Valencia Aquarium Oceanografic

The Oceanogràfic, in the City of Arts and Sciences, is a centre dedicated to the protection and study of our seas and oceans. Dive into the planet’s different marine ecosystems and let yourself be amazed by their flora and fauna. You’ll encounter more than 27,000 living creatures from 750 different species.

Get ready to walk, as it covers an area of 110,000 m² made up of several buildings that recreate a wide range of marine environments. The Arctic and Antarctic, South American islands, wetlands and marshlands, the Mediterranean, tropical seas and the Atlantic Ocean are all represented. You’ll need between three and four hours for the visit, or longer if you attend a dolphinarium show or book an additional experience. 

Book your ticket in advance to save time, or buy a combined ticket with other buildings in the City of Arts and Sciences. 

BUY YOUR TICKET HERE

Why visit the Oceanogràfic

✓ It is home to 750 different species of fish, as well as marine mammals and invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic birds, from seas, oceans, rivers and lakes

✓ With your visit, you learn about and contribute to marine conservation and the rescue and care of vulnerable species

✓ You can walk through the longest underwater tunnel in Europe, measuring 70 metres

✓ Its dolphinarium is one of the largest in the world, with daily shows lasting around one hour

What to see at the Oceanogràfic

Explore the different habitats at your own pace, stopping to admire the species that interest you most or catch your eye. Here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss.

✓ Atlantic Ocean

This is the largest aquarium at the Oceanogràfic (and one of the biggest in the world), with 7 million cubic metres of water. Dare to walk beneath sharks and hundreds of fish in its underwater tunnel.

✓ Dolphinarium

Also one of the largest in the world, this is where dolphin presentations take place several times a day. Check the schedule and make sure you arrive early to get a good seat.

✓ Mediterranean

It showcases part of the Mediterranean Sea’s biological richness through nine aquariums of different formats depending on the habitat represented, with nearly 7,400 specimens of fish and invertebrates.

✓ Wetlands

A spectacular 26-metre-high sphere recreates two of the planet’s most distinctive wetland environments: the American mangrove and the Mediterranean marshland.

✓ Temperate and tropical seas

This area invites you on a journey from the temperate regions of the Pacific and Atlantic to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean, through aquariums connected by a spectacular 70-metre-long underwater tunnel, the longest in Europe.

✓ Antarctic

A penguin colony takes centre stage in this recreation of a rocky cliff with nesting and breeding areas.

✓ Arctic

A large igloo-shaped dome houses the Arctic area. Inside, rocky cliffs and blocks of ice recreate the habitat of walruses and belugas, among the planet’s most distinctive marine mammals.

✓ Islands

Located outdoors, this area is inspired by islands along the South American coast, known for their large Patagonian sea lion colonies.

✓ Crocodile enclosure

A spacious outdoor area featuring a dedicated zone for crocodile nesting.

✓ Underwater restaurant 

If your visit has whetted your appetite but you don’t want to miss any of the action, head down to the underwater restaurant. The building, topped with a water-lily-shaped roof designed by Félix Candela, is spectacular. Even more impressive is dining surrounded by the hundreds of fish swimming through its aquarium. 

✓ Additional experiences

Complete your visit with an unforgettable experience, such as visiting the sea turtle recovery area or getting up close to marine biodiversity. There are also guided tours, backstage visits and 4D cinema screenings. You’ll need to add the experience you choose to your Oceanogràfic ticket.

How long does it take to visit the Oceanogràfic?

A visit to the Oceanogràfic requires at least three to four hours. If you also want to attend a dolphinarium show, you’ll need a bit more time. Several dolphin shows take place every day, each lasting around one hour.

What animals and species live at the Oceanogràfic?

The Oceanogràfic is home to 500 different species of all colours, sizes and shapes. Some come from the sea, others from rivers or lakes, and some have even been rescued. Here you can discover dazzling fish, impressive sharks, travelling turtles, magical jellyfish, curious birds and many more creatures.

✓ Fish

Highlights include colourful and curious species such as clownfish, blue tang, pufferfish and Napoleon fish; large or distinctive species like the hammerhead shark, bull shark, mosaic rays and sea bass; as well as rarities such as gurnard, wrasse, mullet and salema.

✓ Marine invertebrates

Luminescent jellyfish—fried egg, white-spotted, edible and mosaic varieties—along with Portuguese man o’ war, anemones, common octopus, lobster, mantis shrimp and giant crabs.

✓ Aquatic reptiles

Loggerhead, green, Mediterranean, Aldabra, hawksbill and Kemp’s ridley turtles; European, Florida and Spanish pond turtles; and the African slender-snouted crocodile.

✓ Marine mammals

Dolphins, seals, sea lions and belugas, including Plombir and Miranda, two rescued belugas.

✓ Aquatic birds

Penguins, as well as scarlet ibis, spoonbills, cormorants, herons, night herons, Hawaiian geese, shelducks, crested coots and glossy ibises.

✓ Amphibians

Common frog and Iberian ribbed newt.