Education
and conser vation of Southern California’s marine
Crislyn McKerron
CMA Executive Director
We started in the 1930s as a small collection of local sea life gathered by lifeguards and over time we have grown into something truly special. We are an Aquarium unlike any other! From our early programs recognized by National Geographic to the opening of our Frank Gehry designed building, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has always been about connecting people to the ocean in meaningful ways. Today, I couldn’t be more proud of our Aquarium. We have vibrant exhibits, expanded learning spaces, and a new state-of-the-art Life Support System! All of this reflects how far we’ve come and how much we care about animal welfare and community access. As we celebrate 90 years, we’re honoring our roots while continuing to build an exciting future together.
Susanne Lawrenz-Miller, Ph.D.
Aquarium Director 1987-2006
John Olguin and I, appointed co-directors, worked with architect Frank Gehry to create a new facility which opened in 1981 - a museum/aquarium/marine laboratory focusing on Southern California marine life. We adapted and expanded the popular public and school programs that John had developed over the previous 20 years, added new laboratory and field programs for schools and the public, and completed the exhibit plans with a small staff and many volunteers. After John retired in 1987, our volunteer nonprofit support group reorganized as Friends of CMA to expand fundraising capabilities and we won accreditation by AZA. We completed a second expansion of our facilities in 2004.
life
Caroline Brady
Executive Director of the Friends of CMA
I first fell in love with Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in 1989, when I came to write a story for the local newspaper. I remember thinking how much fun it would be to work at this beloved institution. Little did I know that years later, I would become the executive director of the Friends of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. What a privilege to follow in the footsteps of people I considered heroes--John Olguin and Susanne Lawrenz-Miller, Mike Schaadt and Larry Fukuhara to name a few. Raising funds for the Aquarium is such an honor, whether it’s helping kids come to the ocean - many for the first time - or building an endowment for the Young Scientists program. Our future looks bright thanks to our members and supporters.
Mike Schaadt
Aquarium Director 2006-2018
I took over as Aquarium Director from Dr. Susanne Lawrenz-Miller in 2006. We were settling in to the new exhibit areas and accompanying programs related to the 2004 expansion. The Aquatic Nursery was raising young sea animals and young scientists. The Exploration Center was introducing visitors to the wonders of the Cabrillo Beach Coastal Park. Both received outstanding exhibit awards from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. That major expansion continues the 90-year tradition of Cabrillo Marine Museum/Aquarium to encourage visitors to learn about southern California ocean life with educational and personally exhibits and programs.
Jose Bacallao, Exhibits Director
Our recent Life Support System renovation replaces the original 1980s-era pump house. Improvements include energy-efficient pumps; enhanced water refrigeration, advanced sand and biological filtration, and UV sterilization to help prevent parasites. Together, these enhancements support sustainability, animal health and exceptional marine animal care.
Exhibit Hall graphics were refreshed, hands-on interactives were added, accessibility features were improved and more information is now bilingual. The new Front Entry Exhibit introduces Cabrillo Marine Aquarium through a visual timeline, orientation map and a spotlight on our iconic Frank Gehry designed building. The new Jelly Lab space will showcase how we grow sea jellies and enhances our guest’s experience.
With these improvements, we’ve reaffirmed CMA’s role as a leader in marine conservation and education.
Come join us as we celebrate the re-opening of our main Exhibit Hall on April 18! Visit the refreshed displays and view our new Collections Room. Our Earth Day Celebration will include lots of familyfriendly activities to honor our marine environment AND we’ll have food trucks! We look forward to welcoming you back to our Aquarium!
Earth Day - Take Action Day!
Join us for Earth Day! Take action to help our local environment. Learn about the impact of microplastics and help clean our community’s beautiful Cabrillo Beach on #CMAtakeactionday!
Free and open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, April 18
Julianne Kalman Passarelli, PhD, Education and Collections Curator
The collection is an important part of CMA’s past, present and future. Originally called Cabrillo Marine Museum, it all started in 1935 as a collection of shells and non-living specimens displayed in the Cabrillo Beach Bathhouse. In 1981, a new Gehry-designed complex was built and live animals were added to the non-living exhibits. Much of the non-living collection was stored behind the scenes and now is a historical museum collection used for exhibits, education and research. There are many significant scientific specimens, such as the holotype of the Black Jelly; historical specimens such as the original museum shell collection; and unique specimens such as scrimshaw and anglerfishes. Currently the collection consists of almost 10,000 lots and covers most Southern California taxa from algae to marine mammals.
