Aquarium Barcelona

The Aquarium Barcelona (L’Aquàrium de Barcelona) is a large public aquarium at Port Vell in Barcelona, Spain, opened in 1995. It centers on a major Oceanarium and a long submerged viewing tunnel.

Exhibits are arranged by region and habitat and include Mediterranean displays as well as tropical reef and pelagic species. The Oceanarium contains the largest open water exhibit at the site and is the focus for sharks, rays, and large schooling fish; visitors can experience close views via a transparent underwater tunnel and large viewing panels.

Developed as part of the redevelopment of Barcelona’s waterfront for the 1992 Olympic period and opened a few years later, the aquarium expanded the city’s marine attractions and educational programs. It has since hosted conservation and outreach activities tied to Mediterranean and global marine environments.

Sited on the commercial waterfront at Port Vell, the facility sits within easy walking distance of Barcelona’s La Rambla and the Maremagnum complex.

• Opening and location: Located at Port Vell in Barcelona and opened to the public in 1995, it is designed around a large central Oceanarium with an underwater tunnel.
• Visiting tip: Best visited on weekday mornings to avoid peak crowding, and many visitors combine a visit with the nearby Port Vell waterfront and Maremagnum shopping area.

What to See #

• Oceanarium: The Oceanarium is the central tank and main attraction housing larger pelagic species including several shark species and large rays, with visitor walkways and underwater viewing.
• Underwater tunnel: The underwater tunnel provides a long acrylic passage allowing visitors to walk through a submerged gallery for close views of sharks, rays, and schooling fish.
• Exhibit galleries: Exhibit zones include Mediterranean tanks that display regional species and a series of tropical and subtropical galleries showcasing coral reef species and freshwater displays.