Delight in the diversity and colours of majestic birds and exotic sea-dwellers at the Lisbon Oceanarium. This huge indoor aquarium with 8,000 inhabitants is one of Europe’s largest. It offers family-friendly fun while you learn about these intriguing ocean inhabitants.
As you approach, notice the striking aquarium design. The building hangs over the ocean surface, with its cement and glass exterior built like a ship. Visit at night for a spectacular photo of the reflective surfaces illuminated by spotlights.
The sleekness of this exterior extends into the interior design. Enclosures are spread over two levels, with fish and invertebrates found on the underwater level, and land-based marine life found on the surface level. Explore the enclosures, divided by transparent acrylic walls, and observe the behaviour of various animal species in convincing habitats from around the world.
Start from the underwater level and venture upwards. Down below, a number of eccentric and unique marine species represent different environments from around the world’s oceans. In the Temperate Pacific area watch wolf eels, purple-striped jellyfish and the giant Pacific octopus wriggling and bobbing. Nearby, the Antarctic display features flamboyant sea dragons and other critters that call the ocean floor home.
Flamboyant hues and fluorescent scales are to be found amongst the coral, mangrove forests and bioluminescent fish of the Tropic Indian Ocean area. Spot sharks and rays hiding in the seagrass beds of the North Atlantic exhibit.
On the surface level, see the birds and mammals that patrol the Earth’s coasts. Amongst many land-based species spot displays of tiny fish that patrol the ocean’s shallower waters. Spend some time spotting over 100 species that share a living space in the Global Ocean. This huge aquarium is an impressive 7 metres (23 feet) deep.
Get to the Lisbon Oceanarium by bus or tram to the Esplanada Dom Carlos along the waterfront. The Oceanarium is open daily and charges admission for permanent and temporary exhibits.
