In the newly renovated Port Vell harbour you can not only enjoy the sight of luxury yachts and sailing boats, but also visit the local aquarium, one of the largest and most interesting aquariums in Europe.
More than 8,000 species of animals and plants are the number one attraction. A popular attraction is the acrylic tunnel, which allows you to walk through the centre of the aquarium and enjoy the sight of sharks, rays and schools of fish.
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Sharks and an underwater tunnel
The main attraction of the aquarium is the local largest oceanarium tank, 36 metres in diameter with more than 4 million litres of water, home to colourful fish, moray eels, corals, stingrays and starfish. The biggest stars, however, are undoubtedly the sharks. Two species live here - the sand shark and the longfin shark.
A glass pedestrian tunnel runs underneath the tank, offering the best views of the underwater world.
You can watch the sharks feedingevery Tuesday and Friday between 12:00 and 13:00.
In addition to the oceanarium, the Barcelona Aquarium boasts 21 other huge tanks, which always fill almost an entire wall of the room. They are thematically divided into different areas and, in addition to hundreds of fish, you can admire interesting corals and marine plants.
Diving with sharks
If you want an extra special experience, you can book a shark dive on the aquarium's website in advance, but of course from a cage underwater.
Prices are around 300 eur.
Entrance fees and opening hours
Open every day from 10:00. Closing times vary according to days of the week and seasons and range from 19:00 to 21:00. For a calendar of opening hours, visit the aquarium's website: aquariumbcn.com/opening-hours.
Tickets are sold at the following prices:
- Adults 11 and over - 27 eur
- Children 5-10 years old - 20 eur
- Children 3-4 years - 12 eur
- Shark diving - - 300 eur
Visit the official website aguariumbcn.com for current prices and more information.
Location and transport
The aquarium is located in the old port of Port Vell just about 200 metres on foot from the historic centre of Barri Gotic. You can also get here by public transport:
- Metro - Barceloneta station about 500 meters - line L4
- Bus - Port Vell stop right outside the entrance - line V17
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