Need to rise up shut and private with a few of the world’s rarest marine creatures? On the greatest aquariums in Europe, you may admire tropical fish, come nose-to-nose with sharks, feed penguins, stroke stingrays, and far more.
Due to the wonderful aquariums of Europe, there’s no have to must jet off to the coral reefs of Australia or the Caribbean simply to come across a few of our most extraordinary ocean-dwelling cousins. In nearly each main European metropolis, you may discover huge aquariums that present houses to tens of 1000’s of vibrant sea animals.
On prime of tropical fish, Europe’s largest aquariums are sanctuaries for animals starting from rescued otters to playful penguins. You’ll be capable to get to know these animals by means of actions that embrace stay feeding periods, coaching demonstrations, workshops and even guided dives.
Listed below are 13 of the most important aquariums in Europe together with what you may besides to see and do at each. Irrespective of the place you propose to go in your subsequent European trip, you received’t be removed from an aquarium that’ll transport you into one other world.
The Largest Aquariums in Europe
From Oceanario de Lisboa in Portugal’s capital metropolis to SEA LIFE Scheveningen within the Netherlands, listed below are 13 of the most important and finest aquariums in Europe.
1. Oceanario de Lisboa (Portugal)
Dwelling to over 8,000 ocean-dwelling creatures, Oceanario de Lisboa is the most important indoor aquarium in Portugal. In addition to all kinds of our underwater cousins, Oceanario de Lisboa can also be a sanctuary for an array of birds, mammals and amphibians.
Whereas exploring this huge advanced, you’ll uncover 4 marine habitats that present a house to vibrant fish, eels, tunas, barracudas and ferocious sharks. And for round EUR 60 per individual, you may truly spend the night time on the aquarium to catch some z’s simply metres from the sharks.
2. SEA LIFE Hannover (Germany)
If you wish to rise up shut and private with a few of the most majestic sea creatures on the planet throughout your time in Germany, it’s best to discover the SEA LIFE Hannover aquarium.
Dwelling to over 40 separate swimming pools that double up as habitats for over 2,500 dazzling creatures, SEA LIFE Hannover is without doubt one of the greatest aquariums in Europe. Whereas exploring this underwater world, you’ll see creatures that hail from the Leine river in Germany to the shores of the Caribbean to the Amazon basin.
On prime of recognizing animals similar to turtles, sharks and vibrant fish, well-liked actions at SEA LIFE Hannover embrace diving, talks and workshops for the little ones. This aquarium is actually not one to overlook if you wish to benefit from a household journey to Germany.
3. L’Oceanografic (Spain)
Positioned within the east of Valenica, L’Oceanografic is not only one of many greatest aquariums in Europe – it’s additionally an enchanting oceanographic museum for guests of all ages, to not point out one of many largest dolphinariums on this planet.
Over 500 marine species name L’Oceanografic residence. A few of my favorite species embrace damselfish, longhorn cowfish, dreamfish and clownfish. Whereas strolling by means of the 35-metre underwater tunnel, you’ll be inches from creatures similar to seals, octopuses, bull rays and sharks.
4. SEA LIFE Oberhausen (Germany)
On prime of 45 swimming pools and aquariums crammed with sea creatures from the Rhine to the Caribbean, SEA LIFE Oberhausen boasts the most important shark breeding tank in Germany.
You’ll be able to observe over 5,000 animals in recreated pure habitats at this big aquarium. Stingrays, piranhas, jellyfish and seahorses are simply a few of the species you’ll encounter. You’ll even have the prospect to face inside a number of ft of majestic turtles.
For me, the spotlight of SEA LIFE Oberhausen is the 148 sq. metre water basin that’s crammed with younger cat sharks, black tip reef sharks, and a plethora of sea creatures. You may also discover out what child sharks eat by attending the day by day feedings.
5. Nausicaá – Centre nationwide de la Mer (France)
Over 58,000 animals stay on the Nausicaá aquarium in Boulogne-Sur-Mer, making it greater than deserving of a place on our checklist of the most important aquariums in Europe.
