The Lisbon Oceanarium is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe and houses more than 8,000 fish, birds, mammals and invertebrates. Bring the family to be entertained while learning about conservation and ocean habitats around the world.
The design of this waterfront aquarium is part of what makes it so special. The building juts out over the ocean and resembles a huge cement and glass ship. It is particularly impressive when lit up at night, with the lights reflecting off the water.
Inside, this sleek modern building is equally impressive. There are two levels to explore: the surface level and the underwater level. Wander through the different exhibits that are separated by transparent acrylic walls and discover the habitats of ocean environments around the world.
Start at the bottom and work your way up. You’ll meet wolf eels, purple-striped jellyfish and the giant pacific octopus in the Temperate Pacific area. Admire sea dragons and other creatures that live near the ocean floor at the Antarctic display. You’ll see fluorescent corals, mangrove forests and bioluminescent fish in the recreation of the Tropic Indian Ocean. The North Atlantic exhibit features seagrass beds where sharks and rays hide.
The surface level shows the sunnier side of ocean life. Here you’ll see birds and mammals as well as fish that swim close to the surface. The Global Ocean exhibit represents all the oceans and is an impressive 23 feet (7 metres) deep. Approximately 100 species share this huge aquarium.
The Lisbon Oceanarium is located on the Esplanada Dom Carlos along the waterfront. It is accessible by bus or tram. The aquarium is open daily and there is an admission fee for permanent and temporary exhibits.
