Dive into the heart of Port Vell to discover the world's only aquarium dedicated to Mediterranean biodiversity. Walk through the Oceanarium tunnel beneath bull sharks and explore the immersive digital room on climate change.
Prices and conditions
From 30 €.
See the world's largest Mediterranean-themed aquarium.
From 35 €.
Visit the world's largest Mediterranean aquarium.
From 42 €.
Enter the marine world to see various aquatic species like sharks, rays, etc.
Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.4/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"As a parent, the visit was magical. Our 4-year-old son loved the 300 m² interactive screen right from the entrance, which immediately captured his attention. We then visited the Planeta Aqua for a gentle educational discovery. The staff was very welcoming."
"We enjoyed the 80-meter underwater tunnel without any wait thanks to our Flexi-Ticket. Seeing bull sharks swimming over our heads was an extraordinary experience. I would have liked more time in the Immersive Room, but it was very beautiful."
"The atmosphere at the Port Vell is superb after the visit. The main tank of the Oceanarium, with its 3.7 million liters of water, is truly impressive. I just regret that the Immersive Room can be a bit noisy at times, but the content on climate remains relevant and well-produced."
"Arriving at 9:00 AM, we avoided the crowds and were able to fully enjoy the transparent tunnel. The mola molas move slowly and are fascinating to observe. The 30 EUR fee is justified by the quality of the facilities and the impeccable cleanliness of the venue."
"The guided tour helped us understand Mediterranean biodiversity. I was particularly impressed by the moray eels hiding in the rocks. The Immersive Room offers a unique perspective on climate change, providing a strong and memorable visual experience for the whole family."
"We combined the visit with a walk along the waterfront of Port Vell, offering a magnificent view. The interactive floor screen is a real plus for children. We booked our ticket online to avoid the queue, which was very useful advice in this hot weather."
"A gem! The main central tank is immense and well-lit. I loved observing the bull sharks up close. Buying the Admission Ticket online saved us 40 minutes of waiting at the ticket counter. The restrooms and the on-site café are clean and well-maintained."
"The experience is comprehensive and relaxing. The Planeta Aqua section is very educational. I would have liked the Immersive Room to offer more observation time, but the whole thing remains coherent. The staff is efficient and the venue is well signposted, ideal for foreign tourists."
"We visited on a weekday to avoid the crowds. The 80-meter tunnel is a technical masterpiece. The 600 different species present are an inestimable wealth. We used the Flexi-Ticket to enter at the time that suited us, which was very flexible."
"The atmosphere is fairy-tale-like. The 360° projections in the Immersive Room on deep-sea ecosystems are stunning. The price might seem high, but the skip-the-line pass is a smart investment compared to the queues others face. A very pleasant surprise."
"We enjoyed the Port Vell before and after the visit. The Oceanarium, with its 3.7 million liters of water, is impressive. The kids loved the interactive screen at the entrance. The tour flows smoothly, is well organized, and the animals are visibly healthy."
"A fully immersive experience. The underwater tunnel made us feel like we were in the water with the fish. The guided tour added a valuable layer of information on conservation. It is Barcelona's flagship attraction and an absolute must-see."
Everything you need to plan your visit
PMR
Full access for people with reduced mobility with elevators and wide corridors.
Family
Ideal for families, with giant interactive screen and stroller-friendly route.
Audio guide
French, English, Spanish
Current conditions and forecast to plan your visit
The world leader in Mediterranean marine conservation
Visitors since opening
Animals housed
Different species
Water in the Oceanarium
L'Aquàrium de Barcelona is recognized as the most important center in the world dedicated to Mediterranean wildlife. Inaugurated in 1995 at Port Vell, it houses 11,000 animals representing 600 distinct species distributed across 80 aquariums. With over 40 million visitors, it ranks among the city's major attractions.
Since its opening in 1995, the aquarium has established itself as the fourth most visited attraction in Barcelona. The complex belongs to the Aspro Parks group and has welcomed tens of millions of curious visitors coming to discover the sea. In 2025, to celebrate its 30th anniversary, the site is launching a major renovation focused on sustainability and digitization.
This modernization includes the integration of a giant interactive screen of 300 m² in the entrance hall. This technological installation projects animated images related to the marine environment, offering a dynamic introduction to the visit. It reinforces the educational mission of the center while enhancing the visual experience for visitors upon arrival.
The renovation also aims to optimize the route for better accessibility and increased awareness of ecological issues. New educational proposals allow scientific knowledge to be disseminated in a more engaging way. The goal is to maintain its position as a global leader in the representation of Mediterranean biodiversity.
The highlight remains L'Océanarium, a colossal basin with a diameter of 36 meters and a depth of 5 meters. It contains 3.7 million liters of saltwater and is crossed by a transparent tunnel of 80 meters. Here, visitors can observe bull sharks, grey sharks, rays, and moonfish swimming above their heads, offering total immersion in deep marine life.
Beyond the tunnel, the park offers 80 distinct aquariums dedicated to various ecosystems. The Mediterranean section highlights local species such as moray eels, gilthead bream, and colorful corals. The tropical zones offer a vibrant contrast with brightly colored fish, illustrating the richness of global marine fauna.
