Valencia Aquarium: Ultimate Guide to L’Oceanogràfic (2024)

If you’re looking for something to do in Valencia that’s both fun and educational, look no further than the Valencia Aquarium! Located in the City of Arts and Sciences, this aquarium is the largest in Europe and is home to a wide variety of marine life. 

Also known as L’Oceanogràfic (its Valencian name – or Oceanográfico in Spanish), there’s something for everyone to see and enjoy here – from sharks and dolphins to penguins and sea turtles!

So whether you’re a marine biology enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out with the family, keep reading to find out just why you may want to add the Valencia Aquarium as one of the places what Valencia is known for to your itinerary while in the city.

About the Oceanogràfic

As mentioned, this aquarium is the largest in Europe, with a capacity of 45,000 living creatures from 500 different species 

And given it’s located in the stunning City of Arts and Sciences, when you visit the Valencia Aquarium, you’ll be surrounded by other amazing attractions, including the Science Museum, the Hemisfèric (a planetarium), and the Umbracle (a garden and art installation). 

You can easily spend a whole day exploring the City of Arts and Sciences, and the Valencia Aquarium is a great place to start.

Visitor Information

If you’re planning a visit to Valencia, the Oceanogràfic de València is a must-see attraction. Here’s some important information to help you make the most of your visit.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased online or at the aquarium entrance. Adult tickets cost €36.00, children’s tickets (ages 4-12) are €26.50, and retired visitors (over 65) and those with a minimum 33% disability can purchase tickets for €26.50. 

Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the time of year and availability, so it’s best to check the website for the most up-to-date information.

If you’re planning to visit other attractions in Valencia, consider purchasing a Valencia Tourist Card. The card includes discounted admission to the Oceanogràfic de València and other popular attractions, as well as free public transportation and other perks.

Guided Tours

If you’re interested in learning more about the aquarium’s marine life and ecosystems, consider booking a guided tour. Guided tours are available in English, Spanish, and other languages, and are a great way to get an in-depth look at the aquarium’s exhibits, including if you plan to take kids with you on the tour. 

It’s worth noting that guided tours may have limited availability, so it’s best to book in advance if possible.

You may also be interested in: Turia Gardens, Valencia: The Ultimate Guide (From a Local!)

Schedule

The Oceanogràfic de València is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. During peak season (June-September), the aquarium is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, while during off-season (October-May) it’s open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Also, the aquarium may be closed on certain holidays, so it’s best to check the website for information on opening hours before planning your visit.

Is the Valencia aquarium worth it?

The Valencia Aquarium is definitely worth a visit. With over 45,000 animals from 500 different species, this aquarium is one of the largest in Europe and offers a unique opportunity to explore a vast array of the world’s oceans and marine life.

One of the highlights of the Valencia Aquarium is the underwater tunnel, which allows you to walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and other sea creatures. 

You can also watch dolphins, sea lions, and penguins perform in daily shows. The aquarium also has a variety of interactive exhibits, including touch tanks where you can feel the texture of starfish and sea urchins.

Another great feature of the Valencia Aquarium is its commitment to conservation and sustainability. The aquarium participates in several programs to protect endangered species and reduce plastic waste in the oceans. 

By visiting the aquarium, you can learn more about these efforts and how you can help make a difference.

How long do you need for the Valencia aquarium?

In terms of how long you need to visit the Oceanogràfic, the answer depends on your interests and the amount of time you have available. However, most visitors spend around 3-4 hours exploring the aquarium at a leisurely pace.

During your visit, you can explore the different zones of the aquarium, including the Oceans, Mediterranean, Wetlands, Temperate and Tropical Seas, and the Arctic. You can also enjoy 3D shows and interactive exhibits that showcase the marine life and ecosystems of different regions of the world.

Keep in mind that the Valencia Aquarium is a popular attraction, and it can get crowded during peak hours. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during weekdays or early in the morning.

Exhibits

Valencia Aquarium is home to a variety of marine life, and each exhibit is unique and fascinating. Here are some of the most popular exhibits:

Sharks

Walking through the underwater tunnel is an unforgettable experience. You’ll be surrounded by sharks of all sizes, swimming gracefully above and around you.

It’s a thrilling experience that you won’t want to miss. The aquarium has a wide variety of shark species, including sand tiger sharks, lemon sharks, and hammerhead sharks.

If you’re feeling brave, you can even book a shark encounter experience. You’ll be able to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures while safely behind a protective barrier.

Don’t worry, though – the aquarium takes great care to ensure the safety of both visitors and animals..

Penguins

The penguin exhibit is always a crowd-pleaser. These adorable birds are always up to something, whether they’re waddling around on the ice or swimming gracefully in the water. 

The aquarium has several species of penguins, including Gentoo and Rockhopper penguins. Be sure to check the schedule for feeding times – it’s a great opportunity to see the penguins in action. 

(And If you’re lucky, you might even get to see some baby penguins!)

Beluga Whales

The Beluga whale exhibit is a must-see. These majestic creatures are incredibly intelligent and curious, and they love to interact with visitors. You can watch them swim and play in their spacious tank, or attend one of the daily shows at the dolphanarium.

During the shows, trainers work with the Beluga whales to perform a variety of tricks and stunts. It’s a thrilling experience that’s sure to leave you in awe.

Marine Ecosystems

The Oceanogràfic is a true tribute to the seas and oceans of the planet, and it contains large aquariums that faithfully reproduce the most important marine ecosystems. Here are some of the marine ecosystems you can explore when you visit the aquarium:

Mediterranean

The Mediterranean ecosystem is one of the most important marine ecosystems in the world. It’s home to a vast array of marine species, including sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks.

