Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most biologically diverse and interactive aquariums in the world. Home to nearly 40,000 animals, and representing more than 900 separate species, it offers guests an unprecedented view of underwater life and provides insights into the critical role that aquatic environments play in life on Earth.
The original Steinhart Aquarium (which opened in Golden Gate Park in 1923) was the model for many of the public aquariums that followed—and today's Steinhart carries on that tradition. The aquarium's expeditions, research, and advances in animal husbandry result in a wide range of awe-inspiring exhibits, including the world’s deepest living coral reef tank, a four-level rainforest dome, the unique, ever-changing Water Planet gallery, and more.
At 25 feet deep and holding 212,000 gallons of water, the Philippine Coral Reef tank is one of the deepest exhibits of live corals in the world. It houses a broad range of aquatic life from the coral reefs and mangroves of the Philippines, one of the most diverse reef ecosystems in the world.
The undisputed stars of Tusher African Hall are the African penguins—a colony whose home is modeled after South Africa's Boulders Beach.
The Osher Rainforest is teeming with live animals, including free-flying tropical birds and butterflies and exotic reptiles and amphibians. Climb through three tiers of rainforest canopy and descend into our 100,000 gallon Flooded Forest tank, where freshwater fish cruise overhead.
See stunning views of the spectacular underwater ecosystems in our very own backyard, from kelp forests filled with leopard sharks to rocky reefs blanketed in vibrant pink anemones and colorful corals.
Explore some of the wildest courtship and mating strategies in the animal kingdom. From mate-munching arthropods to leaping fish, learn how animals go to extremes to pass on their genes.
An ornate seahorse railing from the original Steinhart Aquarium surrounds the lush Swamp Gallery, where alligator snapping turtles and colorful koi circle the albino alligator known as Claude.
Walls that seem to flow into one another create an immersive, liquid setting that encourages exploration of the dramatic connections between water and life.
Sharks and rays circle our 35,000-gallon Philippine mangrove lagoon exhibit in search of their next meal—and it’s not far away. Stop by or check the webcam every Tuesday and Thursday at 1:30 pm EST to see the next feeding.
Visit an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum—all under one living roof.
Be mesmerized by the brilliant colors of tropical fish, the grace of sharks and rays, and the busy waddling of African penguins. Our webcams stream 24 hours a day.
Learn more about the largest marine expedition in Academy history—where we went, what we discovered, and why this region of the Coral Triangle is so critical.
Prefer to plan your exploration in advance? Use your smartphone for way-finding? Just click here for an interactive map of the Academy and its exhibits.
Though we occasionally accept animal donations, there are many species we can't accommodate. Have a fish, reptile, amphibian, or bird that needs a new home? Please fill out the form below.
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Six questions with Bart Shepherd, Director of the Academy's Steinhart Aquarium.
As Director of Steinhart Aquarium, Bart Shepherd oversees the Academy’s 38,000 live plants and animals.
