Discover The Irresistible Charm of Little Blue Penguins in Action

As soon as we found out about the Little Blue Penguins of Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla, California, we decided we had to plan a visit to see the blue penguins! The penguin exhibit is called the Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins. These Blue Penguins are the smallest species of penguin — less than 12 inches tall and weighing just 2 to 3 pounds — and are known for their unique blue color, and their big personalities. Birch Aquarium is the only aquarium in the Western U.S. to house these gregarious seabirds.

The Little Blue Penguins are native to the coasts of New Zealand and Australia. The Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins exhibit is a 2,900-square-foot habitat features an 18,000-gallon penguin lagoon, multiple cozy burrows, sandy beach and native plants that mimic the native habitats of these penguins.

We watched the penguins swim, dry out and chatter to each other. It was quite a delightful sight and the children were overjoyed watching them play. I am sure they wished they could join them!

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at University of California, San Diego.

Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and beyond. An oceanographic museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps Oceanography scientists on climate, earth, and ocean science and includes interactive elements.

Our Visit

For your visit, you need advance reservations at specific times during the day. Some days and times get filled up quickly, so it is better if you are flexible with your schedule. We were able to get tickets for an early afternoon visit. We bought our reserved tickets the morning of our visit and went to the Birch Aquarium just a little bit after noon. Because of the timed reservations, the parking area had plenty of spots available, so we parked and headed inside the aquarium.

Our first stop was at the entrance to a group of exhibits and aquariums. There was a large cylindric-tank with what looked liked hundreds of sardines swimming around and around. Then we got into the real exhibits with different types of fish and sea life.

Magical Underwater Exhibits

After passing the swimming sardines exhibit, we went inside the walkway through many more aquarium exhibits, each with different types of sea life inside. One exhibit was filled with lots of starfish among the rocks and a large purplish-colored octopus. Many times the octopus is hiding among the rocks, but on our visit was out where everyone could see it.

There was a large glass aquarium with jellyfish just floating around and around, it was a mesmerizing sight! There were aquariums with coral, sea urchins, even a dangerous Moray Eel. Other exhibits had more jellyfish, seahorses, fish of all kinds, and also a very large tortoise sitting on the seabed next to a sunken rowboat.

Scripps Pier and the Tide Pool

Inside the aquarium, there was a doorway to a large patio with a Tide Pool. They had starfish, mollusks, small fish, and coral that the children (or adults) could see up close and even touch them if they wanted. The Tide Pool area was filled with children amazed at the ocean life at the aquarium. Also, from the patio, you had a great view of the Scripps Pier down below. The Pier is used year-round for scientific research on the oceans that cover most of our planet.

Plan Your Visit Now!

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a delightful adventure for both children and adults. Be sure to schedule your visit soon and see the Little Blue Penguins and the rest of their sea life exhibits!