Jim DePompei, Programs Director
Since its initial inception in 1935 as a card table on the beach, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has prided itself with the ability to provide interactive, hands-on education incorporating realia and habitat experiences in and around the marine environment. To stay relevant over the last 90 years, CMA programs have evolved and adapted to the needs and directives of the education system and the general public. We’ve added onsite and offsite public and school experiences, whale watching, island and international adventures all designed for small or large groups of various ages and backgrounds from our Los Angeles community. This education ideology makes CMA unique and guides our progress as we grow.
Special Events and Programs
Young Scientists Symposium
The Young Scientists Program is a free research program, where students conduct independent marine science projects under the mentorship of CMA staff to grow their appreciation for marine science and research practices. Join us as we celebrate the students’ hard work and dedication at our annual Young Scientists Symposium! Students present their findings and share their experience. Friends, family, staff, volunteers and aquarium guests are welcome to attend and learn about the work these amazing students have accomplished throughout their time in the 2025-2026 Young Scientists Program.
Free and open to all ages; registration is not required.
Meet the Grunion
Watch the captivating grunion come up on the beach to spawn! Learn about the interesting mating rituals and biology of this curious fish. The full program includes the ability to explore the Aquarium, an auditorium program about this unique fish followed by a guided observation at the beach. Warm clothing and a flashlight are recommended. During April, May and June (closed season) grunion may be observed but not touched. March and July are open season, when grunion may only be taken by hand. Grunion hunters, 16 years or older, must have a valid California fishing license.
Fee: $10 adults and $5 seniors, students and children (Friends members free).
Fishtival
Celebrate Southern California’s most unique fish - the grunion! During this special evening, you’ll be able to hatch grunion eggs, participate in grunion arts and crafts, watch a classic grunion video, interact with grunion researchers, touch live tidepool animals and see the many fish and other live animals in the Aquarium. After participating in fun grunion activities, everyone will head to the beach to observe these enchanting fish. Warm clothing is recommended.
Fee: $10 adults and $5 seniors, students and children (Friends members free).
Saturday, May 2 7:30pm-12am
Sunday, March 1 12-3pm
Friday, April 3 9pm 10:34pm
Sunday, April 19 9pm 11:01pm
Saturday, May 2 (Fishtival) 7:30pm 9:54pm
Monday, May 18 9pm 10:47pm
Tuesday, June 2 9pm 10:36pm
Tuesday, June 16 8pm 10:42pm
Tuesday, June 30 7:30pm 9:54pm Cabrillo Beach closes at midnight.
NOTE: Date and times of programs and events are subject to change. Please see our website for the most up-to-date information.
Celebrate California Species
Stop by and learn more about some amazing marine animals. Learn how important they are in California’s ecosystem, what they eat and other fascinating facts! Free and open to all ages; registration is not required.
World Ocean Day Celebration
SEA Con (Science Entertainment Aquarium Convention)
In 2008, the United Nations declared June 8 as World Ocean Day. Visit the Aquarium and celebrate the ocean with activities and crafts, cosplay for Science with our educators and explore the habitats and animals that inspire some favorite pop culture worlds and characters. Free and open to all ages; registration is not required. Cosplay is encouraged! Collect FREE limited edition cards.
KCRW Summer Nights
Please check our website for more information.
Saturday, June 6 Beach Cleanup 9-10:30am Cosplay for Science pop-up 10am-4pm Salt Marsh Open House 10:30am-3pm Cosplay for Science panel 10am-12pm Cosplay for Science talk 2-3pm
Science at the Seashore
SEA Club – Science Education Afternoons
Deadline to register is one week before class begins.
On four consecutive Wednesday afternoons, join CMA Educators for a series of hands-on after-school marine science adventures.
Fee: $30 ($27 Friends members) for the series and includes a program t-shirt. Space is limited, registration is required. Sorry, walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Parent drop-off program unless otherwise specified.
