If you like aquariums, then you’ll absolutely love the Lisbon Oceanarium! As one of the largest aquariums in Europe, it’s a must-visit for any marine life aficionado.
The Lisbon Oceanarium is one of the largest aquariums in Europe, second only to Valencia’s L’Oceanogràfic. It has over 15,000 animals from different ecosystems and habitats, and is largely dedicated to marine conservation.
It’s an amazing place that mixes the beauty of the marine world and the importance of preserving it, offering an experience that is both informative and awe inspiring. And today, I’ll tell you everything you need to know before visiting it! So, let’s dive in! (No pun intended.)
Lisbon Oceanarium – In a nutshell
- Highlights: central tank with over 100 species,
- Opening hours: daily, 10 am to 8 pm
- Best time to visit: early morning or late afternoon
- Tickets: € 22 for adults, € 15 for children (free entrance for children under 3)
- Recommended duration of visit: 2h
- Address: Esplanada D. Carlos I, Parque das Nações
- Nearest metro station: Oriente
Index
- Historical Background
- Exhibits
- Marine education & preservation
- Opening times and best time to visit
- Activities for children
- Ticket options & prices
- Recommended visit duration
- How to get there?
- Facilities
- Attractions nearby
1. Historical Background
Originally built for Expo ‘98 in the Parque das Nações, the Lisbon Oceanarium first opened as the Oceans Pavillion, which was meant to represent the deep cultural and historical connection between Portugal and the ocean. Since then, it’s been promoting conservation and educating the public about marine life.
The Oceanarium is one of the most popular attractions in the city, receiving over 1 million visitors per year. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as this one of the largest aquariums in Europe, with approximately 500 species and over 15,000 aquatic animals!
The design of the Lisbon Oceanarium also contributes significantly to its appeal. Designed by architect Peter Chermayeff, its unique shape resembles an aircraft carrier moored in an artificial lagoon in Parque das Nações.
Inside the building, there are two exhibition floors organized around a central aquarium that connects various habitats across both levels. It allows visitors to see different marine species living together, just as they would in their natural environments.
It’s really beautiful and fascinating, and it’s one of the reasons why the Oceanarium is my favorite aquarium!
2. Exhibits at the Lisbon Oceanarium
The main exhibit of the Lisbon Oceanarium is the central tank, which can be seen from all levels and angles, providing a very immersive experience. It holds 7 million liters of seawater and is home to more than 100 species, including sharks, rays, barracudas, turtles, and a rare sunfish.
There are four smaller tanks that complement this display by simulating oceanic conditions from various parts of the world: the cold Antarctic and North Atlantic oceans as well as the Pacific and Indian oceans. There are also displays with giant spider crabs, jellyfish, and seahorses.
But that’s not all! The Lisbon Oceanarium also has animals such as penguins and sea otters in its outdoor enclosures that mimic their natural environments. Besides that, there are temporary exhibits near the entrance, and they are regularly updated to highlight different facets or concerns regarding marine ecosystems.
The exhibits at Lisbon Oceanarium give you more than just an opportunity to see some very cool animals. They aim to give you a deeper understanding of marine life, from shallow surface dwellers to creatures found in deep waters, and promote conservation.
3. Marine Education & Preservation
Since opening in 1998, the Lisbon Oceanarium has been an active participant in ocean conservation and education, working to improve public understanding of marine ecosystems and their need for protection.
It engages in scientific research, runs breeding programs to maintain species populations, and works with global organizations to assess extinction risks for marine life.
The aquarium’s work with organizations such as the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) shows its commitment to conservation, and help protect aquatic life through collective knowledge and action.
In 2017, the Lisbon Oceanarium started the Ocean Conservation FUND with Oceano Azul Foundation, supporting projects that protect marine habitats and promote sustainability education. They address various issues, such as ecosystem restoration and combating pollution to create a healthier marine environment.
Besides that, it also encourages sustainable seafood choices through tools like the SOS Ocean Booklet, which offers practical advice on selecting seafood that supports ocean health.
4. Opening times and best time to visit
The Lisbon Oceanarium is open every day of the year, but offers different visiting hours according to the seasons. In summer, it’s open from 10am to 8pm, while during winter it closes at 7pm. The last admission is one hour before closing time.
It also has reduced hours on Christmas Day (1pm – 6pm) and New Year’s Day (12pm – 6pm).
If you want to have a more relaxed visit and avoid the crowds, I recommend arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon. By choosing these off-peak hours, you’re more likely to have more space and peace to enjoy the displays.