Nausicaá has 4 trails for guests to observe, each having its personal distinct theme and vary of fish species to go together with it. On prime of a greater diversity of fish species than I knew existed, this unbelievable aquarium is residence to an array of superior sharks – leopards, hammerheads, nurse, horn and sandbar sharks, to call a number of.
Considered one of Nausicaá’s tanks encompasses a window that measures 5 by 20 metres, providing a close-up view of a few of the world’s rarest deep-sea creatures. You’ll be able to expertise these creatures swimming round and above you whereas strolling by means of the 18-metre glass tunnel.
To benefit from your go to, you may need to watch a stay feeding or a sea lion coaching session. There’s additionally a touching tank that offers the children the prospect to pet a few of our tamer ocean-dwelling cousins.
6. SEA LIFE Timmendorfer Strand (Germany)
At SEA LIFE Timmendorfer Strand, you may admire over 2,500 lovely sea-bearing and land-based animals in 12 exhibition areas.
Whereas exploring this aquarium, you’ll meet fish species from the neighbouring Baltic Sea all the best way to the tropics. After all, I really like all animals equally, however the encounter with the small-clawed otters Bonnie and Clyde was significantly heart-melting.
For sheer awe, you may stroll by means of an underwater tunnel to get eerily near blacktip reef sharks. There’s additionally a touching basin that gives you a hands-on assembly with crabs, anemones and starfish.
If in case you have the center, you come face-to-face with majestic boa constrictors within the Rainforest Journey space. You may also stick your head right into a 360-degree glass dome contained in the piranha basin.
7. Aquàrium Barcelona (Spain)
One other one of many greatest aquariums in Spain is the Aquàrium Barcelona, residence to round 11,000 animals throughout over 450 species.
The aquarium is separated right into a whopping 35 sections, a few of the highlights being the Ozeaneum, Theme Aquariums and Tropical Aquariums. The Mediterranean Aquariums are particularly well-liked, the place you may observe sandbar sharks and tiger sharks swimming alongside bullet tuna, leerfish and guitarfish.
One of the spectacular options of Aquàrium Barcelona is the glass tunnel that permits you to stroll straight by means of a various underwater world – the tunnel is 80 metres lengthy! In case you’re feeling courageous, you may even dive with sharks at this well-known aquarium in Europe (you’ll have to guide upfront).
8. SEA LIFE Benalmadena (Spain)
Positioned proper subsequent to the Mediterranean, SEA LIFE Benalmadena provides you the prospect to fulfill 1000’s of sea creatures from the neighbouring ocean – plus 1000’s extra from a lot, a lot additional adrift.
Simply a few of the animals that reside at SEA LIFE Benalmadena embrace clownfish, seahorses and jellyfish. There’s additionally a 180-degree submarine tunnel that permits you to get near inexperienced turtles and sharks.
If you wish to see a myriad of floating colors, take a look at the varied array of tropical fish within the Amazonia freshwater zone. For insights into underwater species from nearer to residence, browse the Mediterranean space.
In addition to watching stay feeding periods, well-liked actions at SEA LIFE Benalmadena embrace touching creatures similar to hermit crabs and starfish within the rockpool. That is positively one of many greatest and finest aquariums in Europe for household adventures.
9. Nationwide Aquarium Denmark
The Nationwide Aquarium Denmark, often known as the Den Blå Planet (Blue Planet), is thought to be the most important aquarium in Northern Europe.
In 53 separate exhibit tanks, you’ll catch sight of over 20,000 particular person fish belonging to round 450 species. Among the hottest themed sections embrace the African Greak Lakes, the Heat Ocean and the Rainforest. You’ll discover a variety of Danish fish species, a seabird cliff and a touching pond within the Chilly Water part.
My favorite part must be Evolution and Adaptation, the place you may spot uncommon species like mudskippers, archerfish and four-eyed fish in a mangrove aquarium. There are additionally aquaria with primitive species in addition to some significantly mean-looking alligator snapping turtles.