Activities may include observing animal behavior, examining rocky shore animals at the tidepools, exploring the wonders of mud at the salt marsh and getting up-close with microscopes.
Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 4th-6th grade, 3:30-5pm
Wednesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22 2nd-3rd grade, 3:30-5pm
Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 K-1st grade, 3:30-5pm
Tales
Summer Classes
Between the Tides, ages 3-5, with parent You and your Young Explorer will help us discover nature at a child’s “see” level. Using the Aquarium, our Classroom Laboratory and the Coastal Park, we will hear stories, see fascinating creatures, touch live sea animals, and even scamper like crabs! Each day we will make special memories and focus on a different theme. So choose one or both sessions!
Fee: $26 ($24 Friends members) for the two-day session and includes a program t-shirt. Sorry, walk-ins cannot be accommodated and this class is fully booked
Session 1 – Tuesday, June 16 and Wednesday, June 17
Session 2 – Tuesday, June 30 and Wednesday, July 1
Galloping Snails, entering grades
10am-12pm
1-2
Watch snails “gallop” and other seashore animal behavior through shoreline exploration and laboratory activities. Make ocean art and other projects as records of your discoveries.
Fee: $85 ($77 Friends members) for the four-day session and includes a program t-shirt. Space is limited, registration is required. Sorry, walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Parent drop-off program.
Session 1 – Tuesday, July 7 through Friday, July 10
Session 2 – Tuesday, July 28 through Friday, July 31
Ichthyology, entering grades 5-6
Students will examine the inner and outer anatomy of a fish. Learn about the biology of fishes - from sharks to eels and to the garibaldi. Discover how ichthyologists use special tools, techniques and careful observation to understand more about fishes. Dissections, fish printing and fish feeding are all included as part of the discovery! Fee: $85 ($77 Friends members) for the four-day session and includes a program t-shirt. Space is limited, registration is required. Sorry, walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Parent drop-off program.
Session 1 – Tuesday, July 21 through Friday, July 24
Session 2 – Tuesday, August 11 through Friday, August 4
9am-12pm
9am-12pm
Crab Shells, entering grades 3-4
Observe animal behavior as you hold hermit crabs, go crab fishing, feed barnacles and more! Discover the marvelous mud at the salt marsh and explore how humans are connected to the ocean.
Fee: $85 ($77 Friends members) for the four-day session and includes a program t-shirt. Sorry, walk-ins cannot be accommodated and this class is fully booked. Parent drop-off program.
Session 1 – Tuesday, July 14 through Friday, July 17
Session 2 – Tuesday, August 4 through Friday, August 7
9am-12pm
Coastal Research, middle & high school
Observe animals, plants and algae around the Cabrillo Coastal Park and aquarium while learning field and lab research techniques. Use a dichotomous key to identify organisms and perform population and diversity studies through different field techniques in our Collections Room, Classroom Lab and Aquatic Nursery.
Fee: $85 ($77 Friends members) for the four-day session and includes a program t-shirt. Space is limited, registration is required. Sorry, walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Parent drop-off program.
Session 1(entering grades 9-12) Tuesday, June 23 through Friday, July 26 9am-12pm
Session 2 (entering grades 7-8) Tuesday, July 7 through Friday, July 10 1-4pm
Pelican Awareness Month
One-Day Programs
Monthly Beach Cleanup
Join CMA’s Education Team in cleaning up the Coastal Park every first Saturday of the month. Monthly Beach Cleanups are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the marine environment, all while helping out! Meet at the steps in front of the John M. Olguin Auditorium. Free and open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations requested for groups of 15 or more. Student service credit available.
Saturday, March 7
Saturday, April 4
Saturday, May 2
Saturday, June 6
Salt Marsh Open House
Visit Cabrillo Beach’s own wetland habitat, Salinas de San Pedro, and discover the plants and animals that call it home! Using binoculars, magnifying glasses and other tools, CMA Educators and volunteers will help you observe and explore this habitat. Or simply sit back, watch the tide change and listen to the birds and other wildlife.
Free and open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations requested for groups of 15 or more.
