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L’Aquàrium de Barcelona

General Information

L’Aquàrium de Barcelona (Aquarium Barcelona) is one of the main tourist attractions in Barcelona. It is situated in Port Vell which is a famous entertainment center in the city that offers tourist attractions such as the Maremagnum Shopping Center and the IMAX Port Vell.

It is the world’s largest Mediterranean aquarium. Since its opening day, on September 8th 1995, Aquarium of Barcelona has been visited by more than 14 million people. It is recommended especially for families with children (for additional information – Kids and Families in Aquarium Barcelona), but it would be a great experience for anyone who finds the wonderful creatures of the underwater world interesting.

What do you see in Aquarium Barcelona?

L’Aquàrium de Barcelona will keep the visitors entertained throughout the whole visit, due to amazing exhibitions and exciting activities. Moreover, the aquarium is also famous for its research activities and educational programs offered mainly for children.

The Aquariums

There can be visited 35 aquariums and 11.000 animals from 450 species, representing both the Mediterranean and the tropical marine biome. The aquarium has two main parts: the Mediterranean and the tropical areas.

  • The Mediterranean section – this part contains 14 large aquariums which represent different Mediterranean Sea creatures such as morays, octopuses, dogfishes, corals, etc.
  • The tropical section – the 7 large tropical tanks exhibit the biome of the Caribbean, the Red Sea and the water near Hawaii.

Besides these 21 large aquariums, there are several themed tanks which give visitors detailed information about the maritime creatures.

Oceanarium

The famous Oceanarium is a large tank which provides habitat for a wide range of large Mediterranean fishes, for instance rays and sand-tiger sharks. Visitors can walk through an 80-meter-long transparent underwater tunnel, which is unique in Europe. Passing through this tunnel gives the feeling of literally being underwater, and through the glass walls it is possible to watch the aquatic animals in their natural environment. At the end of the tunnel there is an underwater playground established especially for small children.

Planeta Aqua

This is an exposition of creatures that have adapted themselves to their extreme habitat, for example cold arctic oceans, warm tropical seas or dark deep sea areas.

Diving with sharks

Beside the observation of the maritime life the aquarium offers also a great opportunity for swimming together with the most wonderful and dangerous monsters of the Mediterranean water, namely the sand tiger sharks. It is an interesting question how to dive next to these creatures without being attacked by them. The official explanation is that sharks do not really like the taste of the human flesh. Nonetheless, some of the locals say that the animals do not attack people because they are drugged. If you know any other better reason please let us know. L’Aquarium de Barcelona

In addition to these special attractions, in Aquarium of Barcelona you can admire an exhibition on shells, sleep together with sharks and participate at different games. Moreover, there are many organized informative programs for children. You need to know that Barcelona Zoo (Zoo de Barcelona) is also very popular with kids. There can be visited animals from many different species. At the same time, the aquarium has a great advantage against the zoo because it offers a very detailed image about the Mediterranean underwater world.

All in all, L’Aquárium de Barcelona offers a great opportunity to admire the diversity of the Mediterranean maritime world. It is similar to the underwater observatory in Eilat. But you need to be aware that it is not cheap, but it is worth a visit, mainly for those who visit Barcelona with children.

Tips and Recommendations for Visiting Aquarium Barcelona




 

  • The different activities offered by the aquarium such as diving or sleeping with sharks are not included in the price, for these activities you need to pay separately.
  • If you would like to be guided, you need to buy the Premium Pass service of the aquarium which is a bit more expensive, but it is more advantageous for larger groups (between 4 and 12 persons).
  • You can combine your visit with an enjoyable shopping in the nearby Maremagnum Shopping Center (for additional information – Shopping in Barcelona) or with a walk on the La Rambla pedestrian street where you can check out the Mirador de Colom (Columbus Monument). You can also visit the IMAX Port Vell and to take a cable car to Montjuic.
  • Though there is a parking lot near the aquarium we recommend not to arrive to the site by a car. Same recommendation goes for all the sites located in the city center (for additional information – Car Rental in Barcelona and Car Rental in Spain) due to the fact that getting there by public transportation is much more convenient. There are a lot of buses and metro lines which make the aquarium accessible from different parts of Barcelona.
  • The place is accessible for people with disabilities, and they are also entitled for a discount (for additional information – Accessibility in Aquarium Barcelona and Accessibility in Barcelona).

