What is more fun than watching sharks, sea turtles and dolphins in the biggest aquarium of Europe? One of the six buildings in Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences) is L’Oceanogràfic. When you are in Valencia with (or without) kids it is recommended to visit this amazing aquarium!
The building
Maybe you were thinking that L’Oceanogràfic is, just as the other buildings located in Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias designed by Santiago Calatrava, but that is not true! The real designer of the aquarium is the Spanish-Mexican architect Félix Candela Outeriño. He was born on 27 January 1910 and he died 7 December 1997. The complex was completed in 2002 and opened in 2003, so unfortunately he never got to see his own design finished with his own eyes. Candela became well known in the world of architecture when he moved from Spain to Mexico. He had to move, because he was fighting during the Spanish civil war and General Franco banished him from the country. Candela was already studying architecture, but when he lived in Mexico he built more than 300 buildings for more than 900 projects (hotels, churches, markets, nightclubs).
The aquarium
As said before, L’Oceanogràfic is the biggest aquarium of Europe. There a more than 500 species and 40.000 animals! You can imagine that you will spend a few hours between all these fishes and other sea animals. The park is divided in twelve habitats:
Océanos: in this habitat you walk through a tunnel underneath big sharks. The journey goes through the Atlantic Ocean from the Canary Islands until the Bermudas. Funny fact: in this aquarium is seven million litres water and hereby one of the biggest in the world! A few animals you will see: Sand Tiger shark, Common eagle ray, Guitarfish.
Antártico: a rocky cliff, a lot of ice and of course penguins. It is just like you are at the North or South Pole. A few animals you will see: Belugas, Gentao penguin, Seals, Sturgeons.
Mar rojo:‘Mar Rojo’ means ‘Red Sea’. This part of the aquarium is nowadays the biggest 4D cinema in Europe with seats for 477 people, but you will also see some species. A few animals you will see: Hump head Wrasse, Blacktip shark.
Delfinario: have you always wanted to see dolphins? It is possible in L’Oceanogràfic. With 26 million litres water, a grandstand for 2.000 people, five pools and thirty dolphins is this dolphinarium the largest one in the world. Everyday there are demonstrations with the dolphins. You can see the time schedule in the park.
Ártico: take a look at the Artic ecosystem with special animals). A few animals you will see: Walruses, Beluga whales.
Mediterráneo: in this habitat are nine aquariums that represent the Mediterranean Sea with more than 7.400 species of fish and invertebrates. A few animals you will see: Sea Cucumbers, Hermit Crabs, Octopus, Red Coral.
Templados y tropicales: the tropical seas have around 25 degrees Celsius water and this allows for the biggest biodiversity in the world. A few animals you will see: Seals, Sea Horses, Jellyfish.
Islas: over here you will see the friendly and intelligent Sea Lions, which are family of seals.
Humedales: under a sphere of 26 metres high you are in one of the richest and most productive ecosystems in the world; the wetlands. There are animals from the American mangrove and Mediterranean marshes. A few animals you will see: Cormorant, Roseate Spoonbill, and many more birds.
Cocodrilario: sometimes the crocodiles hide themselves. Can you spot them?
Mariposario: walk between a garden full of butterflies. The butterfly house is closed from 2 November 2017 to 1 March 2018.
Medusas: take a look at the many jellyfishes. Did you know jellyfish consists 95% of water?
Special activities
Behind the scenes
Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes at a world‑class aquarium? At the L’Oceanogràfic, your dream can come true!
During this guided tour you’ll discover the technical side of the aquarium, visit the kitchens where food is prepared for feeding times, get a unique view of the tanks from above, and even see some of the animals up close.
The tour is organized daily, with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 15 participants. For English‑language tours, contact L’Oceanogràfic directly at +34 960 470 647.
This experience costs €12.00 per person, a unique opportunity to see L’Oceanogràfic from a whole new perspective!
Skip the line
On busy days in L’Oceanogràfic you it is possible you have to wait very long until you have your tickets, because of the queue. Do you not want to wait for a few hours? Then it is recommended to buy your tickets in advance.
- L’Oceanogràfic
Carrer d’Eduardo Primo Yúfera (zonder nummer) - Website
- Opening hours:
Monday till Sunday: 10.00 – 18.00/20.00/01.00 uur (depending on the day and month)
Tip
- Want to hear surprising facts about the City of Arts and Sciences while exploring with a group? Book a guided CAC tour with one of our enthusiastic guides and we’ll make your visit truly memorable!
- Don’t forget to look around you while visiting L’Oceanogràfic! There’s a beautiful botanical garden inside the park, home to unique trees, flowers, and plants, perfect for a peaceful stroll in between exhibits.