Saturday, March 21 12-2pm
Sunday, April 19 12-2pm
Sunday, May 10 11am-1pm
9-10:30am
Monthly Native Garden Restoration
Join CMA’s Education Team in cleaning up the native garden every second Saturday of the month. Monthly garden maintenance is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and learn about native plants, all while helping out! Meet at the native garden behind the aquarium. Free and open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations requested for groups of 15 or more. Student service credit available
Saturday, March 14
Saturday, April 11
Saturday, May 9
Saturday, June 13
Tidepool Walks
9-10:30am
Join CMA Educators on a tidepool walk to the Point Fermin Tidepools. Before the walk, attend a brief informative orientation, then go on the naturalist-led hike to see animals in their natural habitat. Outdoor clothing and sneakers advised.
Free and open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations requested for groups of 15 or more.
Sunday, March 1
1-2:30pm
Saturday, March 14 12:30-2pm
Sunday, March 15 1-2:30pm
Saturday, March 28
Saturday, April 25
Sunday, April 26
12-1:30pm
11am-12:30pm
11:30am-1pm
Saturday, June 21 11am-1pm
Public Fish Dissection
Get a closer look at the outside and inside of a fish. Join us as we investigate the anatomy of a fish through a dissection demonstration.
Free and open to all ages; registration is not required.
Saturday, March 14
Saturday, April 11
Saturday, May 16
Saturday, June 13
Animal Identification and Nature Journaling
1:15pm and 2:15pm
Join CMA education staff as we learn how to identify common marine animals. Practice tips and techniques for nature journaling with animals we find. Basic materials provided. You are welcome to bring your own materials if you prefer (pencils, colored pencils, watercolor paints and brushes). Meet in the lower courtyard; participants are welcome to join anytime throughout the experience.
Free and open to all ages; registration is not required.
Sunday, March 22
10am-12pm (Sandy Beach)
Sunday, April 26 10am-12pm (Rocky Shore)
Sunday, May 24 10am-12pm (Kelp Forest)
Sunday, June 7 10am-12pm (Birds)
Walk Cabrillo
Pack a snack and join a walk guided by CMA Educators while they interpret the various habitats of the Cabrillo Beach Coastal Park. Starting in the Aquarium courtyard, visit the native garden, salt marsh, beaches and tidepools. Along the walk, examine fossils, native plants, beach wrack and other interesting finds.
Free and open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations requested for groups of 15 or more.
Sunday, March 29 12-2pm
Saturday, April 4 1-3pm
Sunday, May 24 11am-1pm
Sunday, June 14 12-2pm
Voyages
Baja Adventure (for adults)
Embark on the journey of a lifetime with CMA! During this nine-day ocean voyage, we’ll spend three exciting days in San Ignacio Lagoon, coming eye-to-eye with friendly gray whales and their curious calves. Naturalistled hikes on offshore islands provide exceptional views of a diverse array of wildlife, breathtaking geological formations, and plants you’ll find nowhere else in the world. Thirty participants will eat well and sleep comfortably on the 113-foot Royal Polaris, leaving from San Diego (bus transportation between CMA and San Diego is provided). Visit our website for more information, trip photos, and a complete itinerary.
March 2027
Channel Island Adventures
Join us on a birding and photography adventure to the Channel Islands National Park that starts as soon as you board the boat - keep your eyes peeled for birds andmarine mammals! Once ashore, join an informative naturalist-led hike.
Open to hikers 13+; anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, registration is required
Go Whale Watching! (family friendly)
Go to sea any day of the week in search of whales, dolphins and other marine life!. Springtime means chances to see Pacific gray whales migrating north to their Arctic feeding grounds, as well as humpback, blue and fin whales that might be found feeding along our coastline. Cabrillo Whalewatch volunteer naturalists accompany you on twoto-three-hour boat trips from various landings. Fee: Varies by landing, contact Cabrillo Whalewatch at CabrilloWhalewatch@gmail.com, 310-548-7770 or visit our website.
Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor/ Painted Cave
Our focus will be to find and photograph the endemic Island Scrub Jay and experience Santa Cruz Island in full bloom. This trip leaves from Ventura harbor with a stop at the impressive Painted Cave!.
