Word to the wise: book during work hours. Tell your boss you're sick or schedule some emergency dental work with a doctor who never keeps schedules, but going to the California Academy of Sciences for a Behind-the-Scenes Tour during work hours almost ensures that your tour group will be tiny, if not non-existent such as it was for me. Guided tours are awesome, but private guided tours are the best!
Review by: Linda L, January 2018
Our guide for the behind-the-scenes tour of the California Academy of Sciences was extraordinary and very passionate about her work and the research work being performed at the Academy.
Review by: gary s, November 2017
Lots of fun with kids
Review by: Carolyn A, October 2017
Were somewhat disappointed in this tour, we had skip the line tickets which we had to present to the special desk at the left of the building which was un attended, we were told basically tough join the ordinary queue which was very long, we then approached a Manager who told us there was no such thing as Skip the Line, that was a Company name and did not mean we could skip the line. When we did eventually gain access our ticket included a trip to the Rainforest Exhibit which was closed, so we paid for two things we did not get!
Review by: Jon C, October 2017
The aquarium tour was outstanding. We should have spent more than one day here!
Review by: Valerie T, September 2017
This is absolutely the way to go. Not only do you get a behind the scenes tour, but you also get to skip the line for several attractions inside as well as skipping the line to enter the facility. This is the only way to do the California Academy of Sciences!
Review by: Julie M, September 2017
An excellent behind the scenes tour. I thoroughly recommend it, the place is awesome. I'll definitely go back next time I'm n the city
Review by: cangeletti13, July 2017
Best tour ever got so much more from the behind the scenes aspect. So much more information, insight, and fun for the whole family.
Review by: Ngayan L, July 2017
I cannot say enough good things about the tour because it did allow us to enter places that most people weren't allowed to and we were shown things that were not commonly seen in public. It was interesting, informative, fun, and exciting. The pass for the tour also allowed us to get 10 off most everything in the museum including photos, food, and merchandise. Best yet, it allowed us to skip the line for the Rainforest and shows at the Planetarium. It was definitely worth the cost._br/_ The Academy itself is a lot of fun for both grown-ups and kids. The aquarium at the bottom level is most enchanting, and the butterfly garden in the Rainforest is mesmerizing. I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to take a break doing the usual touristy stuff in San Francisco.
Review by: wanda_wise, April 2017
My group was not sure where to pick up our passes out side the Academy larger sign might be helpful but once inside very helpful and great day was had by my family. We had been to the Academy of Sciences as children the changes greatly improved our visit. WE started the day at opening and left at closing the whole family enjoyed the day.
Review by: Deborah B, January 2017
We really enjoyed the behind the scenes tour. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and energetic. It was obvious that she enjoyed talking about her subject! We enjoyed seeing the living roof and hearing how the building is environmentally friendly. All in all, a most enjoyable time. While we did not have children with us, I believe it would be a great adventure for the entire family. It is very kid-friendly. The museum is definitely a recommendation we would make to others.
Review by: Joguar3, September 2016
The general public are is very well done and suitable for both adults and children. Plenty of interesting things to see and well laid out. There were several individuals giving presentations to children that captured their attention and mine too!. _br/_ And then there was the Behind the Scenes tour. That was the absolutely positively and actually awesome thing to do. You will see the green roof, the research area and where specimens from their research are stored. Actually saw a botanical specimen from Captain Cook's exploration! This portion of the tour I would not recommend for children.
Review by: Ivy Chan, April 2016
Skipping the lines really help to save time for us to visit the museum thoroughly. It is a great museum. The behind the scene tour was informative with a great tour guide. However, I expected more to see behind the aquarium, e.g. more real life sea animals to see but not only seeing jelly fishes, real life demonstration on how to prepare food for the animals, etc.
Review by: mst529, January 2016
I felt like a kid again! Getting to go behind the scenes was the way to go. You learn so much about what it actually takes to run this place. Hats off to all the employees that keep this place going from day to day! They are the real unsung heroes. My favorite for the day was the planetarium. Second, was the rain forest exhibit. It's definitely a must see if your visiting San Francisco.
Review by: Amberley P, November 2015
This was great value for money. No queuing and a very interesting and informative tour behind the scenes! The only way to do it with a Skip the line, behind the scenes tour ticket! Thank you
Review by: Karen B, September 2015
Enjoyed the day!! Was delayed from getting the appropriate tickets which required us waiting for approx. 15 minutes because our name was not on their list! Once that was cleared up they requested we wait to speak with a Manager. Were told this happens with Viator your system not communicating with theirs in a timely manner After another 15 minutes, when he arrived, he had no clue as to why they asked us to wait for him! A real time waste not only once but twice. He ended up being our tour guide and did an excellent job! The rest of the day was awesome!!
Review by: rickhelenlogan, July 2015
Very interesting and my son enjoyed it immensely.
Review by: Susan Diane W, June 2015
My family had a really not feeling time. Lots of interesting things to see and learn about. I liked the "jump the line" benefit which came in handy when the academy got busy with other tourists Or visitors. One thing that was a noted is the cafe does not sell bottled water.
Review by: Debbie, May 2015
Excellent!
Review by: James W, April 2015
The behind the scenes tour of the aquarium was interesting, informative, and delightful. The tour guide was full of information and the details included in the tour added to the overall experience. What really made the difference was the skip the line feature! We were whisked into the main attractions immediately by the skip the line feature easily savings us hours of waiting for an attraction. We visited on a very busy day, but even on slow days, this feature was worth every penny! BRAVO!!
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