Lisbon Oceanarium – Tickets and Guide
Lisbon Oceanarium – Tickets and Guide
Tourist Information for Visiting Lisbon Oceanarium Portugal
The Lisbon Oceanarium is a large indoor aquarium housing over 8000 marine creatures and over 500 different species of plants.
It is one of the most popular attractions in Lisbon and a must-see for tourists; the oceanarium has been awarded as the ‘Best Aquarium in the World‘ by TripAdvisor on multiple occasions.
Oceanário de Lisboa General Information |
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Location | Esplanada Dom Carlos I, s/n, 1990-005 Lisboa, Portugal. Oriente metro station (5 mins walk) |
Opening Times | Winter Season (October to March): 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, |
Entry and Tickets | Oceanário de Lisboa tickets are available for various prices (Book Tickets Online) |
Lisbon Oceanarium Tickets |
How to Buy Tickets to the Lisbon Oceanarium Tickets to Lisbon Oceanarium can be purchased on-site or pre-booked online. The queues can get long and access is restricted once full, so it is recommended to book online.
Book Your Ticket: |
Visiting Lisbon Oceanarium
The Lisbon Oceanarium is an excellent day out for people of all ages. There is so much to see and do, I’ve visited twice now and spent over 3 hours each time discovering new creatures and being mesmerised by the large central tank.
The Lisbon oceanarium has plenty of facilities including toilets, a restaurant (serving a variety of meals) and a cafe (serving coffee and snacks). On the way out is also a small gift shop to pick up some souvenirs.
An Overview of Lisbon Oceanarium
The Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa in Portugese) is one of the largest indoor marine aquariums in the world.
It was opened to the public in 1998 as a centrepiece for the Expo 98, a World Exposition that commemorated the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India.
The Oceanarium was designed by Peter Chermayeff and is similar to an aircraft carrier in its structure. It houses a huge central tank that holds 5 million litres of seawater, replicating the open ocean
The oceanarium is home to a wide variety of marine species, including sharks, sting rays, penguins, and otters!
The Oceanarium isn’t just a tourist attraction, it is an educational centre with multiple information points, educational talks and scientific studies being carried out at the venue. The oceanarium focuses on educating the public on the importance of preserving the oceans and their ecosystems.
What to see at the Lisbon Oceanarium
The main central tank is the star of the show at Lisbon oceanarium. This tank is home to a large variety of species swimming together, like they would in the open ocean. From sharks to full schools of fish.
You should also check out the four different habitat displays around the central tank that represent the ocean’s different ecosystems: the North Atlantic coast, the Antarctic coastline, the Pacific coast, and the Tropical Indian coral reefs. Each of these spaces houses sea life specific to that region.
If you are visiting with kids, or if you’re a fan of cute creatures, make sure you check out the sea otters. They’re playful and a joy to watch with their habit of holding hands with each other a particular highlight.
The penguin exhibit is another must-see, where you can watch these birds in a setting that mimics their natural habitat.
The Oceanarium also runs daily educational shows which are both entertaining and informative. These shows often involve live feedings where you can see creatures like sharks and rays being fed by the handlers, giving you a real glimpse into their underwater world.
These feeding sessions are usually accompanied by presentations where experts share fascinating facts about the creatures’ diets, habits, and their role in the ecosystem.
Lastly, the Oceanarium often houses temporary exhibits that are unique and themed to current affairs. Check the schedule on their website before your visit to not miss out on any special exhibits.
Lisbon Oceanarium Location and How to Get There
Lisbon Oceanarium is located in central Lisbon, in the district of Parque das Nações, making it convenient to visit alongside a large number of Lisbon’s top attractions.
You can easily get to the Oceanarium by taking the metro. The closest metro stop is Oriente (East) Station (on the red line), which is then just a 5 minute walk to the aquarium.
With regards to buses, you can take any of the following Carris buses (705, 725, 728, 744), with the bus stopping at Oriente Station which is a few minutes walk from the aquarium.
FAQ for Lisbon Oceanarium
Are there any guided tours available?
Yes, the Oceanarium offers guided tours where experts provide detailed information about the various exhibits and marine life housed in the Oceanarium.
What kind of educational shows does the Oceanarium offer?
The Oceanarium organises educational shows which include live feeding sessions, expert talks, interactive workshops, and guided tours where you can learn more about the marine ecosystem and the species that inhabit it.
Can I combine my visit to the Oceanarium with any other attractions?
Yes, you can combine your visit with a trip to the Lisbon Zoo. You can purchase a combo ticket here.
Is the Oceanarium wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Oceanarium is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their visit.
What safety measures are in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
The Oceanarium has implemented several safety measures, including limiting the number of visitors, maintaining social distancing, and enhanced cleaning protocols. Please check their official website for the latest updates on safety guidelines.
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