Information
Landmark: LoceanograficCity: Valencia
Country: Spain
Continent: Europe
Loceanografic, Valencia, Spain, Europe
Overview
L'Oceanogràfic, the largest oceanarium in Europe, sits in Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, where glass walls curve like waves above shimmering blue water.It opened in 2003, joining the sweeping white arcs and glass curves of the larger complex designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela.This sprawling ocean park shelters over 45,000 marine creatures from more than 500 species, from tiny darting seahorses to massive rays, and it’s also a vital hub for scientific research and education.L’Oceanogràfic, designed by architect Félix Candela, features sweeping underwater structures and gleaming glass walls where you can watch fish glide past just inches away.The park unfolds in themed zones, each capturing the character of a different marine ecosystem.Covering more than 110,000 square meters, the oceanarium holds a mix of aquariums and exhibits, from a towering central tank to a glass-walled tunnel where sharks glide overhead; in the Mediterranean zone, you’ll find rays, sea turtles, and sleek predators from local waters, while the Wetlands replicate lush marshes filled with flamingos and ducks, the Temperate and Tropical Seas shimmer with coral and bright reef fish, Antarctica offers a glimpse of penguins and sea lions on icy ledges, and The Ocean-its largest space-teems with tuna, stingrays, and other powerful marine life.A clear tunnel runs through the tank, letting visitors stroll inside and watch fish glide overhead and beneath their feet.In the Arctic Zone, beluga whales and walruses make their home.Step into the Arctic exhibit, where glass tanks shimmer with ice-cold water and rare creatures glide through the blue; it’s a favorite stop for visitors.Move on to the Red Sea section and you’ll find a living kaleidoscope-bright fish darting between coral reefs and other species from its warm waters.At the Oceanographic Restaurant, you can sit surrounded by glass walls and watch stingrays and silver fish drift past as you eat.L’Oceanografic’s residents range from sleek sharks and graceful rays to playful dolphins, sea lions, and beluga whales, alongside coral reef tropical fish and the penguins, seals, and walruses of its polar zones.Beyond the displays, the center also carries out marine biology research and works on conservation projects.L’Oceanogràfic plays a vital role in protecting endangered species and nurturing sustainable marine habitats, from breeding beluga whales and Mediterranean turtles to running hands-on educational programs that stir curiosity and care for the ocean.Visitors might trace the curve of a glass tunnel with their fingertips as sharks glide overhead, join interactive feeding sessions, or watch dolphins and sea lions in shows that blend entertainment with conservation messages.Temporary exhibits, school workshops, and family-friendly presentations keep learning accessible and engaging, while the park’s design embraces renewable energy, efficient water use, and responsible waste management-making it a standout destination for anyone who loves the sea.Here, you get the rare chance to explore aquatic life from every corner of the globe, surrounded by a stunning, glass-walled setting that makes you feel as if you’re underwater.
