Skip the Line: California Academy of Sciences Behind-the-Scenes Tour
San Francisco, United States of America
Skip the line and go behind-the-scenes at San Francisco’s California Academy of Sciences – the only place on Earth with an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum and 4-story rainforest all under one (living) roof! On this small-group insider tour, enjoy an intimate look at either the academy’s research focus or animal life. Choose the Academy Tour to explore a lab, see the collection of rare gems and learn about the museum's history and scientists. Choose the Aquarium Tour to see and learn how the animals are cared for that live in the building. Both options include a reserved ticket to Morrison Planetarium and express entry to Rainforests of the World.
No matter which behind-the-scenes tour you choose, you’ll dive deep into the California Academy of Sciences, learning about its commitment to science, research, education and conservation, both inside the exhibits and around the world.
Academy Tour On this insider-access tour, explore the ‘world’s greenest museum’ from a science and research perspective. With your museum guide, learn about the institution's 159-year history and how its scientists are tackling critical questions about life on Earth. Visit the research collections and a working laboratory, get closer to the living roof, and see breathtaking geology specimens in the vault.
Aquarium Tour With this option, learn about the history of Steinhart Aquarium and how biologists care for the 38,000 animals – including butterflies, fish, penguins and even an albino alligator – that live in the building. Visit the food-prep kitchen and see the complex water filtration system.
Both options include general admission to the museum, so you can visit all of the exhibits at your leisure before or after your tour. You’ll also receive a reserved seat at Morrison Planetarium and express entrance to Rainforests of the World, a 4-story rainforest exhibit that takes you through many of the planet’s eco-systems.
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!!
Review by: Glyn Y, March 2015
A good tour, nice to see the back operations of the Academy aquarium, and the lanyard allows for fasttrack into some of the exhibition areas and a discount at the café.
Review by: fairchild119, January 2015
I wish I had more time to spend at the California academy of sciences. The tour was great. Our tour guide was really friendly and knowledgeable.
Review by: Alan S, August 2014
The Academy behind the scenes was a disappointment. It was very brief and limited in what you were shown. The Academy though was 5 stars and would recommend any person who visited San Francisco to make this the number one attraction they go to.
Review by: Brian B, June 2014
A hidden gem. A great museum and experience
Review by: xtrawld, January 2014
The tour itself was fabulous, however somehow I was not signed up for the tour and had to rebook in person when I got there. The staff at the Academy were able to overcome this problem.
Review by: pamela g, August 2013
Would recommend this touw to all who go to the museums in the San Francisco area. They tell you so much information behind the scenes and you are up close and personal with the workings of the museum.
Review by: Geary T, August 2013
Outstanding adventure.. now addicted to segway tours. tour guide was the best
Review by: Judith B, July 2013
We have been to the Academy before but the "behind scene tour" made it very special. Our grandson and his friend (both 14) voted it the best thing we did.
Review by: Anthony C, July 2013
Not much to comment here as we just collected the tickets and had a great time .
Review by: Karen T, July 2013
This was great. We really enjoyed the Academy, the skip the lines function, the tour, and the planetarium
Review by: Thi Ngoc Thuy L, June 2013
It was amazing tour which we learnt a lot of interesting things
Review by: joan B, January 2013
Not worth the extra cost unless you like looking at pipes and pictures of what the old pipes looked like, or pictures of what the old museum looked like. Disappointing.
Review by: Heather T, November 2012
This is a great way to have plenty of time at the California academy of Sciences and learn all kinds of things you wouldn't have otherwise. Highly recommended.
Review by: peter j, July 2012
the behind scenes tour was a little too technical.but the overall was excellent
Review by: LINDA H, May 2012
QUITE DISAPPOINTED IN THE "BEHIND THE SCENES PLATINUM TOUR". TOOK WAY TOO LONG, AND JUST A LOT OF TALK I WAS NOT MUCH INTERESTED IN. DID LIKE THE GEM EXHIBIT, AND THE REAL SCIENTISTS WORKING ON THEIR STUFF. THERE WERE NO LINES, SO THE "SKIP TO THE FRONT" WAS A MUTE ISSUE. WHEN WE FINALLY FINISHED THE TOUR WE ONLY HAD A LITTLE OVER 2 HOURS TO DO THE ENTIRE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES BUILDING.
Review by: LINDA H, March 2012
QUITE DISAPPOINTED IN THE "BEHIND THE SCENES PLATINUM TOUR". TOOK WAY TOO LONG, AND JUST A LOT OF TALK I WAS NOT MUCH INTERESTED IN. DID LIKE THE GEM EXHIBIT, AND THE REAL SCIENTISTS WORKING ON THEIR STUFF. THERE WERE NO LINES, SO THE "SKIP TO THE FRONT" WAS A MUTE ISSUE. WHEN WE FINALLY FINISHED THE TOUR WE ONLY HAD A LITTLE OVER 2 HOURS TO DO THE ENTIRE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES BUILDING.
Review by: AndreP, December 2011
A platinum tour with royal treatment. Great staff, facilities and extremely child friendly. The behind the scenes part of the tour was absolutely amazing. Everyone must see the academy of science at least once in their lives!
Review by: Beverly F, September 2011
Enjoyed the tour from start to finish. Going behind the scenes was a learning experience and respect for the important work being done every day at the CA Academy of Sciences. Our guide was well-informed and attentive. I would highly recommend this tour. The Planetarium Show included with the tour is outstanding.
Review by: Deborah H, August 2011
This is a great experience. We accidentally went on free admissions day and when we got there the line was incredible. It was fabulous to be able to go on the tour (just 2 of us) behind the scenes and to go to the front of lines. Highly recommended.
Review by: Barbara N, July 2011
Very interesting
Review by: Keith D L, June 2011
Another great day out on our holiday.You need a whole day for this one.Platinum tour was worth doing.
Review by: Barbara N, May 2011
Very interesting
Review by: Frank N, February 2011
Staff at the entrance to the Academy did not know_br/_
how to process the Viator voucher I had. Eventually a supervisor was found who knew the process. Not a big deal since we were there well before our tour time. Wife and I enjoyed the tour.
Review by: Christine N, August 2010
We had a wonderful day and not losing time waiting in lines with the skip the line pass was worth every cent as we were able to see EVERYTHING.
Review by: Christine N, July 2010
We had a wonderful day and not losing time waiting in lines with the skip the line pass was worth every cent as we were able to see EVERYTHING.
Review by: Marcus N, July 2010
After this tour, I don't know if I can ever go back to waiting in line again. Very knowledgable staff.
Review by: Cathy B, United States of America, June 2010
I was very pleased with the tour and would highly recommend it to others. Our tour guide Scott was amazing and was full of wonderful information. He made the experience well worth the price of admission!
Review by: Mark W, United States of America, December 2009
The California Academy of Science was wonderful. Skipping the lines and having a tour was incredible. We saw tons of people taking the 10am tour when we got there, but we had signed up for the 1pm tour. There were only four of us on the tour, so it was like have a guide all to ourselves. It made the experience completely unforgettable. Also, with the platinum pass, we received exceptional customer service, escorts to various attractions and no waiting in lines!
Review by: Anonymous, United States of America, November 2009
Our guide was supurb, but I think I would have liked some more "personal" details. We learned a lot about the filtering system, etc, but would have liked to know more about the people and many other little, behind the scenes, things.
Review by: Daniel H, United States of America, August 2009
This was absolutely amazing! We got to skip all ticket lines, including the ones for the entrance, rainforest, planetarium and 3D Show. With our VIP badges and access to staff-only areas, we felt really important running around the Academy. I would recommend this to people of all ages!