honest opinion… This center was super boring, featuring dated «pretend-​cool» technology, and all I could think of while walking through it was «wow, I can’t believe my tax dollars went into paying for this». Such a prime location (right on the beach front), such a nice brand new facility, and it’s totally worthless. Sure, it’s free admision, but we all paid for it indirectly, and the return is quite poor. Sorry…

Accomplishes its goals. Personnel are helpful, friendly & knowledgeable. As the first reviewer said – lots of hands on. New, clean & educational, esp. for first time visitors to the area. Includes nice little gift shop.

The NOAA Sanctuary Exploration Center is a great addition to an area already packed with things for people to do. The best thing about it, the price. It is totally free for everyone, and this makes it a must stop place for anyone visiting the area.
You should think of it as a visitors center to a national park. You will get a great orientation to the Monterey Bay, and it will help to broaden your experience if you are visiting anywhere from Santa Cruz to Big Sur. Highlights include a submersible that you can pilot, several interactive displays, and a 15 minute video that shows on a loop in the back.
There are no live exhibits, so don’t try and compare it to a certain Aquarium that is down the coast.
All of the volunteers are super nice and helpful. Its great to finally see what has been under construction for the last few years. You should definitely stop in and spend a little time, you should be able to see everything in 30 — 45 minutes.

New exhibition center right in the heart of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk area. It is located right opposite the entrance to the wharf/​pier. Great location and wonderful center for exhibiting the highlights of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary. Two levels in building. The entrance on the first floor, and the exhibits up on the 2^nd floor. Lots of hands-​on and interactive displays. All sorts of exhibits and facts about the Monterey Bay and the work the Monterey Bay Research Institute along with NOAA do in protecting it.
The center features engaging interactive and multi-​media exhibits to help visitors explore the sanctuary’s remarkable marine environment, as well as their personal role in protecting this special underwater treasure.
Goals
To educate visitors about the sanctuary’s unique and fascinating coastal and marine environment
To foster a more personal connection with the sanctuary and the ocean’s relevance in people’s daily lives
To encourage stewardship of the sanctuary and a better understanding of how to responsibly enjoy and protect the
Great 15 minute continuous play film that is wonderful to watch as it reviews the area’s history and shows many of its inhabitants.
Admission price? Free! Yup, best deal ever in Santa Cruz. Great for school age children and adults alike.
Highly recommended!