Aquariums provide an exclusive window into the beautiful underwater world, letting people admire the diversity and exquisiteness of marine life without getting wet. Right from the Atlantic’s mysterious depths to the Pacific’s vibrant coral reefs, the best aquariums in the world promise a remarkable experience for all. Such marine wonderlands are home to countless aquatic species that comprise colorful tropical fish, playful dolphins, and majestic sharks, all housed in meticulously crafted settings that imitate their natural habitats.
Top Worldwide Aquariums : A Primer
There is no dearth when it comes to the top aquariums in the world. Must-sees include:
1. Georgia Aquarium :
The Western Hemisphere’s largest aquarium, it boasts 10 million plus gallons of water along with animals that are tens of thousands. Its key feature is the Ocean Voyager, a habitat of 6.3 million gallons that houses manta rays, whale sharks, beluga whales, and more. Besides, people can walk through a tunnel measuring 100-foot-long, providing an immersive sight of such wonderful creatures swimming overhead. Also, do not miss the penguins and sea otters.
Must-see Attractions : Ocean Voyager, Dolphin Coast, Cold Water Quest
Location : 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA
Timings : 9am-6pm
2. Monterey Bay Aquarium :
Positioned on the Pacific Ocean’s edge, this aquarium has carved a niche for its wonderful dedication to both marine conservation and education. Its exhibits are chiefly focused on the California Coast’s marine life, with special emphasis on the adjacent Monterey Bay’s unique ecosystems. This aquarium boasts over 35,000 animals on display, encompassing penguins, sharks, and sea otters.
Must-see Attractions : Kelp Forest, Open Sea, and Sea Otters
Location : 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, USA
Timings : 10am-5pm
3. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium :
A jewel in Okinawa’s Ocean Expo Park, it is among the world’s most impressive and biggest aquariums. It is highly favored for the Kuroshio Sea tank, one of the biggest tanks globally, with water measuring 1.98 million gallons. The aquarium houses 740-plus species, comprising manta rays, dolphins, and the majestic whale shark.
Must-see Attractions : Kuroshio Sea, Sea Turtle Museum, and Coral Sea
Location : 424 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0206, Japan
Timings : 8:30am-6:30pm
4. S.E.A Aquarium :
This is one of the world’s biggest aquariums and features more than 100,000 marine animals from over 1,000 species. It is part of Resorts World Sentosa, thus making it an idyllic add-on to a family holiday. The S.E.A. aquarium has ten zones, with each having a distinctive underwater environment that varies from the chilly Antarctic Ocean to tropical coral reefs.
Must-see Attractions : Open Ocean Habitat, Shipwreck Habitat, and Shark Seas
Location : 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269
Timings : 10am-5pm
5. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo :
It is perched at the core of the Dubai Mall, Dubai’s ultimate shopping and entertainment destination. The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo features a massive tank holding 10 million liters. Being amid the world’s biggest suspended aquariums makes it one of the best places to visit in Dubai. It has 140-plus species of aquatic creatures, including the world’s utmost sand tiger sharks’ collection. The USP of this aquarium is the aquarium tunnel, measuring 48-meters long, which takes people on a wonderful expedition 11 meters under the surface of the aquarium. In short, your search for some rejuvenating things to do in Dubai in summer will end here.
Must-see Attractions : Aquarium Tunnel, Underwater Zoo, Shark Dives & Cage Snorkeling
Location : Downtown Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Timings : 10am-10:15pm
6. Oceanográfic :
This is Europe’s largest aquarium, positioned in Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences. The architectural marvel shelters over 45,000 marine creatures from different ocean environments. Visitors can observe diverse marine life, encompassing jellyfish, rays, penguins, sea lions, belugas, and rare oceanic sunfish. Its most alluring feature is the see-through walk-in shark tunnel, the world’s finest.
Must-see Attractions : Shark Tunnel, Arctic, and Mediterranean
Location : C/ d’Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 1B, Quatre Carreres, 46013 València, Spain
Timings : 10am-6pm
7. Vancouver Aquarium :
Located at the core of Stanley Park, this is a much-famed destination dedicated to marine conservation, research, and rehabilitation. The iconic Vancouver Aquarium is home to 50,000 animals, providing visitors with various educational and interactive exhibits that throw light on the significance and beauty of aquatic life.
Must-see Attractions : Tropic Zone, Canada’s Arctic, Steller’s Bay, Penguin Point, and Amazon Rainforest
Location : 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Timings :10am-5pm
8. Turkuazoo :
Also called SEA LIFE Istanbul, it is the foremost giant aquarium in Turkey and amongst the biggest in Europe. Positioned in Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall, this aquarium features a main tank with 5 million liters of water and several thematic zones. It offers every age visitor with an educational and immersive experience, thanks to its over 15,000 marine creatures.
Must-see Attractions : Ocean Tunnel, Interactive Rockpools, and Shark Kingdom
Location : Kocatepe, Forum Istanbul, Paşa Cd No: 5/5, 34045 Bayrampaşa/İstanbul, Türkiye
Timings : 10am-7pm
9. uShaka Marine World :
This is one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest aquariums, placed in Durban. This merges a world-class aquarium with an amusement park that is sea-themed. People can observe beautiful marine life exhibits that range from large sharks to small tropical fish inside a recreated shipwreck setting. It also has interactive exhibits, thrilling water rides, and shows that display the talents of seals and dolphins.
Must-see Attractions : Sea World, Shipwreck Exhibits, and Dolphin & Seal Shows
Location : 1 King Shaka Ave, Point, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Timings : 9am-5pm
10. Sydney Sea Life Aquarium :
Situated in Darling Harbour, this is among the premier aquariums in Australia and provides a tour through diverse Australian aquatic settings. It features over 13,000 marine animals, featuring an impressive variety of sharks, vibrant coral reefs, and majestic dugongs. With its interactive displays and diverse exhibits, this aquarium is a must-watch for marine enthusiasts of every age.
Must-see Attractions : Great Barrier Reef, Penguin Expedition, and Shark Valley
Location : 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Timings : 10am-5pm
Wrapping Up
Exploring such incredible aquariums around the world ensures more than just an insight into the wonderful underwater world. It also paves the way to familiarize yourself with marine conservation, gaze at the exquisiteness of aquatic life, and engage in educational and interactive experiences. Whether a curious traveler or a marine enthusiast, these premier aquariums offer treasured adventures along with a deeper admiration for the ocean’s wonders. So, why wait? Pack your luggage and prepare to dive into the incredible aquatic wonders awaiting at the top aquariums in different corners of the globe.
FAQs
Q1. Name the top aquariums in the world?
- Georgia Aquarium
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
- Vancouver Aquarium
- Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Q2. Name some perks of exploring these aquariums.
- Get an insight into the wonderful underwater world
- Learn about marine conservation
- Partake in educational and interactive experiences
Q3. Do these worldwide aquariums have free entry?
Q4. Name the world’s largest aquarium.
Q5. What are some common creatures that can be observed in these aquariums?
- Manta rays
- Whale sharks
- Beluga whales
- Penguin
- Dolphin
- Sea Otters