The aquarium project was initiated in 1977 by a group of four marine biologists at Stanford's Hopkins Marine Station. The aquarium opened October 20, 1984. In 1996, they almost doubled the exhibit space with the opening of the Outer Bay Wing.

The main feature is the Outer Bay Waters exhibit, the one-million-gallon tank containing tuna, sharks, ocean sunfish and sea turtles. Visitors can view the million-gallon Outer Bay Exhibit behind the largest window in the world, marvel at the three-story kelp forest, meet playful sea otters and get in touch with sea life at one of the hands-on exhibits.

The aquarium is open 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on regular business days and weekends; from 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. on holiday weekends; and from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. during the summer. Please call for admission prices.