Valencia Aquarium has a large aquarium that faithfully reproduces this ecosystem, allowing you to get up close and personal with the creatures that call it home.

As you explore the Mediterranean aquarium, you’ll see a variety of species, including octopus, seahorses, and colorful fish. You’ll also learn about the importance of protecting this fragile ecosystem and the steps that you can take to help preserve it.

The Oceanogràfic is committed to protecting the Mediterranean ecosystem, and it works closely with local organizations to promote conservation efforts.

Wetlands

The wetlands ecosystem is a vital part of the marine environment, and Valencia Aquarium has a large aquarium that showcases this unique ecosystem. Here, you’ll see a variety of species, including crabs, shrimp, and other small creatures that call the wetlands home.

As you explore the wetlands aquarium, you’ll learn about the importance of this ecosystem and the challenges that it faces. You’ll also learn about the steps that you can take to help protect wetlands and the creatures that call them home.

Islands

The islands ecosystem is a unique and diverse ecosystem that is home to a huge amount of marine species. The Oceanogràfic also has an area dedicated to this, allowing you to explore the creatures that call it home.

As you explore the islands aquarium, you’ll see a variety of species, including sea turtles, rays, and sharks. You’ll also learn about the importance of protecting this fragile ecosystem and the steps that you can take to help preserve it.

Valencia Aquarium is committed to protecting the islands ecosystem, and it works closely with local organizations to promote conservation efforts.

Red Sea

The Red Sea ecosystem is a unique and diverse ecosystem that is home to a variety of marine species. Valencia Aquarium has a large aquarium that faithfully reproduces this ecosystem, allowing you to explore the creatures that call it home.

As you explore the Red Sea aquarium, you’ll see a variety of species, including colorful fish, sharks, and rays, plus conservation measures being taken both by Oceanogràfic and that visitors themselves can do.

Arctic

The Arctic aquarium at the Oceanogràfic is home to the beluga whales who live here, some of the most famous inhabitants of the entire center. In fact, the first beluga whale born in Europe was actually born here!

This has offered a great opportunity for researchers to learn more about the habits of these animals and the Arctic ecosystem more broadly, which you too can benefit from by visiting here.

Antarctic

For anyone who loves penguins, the Antarctic ecosystem is for you! The Oceanogràfic faithfully reproduces this ecosystem, allowing you to explore the creatures that call it home.

Tropical

The tropical ecosystem is a vibrant and diverse ecosystem that is home to a variety of marine species and if you close your eyes slightly, you may even start to think you’re at the Great Barrier Reef! 

After all, as you explore the tropical aquarium, you’ll see a variety of species, including colorful fish, sharks, and rays, while also learning about conservation measures to protect them in the wild.

How many restaurants are in the Valencia Aquarium?

There’s one unique restaurant in the Valencia Aquarium – the Submarine Restaurant. This restaurant is an underwater dining experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind, as you dine surrounded by a massive aquarium that’s home to over 10,000 different fish, creating a truly immersive dining experience.

As the name suggests, the Submarine Restaurant is designed to look like a submarine, and it’s located in the heart of the Oceanogràfic. The food is just as impressive as the surroundings, with a menu that features creative and high-quality dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

If you’re interested in dining at the Submarine Restaurant, it’s important to note that reservations are necessary, which you can make by phone or email. The restaurant is also available for private events, and you can contact them to learn more about prices and catering options.

What time is the dolphin show at Oceanogràfic Valencia?

The dolphin show at Oceanographic Valencia is held several times a day, so you should have no trouble finding a show that fits your schedule. The exact times of the shows can vary depending on the time of year and other factors, so it’s always a good idea to check the schedule in advance. 

You can usually find the schedule on the aquarium’s website, or you can ask at the ticket counter when you arrive.

That said, generally speaking, the dolphin show at Oceanographic Valencia is held in the afternoon, with shows starting at around 2:00 pm and continuing until around 6:00 pm. During the summer months, there may be additional shows held in the evening. 

If you’re not sure when the next show is, just ask one of the staff members. They’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

Is Valencia Aquarium ethical?

L’Oceanogràfic demonstrates its commitment to animal welfare and conservation by working closely with marine biologists and other experts to ensure that the animals are well-cared for. It has also received a Humane Certified seal from American Humane, the largest certifier of animal well-being and welfare in the world.

Wondering about the ethics of visiting Valencia Aquarium is a valid concern, and one that many people share, especially regarding the dolphins and beluga whales. Ultimately, they are, clearly, kept in captivity and the dolphins are trained to perform tricks, so questions on what these animals are forced to do (and how) are justified.

However, the experts I just mentioned also work with the Oceanogràfic to ensure that the animals’ habitats are as close to their natural environments as possible.

Given that the aquarium is home to thousands of marine animals, it’s important to ensure that they are being treated well and that their needs are being met. Fortunately, there haven’t been any reports of mistreatment similar to those seen overseas in places like SeaWorld.

The award I just mentioned from American Humane is a great sign of the ethics of Valencia Aquarium, as it’s the first certification program that aims to verify the welfare, well-being and humane treatment of animals in zoos, aquariums and other similar centers around the world.

Giving this seal to any center intends to show that the animals being cared for by the award recipient are receiving good treatment, as determined by extensive third party audits.

In addition, Valencia Aquarium is involved in several conservation projects, including the protection of sea turtles and the rehabilitation of injured marine animals. 

By visiting the aquarium, you’re supporting these important initiatives and helping to ensure that these animals have a bright future.