Visit one of Barcelona’s most popular attractions, the Aquarium, and walk through its impressive underwater tunnel! Discover and experience the underwater world of the Mediterranean Sea, the colorful tropical seas, and walk among sharks. This and much more can be seen at the Aquarium of Barcelona. Highly recommended for nature lovers and for a family outing.
What to See and Do at Aquarium Barcelona
Opened in 1995, the Aquarium of Barcelona is the world’s most important Mediterranean sea aquarium and educational center: 65 tanks, 11,000 fish, and 450 different species of fish, an 80-meter-long underwater tunnel, and 6 million liters of water make the Aquarium a unique attraction that attracts thousands of visitors daily.
Sea Aquarium
The route in the Aquarium runs along 21 tanks that show the wonders of the different fish species of the Mediterranean Sea.
At the Oceanarium, the highlight of your visit, you walk in an 80-meter-long underwater tunnel among various fish species such as sea bream and sunfish, and (watch out) two types of sharks, the sand tiger shark and the sandbar shark!
Afterward, you enter the colorful tropical seas, which with 7 tanks show you the most characteristic fish species of these seas.
In the thematic aquariums, you will learn more about seahorses, marine invertebrates, and tropical corals.
On the second floor, after visiting the large aquariums and the spectacular Oceanarium, the visit continues.
At Planeta Aqua, you discover all kinds of creatures that have adapted to the most diverse conditions of the aquatic environment: freezing cold, the darkness of the deep, or the warm tropical waters.
Children will enjoy the always cheerful penguins and can observe some exotic animals such as piranhas, tropical turtles, and iguanas. They also learn how some oceanographic instruments work and see the inside of a submarine.
Extra fun for kids is the Explora section, where they can be hands-on. With no less than 50 different interactive activities, children can discover three different natural areas of the Mediterranean Sea: the marshes of the Delta de l’Ebre, a piece of the Costa Brava, and an underwater cave of the Medas Islands.
Children’s Program
The fact that the Aquarium of Barcelona is a very kid-friendly place is not only due to the interactive activities in the sea aquarium itself but also to the diverse program of activities they have for families. If you live in Barcelona, it is advisable to keep an eye on the program for fun events and workshops to go to with the children.
For example, every first Friday and third Saturday of the month, a sleepover for children between 8-12 years old is organized, where they can sleep in the tunnel of the Oceanarium among the sharks. Guaranteed to be a special experience for the little adventurer!
Souvenir Shop
Of course, there is also a souvenir shop in the Aquarium next to a large café and other facilities. In the souvenir shop, you can buy all kinds of stuffed animals, books about fish, clothing, and various related products as a souvenir.
Souvenir Photo
As a souvenir of your visit to the Aquarium of Barcelona, you can have your picture taken with the whole family. You can view the photos at the end of your visit and if you are interested, you can purchase them. You then receive a print of the photo and a personal code for a website where you can download the original photo.
In the Aquarium, you will also find all the facilities that every family with small children needs, such as a changing room with a baby changing table and a children’s menu in the restaurant. There are also various places where children can play and explore.
Swimming with Sharks
Did you know that for an amount (€300), you can even dive with the sharks? Note: for this, you must have a diving certificate and you must book in advance.
Aquarium Barcelona Tickets
Due to the popularity of the Aquarium, it is advisable to buy your tickets in advance. This way, you avoid the long queues and even enjoy extra discounts on your tickets. Tickets are available from €25 per person. Children under 3 years old have free access, between 3-4 years old pay €9, and between 5-10 years old €16.
How to Get to Aquarium Barcelona
The Aquarium of Barcelona is located at the end of the Ramblas, at the Moll d’Espanya, next to the Maremagnum shopping center.
If you come by metro, go to Drassanes (L3) and walk towards the Columbus Monument, cross the wooden bridge on the Rambla de Mar that takes you to the Maremagnum shopping center, and turn left to get to the Aquarium.
Another (shorter) option is to go via La Barceloneta (L4), via Plaça de l’Ictineo.
Useful information
Price: from €25.
Opening Hours: Daily from November to March from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm (during Christmas until 8:30 pm). In April, May, and October from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. In June and September from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. In July and August from 10:00 am to 9:30 pm.
For an overview of all opening hours, click here.
Address: Moll d’Espanya del Port Vell, s/n 08039 Barcelona
Public Transportation:
Metro: Drassanes (L3), Barceloneta (L4)
Bus: 45, 47, N8, N28, V15, V17
Train: Estació de França (R2S)
