What is the Oceanografic?
This is one of the most famous and interesting places to visit in Valencia with its magnificent modern structures in the form of nine different towers. A great place to visit in Valencia especially with the children or grandkids. The Oceanografic is situated in the East of Valencia and forms part of the cultural complex of the City of Arts and Sciences. This also comprises a Science Museum, a Hemispheric (which is an IMAX cinema and exhibition room), a Palace of Arts with opera and musical shows, an Umbracle which is a vantage point of over 17,500 square metres overlooking over the whole area, with an exhibition zone, and finally another exhibition hall in the newest building, the spacious Agora.
How big is it?
The Oceanografic is the biggest aquarium in Europe with 500 different species (amongst which can be found sharks, Beluga whales, walruses, sea lions, penguins and manta rays ) and 45,000 animals in total and was opened in 2003. It is formed by nine large unusual looking buildings all grouped together over 110,000 square metres. The nine buildings are actually underwater towers designed by architect Felix Candela, each one representing different marine environments and ecosystems around the world such as the Wetlands, the Red Sea, Atlantic Ocean, the Antarctic, the Tropical and Temperate seas, Arctic and the Mediterranean. Divided into 10 different areas the aquarium includes huge underwater exhibitions with a 70 metre long tunnel representing a journey from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean. You can enjoy seeing a wide variety of fish and jellyfish, sharks, whales and dolphins.
The outside area has a beautiful garden with 80 different species of plants and there are crocodiles, penguins, sea lions, not forgetting the impressive Dolphinarium with unmissable shows every day. The dolphinarium has five pools and is the largest of its kind in Europe. The dolphinarium contains some 23 million litres of water, it can seat 2,210 people.
Entertainment and Hospitality
The restaurant has 3 levels including an open-air terrace and an undersea level where you can eat with the sharks watching you! You cannot take food in the park. They host events and parties also for special occasions and birthdays. The 4D cinema is highly recommended with fascinating and educational short films on every day.
Other interesting events here include swimming with sharks, sleeping with sharks, helping to take care of the dolphins. This is a must see in Valencia especially for those who have children, there are many hotels and B&B´s close by if you want to stay overnight. If you are driving from La Zenia or Orihuela Costa area, it will only take you two hours and a half to get there, but you can also go by bus or train, from Alicante.
Almost everywhere has wheelchair access and you can request a free one for your visit, subject to availability.
Current Exhibition
From the 3rd April 2018, there is a new exhibition of jellyfish. Sixteen new tanks will be installed in all the Oceanogràfic to show the different jellyfish of the world. It will exhibit some 1.000 examples of 16 different species.
You can find more information about the Oceanografic here:
https://www.oceanografic.org/en/tickets/
Have fun when you go there!