The new Immersive Room "Journey into the Depths" complements this offer with 360° projections. This space recreates ocean floors through animated images and immersive ambient sounds. It specifically addresses the effects of climate change on the seas, serving as a powerful pedagogical tool for environmental awareness.
The aquarium is designed to be accessible to families, with spaces adapted for strollers and clear pathways. Planeta Aqua constitutes a key educational section where children discover marine life cycles, notably in the replica of the sperm whale. Explanatory panels detail the behaviors of the 600 species present, encouraging attentive observation and scientific curiosity.
The 300 m² floor screen particularly attracts young visitors right at the entrance. It serves as a playful transition before diving into the physical tanks. This digital approach helps capture attention and anchor biological concepts before the direct encounter with live animals in the aquariums.
The visit generally lasts between one and a half and two hours, allowing you to miss nothing. Practical tips include wearing comfortable shoes to navigate the different levels. It is recommended to arrive at opening time to enjoy a less crowded Oceanarium and better photographic conditions.
Total immersion in the Mediterranean
Insider tips
Prioritize the early morning hours, ideally between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM. You will benefit from a less crowded Oceanarium, allowing clear photos in the tunnel without obstruction. School groups usually arrive after 10:30 AM, making this slot ideal for a calm visit.
Always disable your camera's flash, especially near sharks and sensitive fish. Flash can stress animals and disrupt their natural behavior. Instead, use the tunnel's ambient lighting, which is sufficient to capture beautiful images of moray eels and sea bream.
Use the 300 m² interactive screen upon entry to capture children's attention before the visit. This playful tool presents the species they will encounter, turning the visit into an educational treasure hunt. This keeps their interest awake throughout the thematic route.
Combine the visit with a walk along the adjacent waterfront after exiting. Port Vell offers magnificent views of the Barcelona skyline and a pleasant setting to digest. You can also explore the Maremagnum shops located just steps from the main entrance.
Check if there are passes including other attractions from the Aspro Parks group. These packages can offer significant savings if you plan to visit several cultural or natural sites during your stay. Always verify ticket validity on the official website before purchasing.
Devote at least twenty minutes to the 360° experience on climate change. Often overlooked by hurried tourists, this room offers a crucial educational perspective on human impact on oceans. The immersive projections make the environmental message tangible and memorable for all ages.
The route involves a lot of walking between the different levels and themed aquariums. Plan for light, comfortable shoes to avoid fatigue, especially if you are accompanied by children. The floor can sometimes be slippery near the tanks, so avoid high heels or smooth soles.
Take the time to read the explanatory signs about the 600 species present. Each aquarium has specific information on the animals' diet and behavior. This approach greatly enriches the experience and turns simple observation into a fascinating biology lesson.
Choose your tickets online and check their conditions before booking.
Book my ticketsLittle-known anecdotes
Since its inauguration in 1995, the Barcelona Aquarium has welcomed over 40 million visitors. This massive attendance earns it the title of the city's fourth most visited attraction, behind only the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the FC Barcelona Museum.
The large central tank, called The Oceanarium, contains approximately 3.7 million liters of saltwater. This colossal volume maintains a stable ecosystem for large species like bull sharks and rays, offering visitors a spectacular visual experience.
The transparent tunnel measures over 80 meters in length. It allows visitors to literally walk beneath sharks and other fish, creating a sensation of total immersion in the heart of the Oceanarium.
The entrance hall now houses a 300 m² floor screen, considered one of the largest in Europe. Installed during recent renovations, this digital tool projects animated images related to the marine environment, serving as an immersive starting point even before entering the tanks.
The complex houses approximately 11,000 animals distributed across 80 distinct aquariums. This immense collection primarily covers the Mediterranean, offering exceptional biological diversity that justifies its worldwide reputation as a major thematic center.
It is the world's most important center dedicated to Mediterranean fauna, with nearly 600 different species. This unique specialization allows for the conservation and study of threatened local species, making the aquarium a key player in preserving regional biodiversity.
Three itineraries depending on available time
Enjoy a combined tour at your own pace that includes a 24h or 48h hop-on hop-off bus ticket and entry to the Barcelona Aquarium.
From 52,50 €
More must-see experiences in Barcelona
Find the attraction and nearby places to visit
Make time to explore the surrounding area
5 min walk
Discover Catalan naval history in the Maritime Museum, a historic building located just opposite the aquarium on Port Vell.
3 min walk
Port Vell Fòrum, a shopping center ideally located for lunch or shopping after your underwater visit, offering views of the port.
15 min walk
Enjoy the light and music shows of the Fireworks in the evening, just steps from the port and the Aquarium.
10 min walk
The lively seaside neighborhood of Barceloneta offers numerous restaurants with Mediterranean views, ideal for a post-visit meal.
20 min walk
Explore Barcelona's historic medieval heart, the Gothic Quarter, after leaving the waterfront, accessible on foot from the port.
2 min walk
A peaceful green space perfect for relaxing and watching the boats of Port Vell. Ideal for a shaded break after the visit.
Estimated travel times from the main points in the city
Metro : Barceloneta (7 min walk) Bus : Moll de la Fusta (5 min walk)
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Everything you need to know before your visit
A preview of this exceptional place before your visit
See what to expect during your visit
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