Shark Summer is Back at Birch Aquarium and it’s Worth the Trip to La Jolla
Shark Summer is back at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, running from early July through early August.
The month-long program dives into the world of sharks – local species, their role in the ecosystem, and the conservation work being done to protect them.
The Full Shark Summer Experience
The program is packed with activities included with general admission. Shark exploration stations, shark feedings, themed dive presentations, and Sharks and Rays 101 talks run throughout the month, giving visitors plenty of reasons to come back more than once.
One Night, All Sharks, 21 and Up
Birch Aquarium hosts Oceans at Night: Sharks – a 21+ evening event that takes the Shark Summer experience into after-hours territory.
The night features live entertainment, interactive games, a Kelp Forest Dive presentation, and the chance to meet shark experts from Scripps Oceanography.
Music, drinks, and a deep dive into all things sharks make this one of the more distinctive adults-only nights out in San Diego this summer. Tickets are on sale now and sold separately from general admission.
The Conservation Side of Things
Shark Summer centers around the AZA Shark and Ray Awareness Day and highlights Birch Aquarium’s partnership with the AZA SAFE Shark and Ray program – a collaborative effort by more than 60 organizations nationwide working to protect over 1,200 species of sharks and rays from extinction.
Donation boxes in the aquarium’s Galleria during Shark Summer benefit the program directly, so every visit counts toward something bigger.
See you there!
One of the better summer programs in San Diego – educational, engaging, and genuinely fun for the whole family.
📆 Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Sunday, August 2, 2026 | 9 AM – 8 PM
📍 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla
🎟️ Included with general admission
ℹ️ Get the full details here
See you there, San Diego!