Tips for Entering Aquarium Barcelona:

  • When planning a visit, there are few things to take in account. Firstly, an aquarium tour can be a suitable program for those who have a little free time. The tour’s length is around 2 hours, and therefore if you have a whole free day, it is recommended to combine the aquarium tour with other programs.
  • Secondly, do not forget about Planeta Aqua. This breathtaking exhibition is situated on the second floor, in a less noticeable part of the aquarium. Due to its relatively hidden place, a lot of tourists leave the site without seeing it. 

Tips for Kids & Families in Aquarium Barcelona:

  • The main target group of the aquarium are children (for additional information – Kids and Families in Aquarium Barcelona and Kids and Families in Barcelona), therefore, the exhibitions and programs are organized in such way that they can arise and maintain the kid’s interest and attention. With that said, the site is recommended for anyone who is keen on the maritime world.
  • On the website of the aquarium you can find a lot of useful and interesting information about the underwater animals and their environment. It is advisable to read a bit prior the visit.
  • Free Wi-Fi is available in the site. 
  • If you would like to see the feeding of the different animals, plan your visit for the following appointments: sharks – Tuesday and Friday at 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm, penguins – everyday between 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm, rays – every day except Sunday at 2:00 pm, eagle rays and morays – Monday to Friday at 12:45 pm.

Tips for Discounts to Aquarium Barcelona:

  • It is cheaper to buy the tickets online in advance, rather than buying them at the site. It is good to know that there are discounts for children who are younger than 10 years and for disabled people. Small kids (under 3 years) can enter for free. Furthermore, you can buy a Family or a Friends Pack which will also reduce the price per person.
  • Barcelona Card grants 20% discount to the Barcelona Aquarium.
  • Another way to get a discount is the L’Aquarium Pass which offers entry to the aquarium for a year, allowing you to skip the lines, grants discount on the different activities and in the site’s restaurant and shop. Moreover, if you buy the Pass online in advance, you do not need to pay any registration fee.
  • This landmark is included in the discounts list of Barcelona Card, Barcelona Card Express, Barcelona Pass and iVenture Card.

Tips for Restaurants near Aquarium Barcelona:

  • In Port Vell you may also find many restaurants, such as Pasta Bar, Havana Barcelona and Wok to Walk (for additional information – Bars and Restaurants in Barcelona).
  • While being in the maritime world mood, you might want to visit La Boqueria Market, Barcelona’s unique food market, there you can taste numerous fish dishes and other delicious seafood specialties.
  • If you get hungry during your visit you fine a daily menu at the restaurant of the aquarium. The shop offers different thematic souvenirs. The aquarium offers also a unique photographic service: you have the possibility to be photographed with your family inside the mouth of a shark. After that you can buy the picture at an extremely high price. Be advised! These facilities are not cheap, and it is recommended to buy the L’Aquarium Pass in order to be granted with a discount.

Tips for Hotels near Aquarium Barcelona:

Recommended Blogs and Articles About Aquarium Barcelona:

Useful Information

Getting there
directions_subway
Metro

L3 (green) – Drassanes station.
L4 (yellow) – Barceloneta station.

directions_bus
Bus

No. 14, 17, 19, 36, 38, 40, 45, 57, 59, 64, 91, 157.

Location

L’Aquàrium de Barcelona
Moll d’Espanya del Port Vell, s/n
08039 Barcelona
Spain

Opening Times

Monday-Friday:
10:00-19:30 (21:30 during summer)
Weekend:
10:00-20:00 (21:30 during summer)

Official Website

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