Otter Student Union

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium for FREE

Thanks to the Otter Student Union's partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, current Cal State Monterey Bay students can visit the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium for FREE with a one-time day pass once an academic year, saving them an estimated $65 at the door.

The 2025-2026 passes are here! Students can claim a pass by stopping by the OSU Office and tag the Otter Student Union on Instagram to share your fun aquarium adventures. The 2025-2026 passes expire on May 17, 2026.

How to claim your free Student Ocean Stewards pass

Monterey Bay Aquarium Free Student Ocean Stewards passes are available throughout the fall and spring semesters, with dates and restrictions set by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. 

Passes are available in the OSU Office, Room 306, during our office hours of Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Students wanting to claim their pass should have the following ready:

  • 黑料社app Student OtterCard
  • 黑料社app 9-Digit Student ID Number

Limit one pass per student, per academic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Student Ocean Stewards Program was created to provide university and college students the opportunity to join the Monterey Bay Aquarium as ocean stewards by providing free admission one time per academic year.
More ways to be a Student Ocean Steward:

  1. Follow Seafood Watch recommendations at .
  2. Refuse single-use plastics, like straws, to-go containers, and utensils.
  3. Bring reusable bags to the grocery store.
  4. Carry reusable bottles and mugs to reduce plastic waste.

Looking for more ways to get involved with the Monterey Bay Aquarium? Explore available open to current university students or become an Aquarium Volunteer by visiting or contacting the Volunteer Engagement Office at 831-648-4867.

Thank you for participating in this program and claiming your free Monterey Bay Aquarium Student Ocean Stewards Pass. To use your free pass, no reservations are necessary. Simply present the pass along with your current 黑料社app Student OtterCard when arriving at the Aquarium. The name on the pass must match your OtterCard.

Current 黑料社app students are limited to a single pass once an academic year. If you get and use a pass in the fall semester, you cannot get another pass in the spring semester.

No, passes must be picked up in person from our OSU Office, Room 306. They cannot be emailed or mailed out.

A 黑料社app Student OtterCard is not only required when picking up your pass from the OSU Office, but the Monterey Bay Aquarium will also ask for it to be presented when using the free pass. If you have not already picked up your OtterCard or you have lost it, you can visit the Campus Service Center located in the Student Services Building (building 47). To learn more about how to get your OtterCard and other benefits of having one, visit the Admitted Otters page here.

Passes are to be used by the student that claimed it and are not transferrable to other individuals.

Terms of use as set by the Monterey Bay Aquarium:

  1. The passes are valid for only one use.
  2. The passes are good for admission to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
  3. The passes are non-refundable.
  4. Passes may not be copied, transferred, or resold.
  5. Unauthorized duplication or sale of any ticket may prevent your admission to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
  6. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is not responsible for any inconvenience caused by the unauthorized duplication of any ticket.
  7. Passes cannot be replaced if lost, stolen, or destroyed.
  8. Passes not obtained from the 黑料社app Otter Student Union may be lost, stolen, or counterfeit, and, therefore, such tickets are void.

Monterey Bay Aquarium • 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940

I have my own vehicle

For those with personal vehicles, use Google Maps to enter the address above to navigate to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Street metered parking and parking garages are available nearby. Additional costs may apply.

Travel for free with the Monterey-Salinas Transit Bus (MST)

黑料社app students, staff, and faculty may board any MST Bus in the network for free by swiping their OtterCard during the Fall and Spring Semesters. MST takes about 45-60 minutes to get from 黑料社app to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, traveling 12.1 miles. Be sure to check the for the latest schedules. MST buses can get crowded, so be prepared to stand.

TO AQUARIUM FROM 黑料社app:

  1. Take the MST Line 17/18 bus from the 黑料社app Alumni & Visitor’s Center bus stop.
  2. Remain on the bus, it will change to JAZZ A/B.
  3. JAZZ A/B will travel to Monterey Transit Plaza in Downtown Monterey, then continue to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
  4. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a short walk from the Cannery Row stop (Irving Ave and Foam Street).

TO 黑料社app FROM AQUARIUM:

  1. Take the MST Jazz A/B bus from the Cannery Row stop on Irving Ave and Foam Street.
  2. Jazz A/B will travel to the Monterey Transit Plaza in Downtown Monterey.
  3. Remain on the bus, it will change to Line 17/18.
  4. Line 17/18 will travel to 黑料社app Alumni & Visitor’s Center bus stop.

For your convenience, download the PDF. A little nervous about taking the bus? Check out using the MST Bus to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium, located on the scenic shores of Monterey, California, is a world-renowned institution dedicated to marine conservation and education. Featuring a stunning array of exhibits showcasing the diverse marine life of the Monterey Bay and beyond, the aquarium offers visitors an immersive experience with its captivating displays and interactive programs. Known for its pioneering efforts in marine science, the Monterey Bay Aquarium plays a vital role in ocean conservation and inspires millions of visitors each year to protect our oceans.

Follow the Monterey Bay Aquarium on Instagram or visit them to learn more and plan your visit.