Reserve a private 30-minute outdoor tour for your group led by a skilled volunteer docent. Experience spectacular coastal views and discover why science matters. Explore how science sparks innovation and leads to solutions for the Santa Cruz community and beyond. You’ll also marvel at a humongous blue whale skeleton whose restoration is sparking climate-friendly innovations sure to inspire. Before or after your tour, explore the Seymour Center’s exhibits, aquarium tanks, shark pool, and seawater touch table.

Please note: Due to renovation work on the pools at Long Marine Lab, tours will not visit the marine mammal research area. Pool renovations are anticipated to be completed by late 2025.

Dates & Availability

Year-round, Tuesday–Sunday

  • 10:45 AM (1 tour)*
  • 11:30 AM (2 tours)
  • 12:30 PM (2 tours)
  • 1:30 PM (2 tours)
  • 2:30 PM (2 tours)

Groups must check in at least 15 minutes before tour time.

*Additional tour times may be available on weekend days and Mondays during summer months.

Group Size
  • 20 participants maximum per tour
  • Groups larger than 40 participants may schedule multiple tours over consecutive time slots
  • Chaperones count as participants; for youth groups, at least two adult chaperones per tour are required
Chaperones for youth groups

Minimum adult-to-youth ratio: 1 adult per 9 students on tour

Recommended chaperone ratios for youth/school groups during self-guided exploration time (adult:youth):

  • ages 4-6 (1:6)
  • ages 8-10 (1:8)
  • ages 11-13 (1:10)
  • ages 14-16 (1:12)
Fees
  • Reserved Tour fee ($50 per tour) + admission fees ($9 per child/student; $12 per adult; $11/senior)
  • Reserved Tour fees are non-refundable and due upon confirmation of your tour reservations.
  • Parking paid separately through ParkMobile app.
Duration
Guided tour lasts 30 minutes. Explore Seymour Center exhibits and aquarium tanks as long as you like. Most groups stay 1-2 hours.

Schedule a Reserved Tour

Reservations are recommended at least three weeks in advance year-round, and far in advance for spring. Complete the form below to request your group visit.

Request a Reserved Tour

 

Refunds & Cancellations
  • Reserved Tour fees are non-refundable and due when we confirm your tour reservations.
  • Please pay admission fees on the day of your scheduled visit. Any payments received before your visit are non-refundable.
  • If you need to cancel, email visitseymour@ucsc.edu