Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium) is a very popular tourist attraction. The capital of Portugal has no shortage of attractions. Still, Lisbon Oceanarium finds itself a place at the top. The complex is often claimed to be the best aquarium in the world. The facility is the second biggest in Europe. Host to more than 450 species and 8000 animals, Lisbon Oceanarium has to be on every visitor’s to-do list.
What is in the Oceanário de Lisboa?
The aquarium contains five tanks. Four of these tanks correspond to different ecosystems around the world. These systems are the North Atlantic rocky coast, the Antarctic coastal line, the Temperate Pacific kelp forests, and the Tropical Indian coral reefs. An extra tank is in the middle of these four tanks. This central tank is bigger than the other tanks. It provides panoramic views into ocean life. The tank’s inhabitants are eels, sharks, stingrays, barracudas, and countless more.
Expositions within the Oceanarium
The Lisbon Oceanarium has two expositions. These are the permanent exposition and temporary exposition. The permanent exposition continues all year without a change. The temporary exposition, on the other hand, has seasonal changes.
Permanent Exposition
Permanent exposition is situated in the Central Aquarium which holds 5 million liters of saltwater. This section has two levels. The ground level exhibits penguins, sea otters, and other species that like to climb to the land. The subaquatic level has sharks, barracudas, algae, stingrays, etc.
Temporary Exposition
The temporary exposition does not stay open for the entire year. The species exhibited in this section change throughout the year. It provides, however, a nice opportunity to see the variety of ecosystems that inhabit the Oceanarium.
Things to Know Before Arrival
The Lisbon Oceanarium is located in the Parque das Naçoes. To arrive at the facility, visitors may use the Red metro line and get off at the Oriente station. There are also several bus lines visiting the Oceanarium. These lines are 705, 708, 725, 728, 744, 750, 759, and 794.
The complex is open every day. In summer, visiting hours are between 10 am and 8 pm. In winter, it is possible to enjoy the expositions between 10 am and 7 pm.
There are two types of tickets for the Oceanarium. One involves both permanent and temporary expositions. This ticket costs 19 euros per adult. Seniors and children up to 12 are charged 13 euros. Children under 4 can enter free. The other ticket type is only for the permanent exposition. This one costs 16 euros per adult. Seniors and children up to 12 are charged 11 euros. Children under 4 can enter free of charge.