5. Activities for children at the Lisbon Oceanarium
The Lisbon Oceanarium may be an attraction for all ages, but we all know that children just can’t get enough of aquariums, right? That’s why there are a few special activities just for the little ones!
One of them is the “Sleeping with the Sharks” experience, which allows children to spend the night at the Oceanarium, learning about marine conservation while observing sharks and other species up close. (Can I just say that I’m super jealous? I want to have a sleepover with sharks too!)
Besides that, the aquarium also hosts kid-friendly Fado concerts, birthday parties and organizes guided tours tailored specifically for children, combining entertainment with education. These activities are a great way to foster a sense of respect and responsibility toward marine ecosystems, making each visit a memorable and impactful learning experience for the children.
6. Ticket options & prices
Tickets to the Lisbon Oceanarium are available both at the box office and online. The tickets are €22 for adults, €15 for children (3 to 12), and €17 for seniors over 65. There are family ticket options, and there’s no entry fee for children under three.
Since it’s a very popular attraction, I recommend buying your tickets in advance through the online booking systems. This will ensure access even during busy times, while also minimizing time spent in queues. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy more of your time inside the aquarium!
7. Recommended Visit Duration
Deciding how much time to spend at the Lisbon Oceanarium ultimately depends on you, but personally I’d recommend setting aside 2-3 hours to be able to fully explore the exhibits at your own pace.
Alternatively, if you want to explore the Parque das Nações, you should consider staying half a day there. That way, you’ll have enough time to thoroughly enjoy the Oceanarium, have a leisurely meal, and explore other activities within the park, such as the cable car or the Pavilhão do Conhecimento.
8. How to get to the Lisbon Oceanarium?
The Lisbon Oceanarium is conveniently located just a short walk from Oriente station. If you’re taking the metro, simply hop on the Red Line and disembark at Oriente station, where you’ll find signs pointing you to the right direction.
Another option is to take one of the following bus lines: 705, 708, 725, 728, 744, 750, 759 and 794. Just make sure to double-check their schedules and stops as they may vary!
9. Facilities at the Oceanarium
The Lisbon Oceanarium offers various facilities to ensure visitors have the best experience of marine life. On-site, you’ll find a restaurant that serves coffee, snacks and meals, including set menus for dining. If you prefer, you can also go to one of the nearby restaurants or head to the Vasco da Gama shopping center, which has a food court with various options.
Besides that, the Lisbon Oceanarium makes accessibility one of its priorities, offering wheelchairs, ramps and lifts to ensure visitors with limited mobility can access all exhibits. It also offers locker services for storage of personal items, allowing guests to freely explore without having to worry about carrying their belongings.
10. Attractions nearby
The Lisbon Oceanarium is located in the Parque das Nações, which isn’t as close to major tourist attractions. However, the park itself is definitely worth a visit! It offers a contemporary experience of the city, with its modern architecture that contrasts with the older parts of Lisbon. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors, go on leisurely walks and enjoy views of the city.
Besides that, there are lots of things to do there! You can go on the cable cars, visit the Pavilhão do Conhecimento (for the kids) or the Lisbon Casino (for the grown-ups). Or you can head to the Altice Arena and see its unique UFO-like exterior, or go to the nearby Vasco da Gama Tower for some amazing views of the city.
The Lisbon Airport is about 3,9km away, which means the Oceanarium is easily accessible for anyone planning a visit right before or after their flights. But other than that, you’ll probably need some kind of transportation to reach most of the other attractions in the city.
By car, for example, the National Museum of Tiles is only about 15 minutes away. It’s an attraction that is usually a little out of hand for tourists, but since you’ll already be far away from the city center, why not make a stop there? It has a vast collection of traditional tiles, and it’s totally worth visiting!
Experience marine life like never before at the Lisbon Oceanarium!
The Lisbon Oceanarium is usually recommended for families with children, but I’d say it’s a must-visit for everyone! With a very diverse marine life, it offers an engaging experience that will amaze visitors of all ages.
But it goes way beyond just visual enjoyment! The Lisbon Oceanarium emphasizes the importance of conservation and sustainability, making it not just a recreational stop, but also an educational one.
So, whether you’re interested in marine life or simply seeking a different experience in Lisbon, I can’t recommend enough that you visit the Oceanarium. Just wait until you see the central tank and you’ll understand why I’m so fascinated by this place!