Curiously, the Nationwide Aquarium Denmark can also be an architectural landmark of the Kastrup suburb of Copenhagen – its design resembles a whirlpool when seen from above.
10. SEA LIFE Blankenberge (Belgium)
SEA LIFE Blankenberge has been one of the well-liked vacationer points of interest in Blankenberge and largest aquariums in Europe since opening its doorways in 1995. On prime of being a formidable aquarium, SEA LIFE Blankenberge is a marine wildlife breeding sanctuary, the place you may meet over 5,000 lovely fish and animal species.
As you make your approach by means of this long-established marine attraction, you’ll see a various array of creatures in big tanks that replicate their pure habitats. Along with ocean-dwelling animals, you may meet pleasant penguins and rescued otters. There are additionally over 400 seals residing right here which were rescued and nursed again to well being.
Throughout your go to, you may study in regards to the aquarium’s ongoing breeding programmes for rays, sharks, seahorses and king crabs. In case you’re visiting Belgium with the children, SEA LIFE Blankenberge will not be one to overlook!
11. Aquarium of Genoa (Italy)
Unfold throughout 27,000 sq. metres, the Aquarium of Genoa gives an underwater sanctuary to over 12,000 animals from over 600 species. Right here, you’ll meet marine creatures from all corners of the globe, from the Americas to Antarctica.
There are over 70 tanks and exhibition areas on the Aquarium of Genoa, residence to fishes, birds, marine mammals, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates. A few of my favorite animals embrace sea cows, dolphins, seals and penguins. You may also get near ferocious predators at Shark Bay.
One of many aquariums cool further touches is its everlasting digital actuality set up, Abyss Corridor, which takes you on a journey to the depths of the ocean. It’s value shopping for your tickets forward of time – it’s possible you’ll be turned down on the door if the place is already too packed.
12. SEA LIFE Paris (France)
If you wish to admire a few of the most lovely ocean-dwelling creatures on this planet whereas staying within the French Capital, it’s good to head over to SEA LIFE Paris, the place you may get nearer than ever earlier than to greater than 2,250 animals.
The aquarium’s tanks are residence to tropical fish, sharks, seahorses and inexperienced turtles. You’ll even have the prospect to come across cute penguins. The free SEASCAN app means that you can study in regards to the aquarium’s inhabitants as you discover.
13. SEA LIFE Scheveningen (Netherlands)
Planning a visit to The Hague with the household? You may need to uncover the great world of ocean-dwelling creatures at SEA LIFE Scheveningen when you’re right here.
As you make your approach by means of this aquarium, you’ll see an abundance of marine life in 15 themed zones. Every zone recreates a unique habitat, which vary from Dutch rivers to the Antarctic.
You’ll have the prospect to come back nose-to-nose with animals similar to rays, sharks, seahorses and a whole lot of tropical fish species. You’ll additionally be capable to meet a bunch of penguins and the playful otter named Max, the star of the present.
What are your favorite aquariums in Europe?
You don’t have to journey to the coral reefs of the Caribbean to fulfill tropical fish due to Europe’s greatest aquariums, the place you may admire uncommon marine creatures, contact rays and starfish, feed penguins, watch animal demonstrations, and a lot extra.
Have I missed any of the most important aquariums in Europe that my readers and I ought to find out about? What are your favorite highlights on the aquariums detailed above? Let me know within the feedback beneath.
Fast checklist of the most important aquariums in Europe
- Oceanario de Lisboa (Portugal)
- SEA LIFE Hannover (Germany)
- L’Oceanografic (Spain)
- SEA LIFE Oberhausen (Germany)
- Nausicaá – Centre nationwide de la Mer (France)
- SEA LIFE Timmendorfer Strand (Germany)
- Aquàrium Barcelona (Spain)
- SEA LIFE Benalmadena (Spain)
- Nationwide Aquarium Denmark
- SEA LIFE Blankenberge (Belgium)
- Aquarium of Genoa (Italy)
- SEA LIFE Paris (France)
- SEA LIFE Scheveningen (Netherlands)
