With thousands of different creatures including sharks, tropical fish, penguins and many more, the Barcelona Aquarium is the perfect place to learn more about the marine life in the surrounding Mediterranean. See what’s lurking off the Catalan coast, and find out more about the waters. Let your kids take part in the hands-on fun and games as you look around the cold water and deep-sea tanks.
The centrepiece of the aquarium is the vast Oceanarium. At an impressive 36 metres, this tank contains sharks, stingrays and tropical fish. You can even take a walk through an 80-metre-long tunnel which will take you underneath the tank, giving you the opportunity to see the creatures swimming all around you.
As you explore the aquarium you’ll find realistic-looking Mediterranean habitats that make up the other tanks, all of which have been crafted using state-of-the-art technology. Follow the marked-out route which will take you around the aquarium. Along the way, you’ll find helpful information signs that give information about the marine life contained in the tanks.
Head for the Planeta Aqua display to see the penguins and the stingrays. In the tropical enclosures, there are dazzling colours everywhere you look, thanks to the coral and exotic fish. Seven tanks around the aquarium are based on reefs all across the world, including Australia’s legendary Great Barrier Reef. Head for the Explora exhibit if you’re have children with you, as there are dozens of different interactive activities that they will love. Explore a replica submarine and look under a microscope to dissect the muddy contents!
Situated in the Port Vell neighbourhood on the city’s harbour, the Barcelona Aquarium charges you to enter. It’s a good idea to book ahead to benefit from the many special offers. If you buy before you turn up you’ll also be able to skip the queues.
The aquarium opens daily, but opening times vary during the year so consult the website before you visit. Just a short walk from Las Ramblas, you can also come by bus, tram or metro.