Fee: $105 ($95 Friends members)
Saturday, March 28 8:30am-6pm
Anacapa Island: Prisoners Harbor/Painted Cave
Photograph the thousands of nesting Western Gulls and their chicks amidst the natural beauty of Anacapa Island. This trip leaves from Oxnard harbor.
Fee: $82 ($72 Friends members)
Sunday, May 31 9:30am-4:30pm
Discovery Lecture Series
Join us for our science lecture series!
All lectures are at 7pm on select Fridays in the John M. Olguin Auditorium. RSVP requested. Become a member and join us for a pre-lecture reception and free parking! Free. Details and registration information on our website.
Friday, April 3: Dr. Bruno Passarelli, Saddleback College, Do Parasites Know Where the Grunion Go? 7-9pm
Fridays, October 2: December 4
For Educators
Volunteer Opportunities!
For more information, contact our Volunteer Coordinator Floyd Anderson, 310-548-7562 x229, floyd.anderson@lacity.org
One-Day Special Events (for adults
and youth)
Individuals and groups are welcome to help out at various events throughout the year. Please call ahead to schedule yourself or your group. A list of upcoming events is available by contacting our Volunteer Coordinator.
Spring Docent Training (for adults)
Join us on the beach! Applications are being accepted for volunteers for our Outdoor Classroom Program. Program runs Tuesday through Friday mornings from March 31 through June 5. Docents provide schoolchildren with information about the ocean and conduct related activities on Cabrillo Beach.
Monday, March 16
Monday, March 23
Educator Workshops
Keep an eye out for our upcoming Educator Workshop series! From local habitats and animals to relevant environmental issues, each workshop is designed for educators interested in engaging their students (and themselves) with the wonders of marine science. Free. For more information visit our website.
Ocean Outreach School Program
BRINGING THE OCEAN TO YOUR SCHOOL!
Enhance the educational experience through the use of hands-on discovery, specimen investigation and student participation. All our topics are tailored to grade-level & designed to spark students’ curiosity for the ocean and the extraordinary life in it!
Fee: $170 for the first program, $70 for each similar program. After-school programs (after 2:30pm): First program $230, second program $90.
Up to 1-hour class sessions; up to four sessions per site per day. Preschool through 8th grade, 30 students maximum per each classroom session. Space is limited, registration is required. Year-round, Tuesday through Friday, between 9:30am and 4pm.
For more information on our ocean-themed topics, visit our website.
9am-12pm
Summer Docent Training (for Middle and High School Students)
Learn to give tours! Students entering grades 7 to 12 may apply. Two separate programs will be offered: Jr. Docents (grades 7-9) and High School Docents (grades 10-12). Following training, students provide tours, talks and demonstrations. Applications are available and due by Friday, April 24, 2026, no later than 4pm. Space is limited! Check our website for details.
Exhibits
Earth Day Poster Contest
Create and share your Earth Day message by entering our Annual Poster Contest!
2D entries, no larger than 11” x 14” are due by April 1, 2026. Please mail or drop off your entry with your information attached to the back (title of poster, artist name, age/grade and email/phone). Top entries will be displayed at CMA from April through June. For more information, please check our website.
Sensory Sensitive Saturdays
The Aquarium strives to ensure all guests feel welcome and included during their visit and that programs are accessible to everyone.
Spend some quiet time enjoying the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium on Sensory Sensitive Saturdays, the third Saturday of each month. A pre-visit social story is provided at kulturecity.org to help plan what to expect during your visit. Sensory sensitive backpacks can be checked out at the welcome booth during any visit, if needed.
Monthly on third Saturdays 9-10am except April
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a trusted resource that inspires exploration, respect and conservation of Southern California’s marine life.
3720 Stephen M.White Drive San Pedro, CA 90731 Tel 310-548-7562
AQUARIUM HOURS
Tuesday through Friday - 12noon to 5 pm
Saturday and Sunday - 10am to 5pm
Closed on Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
Suggested Donation: $10 adults; $5 seniors, children, students; Friends members free
GIFT SHOP HOURS
Tuesday through Sunday - 10am to 5:30pm
Closed on Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
www.CabrilloMarineAquarium.org
Being a member is a great way to support CMA while receiving special benefits. It’s a win-win! Donate, join, renew or shop online:
www.FriendsofCabrilloAquarium.com
