Summer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium means Aquarium Adventures programs are in full swing. This year, look for the return of some favorite programs and a new one just for families with younger children.

The �Underwater Explorers� surface SCUBA program for kids and �Science Under Sail� research excursions return in June. Since the popular �Underwater Explorers� program began in 2003, thousands of children have earned the title of �Underwater Explorer� by diving in the Great Tide Pool exhibit under close supervision by aquarium staff.

�Science Under Sail� is an exciting three-hour trip on Monterey Bay aboard the aquarium�s 65-foot, state-of-the-art research sailboat. There�s no experience quite like being under full sail aboard a beauty of a boat like the Derek M. Baylis � and it�s available nowhere else.

New this year, there�s a mystery to solve in the Splash Zone � is your family up to the challenge? �Super Sea Sleuths� is a new program geared toward families with children ages 3 to 9 years. You and your young detectives can work together to solve the mystery on Saturday mornings from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. between July 16 and August 20.

Other fun Aquarium Adventures programs returning this year are family camp-ins offered exclusively for aquarium members and their guests; walking tours of historic Cannery Row; and behind-the-scenes feeding tours. The annual Aquarium Adventures programs are a first for the renowned aquarium, which in the past has created special programs for members but not the general public. Each Aquarium Adventure offers visitors a closer look at some of their favorite exhibits, such as the Splash Zone and the sea otters. Enrollment is limited to ensure an intimate experience for all participants. For registration and to find more information, visit www.montereybayaquarium.org or call the toll-free Aquarium Adventures reservation line at 866-963-9646.

Editors: Digital images and video b-roll are available from the Public Relations office. Aquarium Adventures Program Details Underwater Explorers Daily from June 18 through September 5 Time: 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. (90-minute program) Ages: 8 to 13 Fee: $59 for aquarium members; $79 for the general public plus aquarium admission Kids get a fish-eye view of marine life as they take the plunge in the Great Tide Pool for a surface SCUBA experience. The aquarium�s certified dive staff assist participants in the water and introduce them to the critters that live along the rocky shore. The small group size of 12 children and four instructors ensures a safe and educational adventure for everyone. Each child takes home a customized dive log to commemorate the day. No previous SCUBA experience is required, although you must have basic swimming skills. Science Under Sail Mondays, and Wednesdays through Saturdays from June 18 to September 5; weekends only from September 10 to October 30 Time: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Charters of 15 or more people are available each afternoon and twice on Sundays Times: 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.; Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Ages: 10 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult Fee: $49 per member youth (ages 10-17); $59 per member adult; $59 per general public youth (ages 10-17); $69 per general public adult Sail out to sea for a day of science on Monterey Bay. In this exclusive program, you�ll go aboard the Derek M Baylis, a 65-foot sailboat designed for ocean research. We keep the group size small (24 people maximum) so everyone has an opportunity to participate in the science activities. All of this takes place on the waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, one of the largest and richest marine protected areas in the United States. You�ll enjoy a rare and enchanting view of the Monterey Peninsula shoreline and the waters of the bay. Morning Rounds Sundays: May 1, 8, 15, 29; June 12, 19, 26; July 10, 17, 24; August 14, 21, 28 Time: 8:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Ages: 8 to adult; under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult Fee: $45 per person for aquarium members; $65 per person for the general public, plus aquarium admission Join aquarium staff for a rare opportunity to interact with exhibit animals as an aquarist would. The morning includes a private viewing of the 8:30 a.m. sea otter feeding and training session. Then you�ll go behind the scenes on �morning rounds� to see where food is prepared for the animals. Everyone who takes part will have a chance to feed some of the animals in our Discovery Lab classrooms. Fishing for History: A Cannery Row Walking Tour May 7, 14, 21, 28; June 4, 11, 17, 18, 19 July 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 August 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Ages: 10 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult Fee: $16 per person for aquarium members; $20 per person for the general public plus aquarium admission Past and present meet on a journey from the days of Monterey�s native Rumsien/Ohlone people through the boom times that made Monterey the �Sardine Capital of the World.� Along the way your host will share stories of those who contributed to the rich culture of Cannery Row. The guided tour starts with the historic cannery exhibits at the aquarium, then leads you on a gentle walk along Cannery Row to the Maritime Museum at Fisherman�s Wharf. The program is co-sponsored by the Maritime Museum of Monterey. Super Sea Sleuths Saturdays: July 16, 23, 30; August 6, 13, 20 Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Ages: Families with children ages 3 to 9 years. Fee: $10 per person for aquarium members; $12 per person for the general public, plus aquarium admission. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. The aquarium has a mystery to solve in Splash Zone � is your family up to the challenge? Work together as a family of detectives to gather clues, play games and explore the lively and colorful Splash Zone before it opens to the public. This hour-long program is geared for families with children ages 3 to 9. Family Camp-ins (Aquarium members and their guests only) Sunday, July 3 to Monday, July 4; and Friday, August 5 to Saturday, August 6 Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Ages: 6 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by paying adult Fee: $50 per person Family camp-ins are a special way to enjoy the aquarium after hours and then sleep next to your favorite exhibit. Aquarium staff will offer activities throughout the evening, or you can simply explore the aquarium on your own. The evening concludes with a bedtime snack. In the morning, you�ll wake up with the fishes and enjoy a continental breakfast in the Portola Cafe.

Press Contact: Ken Peterson PH: +1 831-648-4922 kpeterson@mbayaq.org