Lisbon Aquarium and Oceanarium

Lisbon's Aquarium, or more correctly Oceanarium, is one of the greatest salt water aquariums in the world, there are hundreds of varied species of fish/mammals/birds and was one of the central attractions of Expo ‘98. The Lisbon Oceanarium along with all of the buildings in Parque das Nações were constructed with striking ultra modern designs and the building gives no indication of the wonders that lie inside.

The Oceanarium of Lisbon is highly recommended but as part of the exclusive expo park development and on the popular tourist route the entrance is pricey at €12 of an adult ticket. Inside the oceanarium there over 450 different species of animals which include sharks rays, penguins and even two delightful sea otters Eusébio and Amália!

 

With all things considered Lisbon's Oceanarium is excellent value as a 2-4 hours can be easily spent watching the oceanic environments from different angles. Try to avoid weekends from late spring to late summer as the trip can be ruined by hordes of screaming kids.

During height of season try to avoid the oceanarium straight after lunch as this the busiest time of the day. Lisbon's Aquarium is only a 10 minute walk from the Oriente metro station (Red Line) and is clearly signed. Inside the oceanarium the audio guide is very factual (if a fraction boring) so not recommended. Flash cameras are not allowed as the fish can be startled and distressed therefore if a keen photographer remember to bring along a tripod.

 

Lisbon's Oceanarium is divided in to four large tanks that represent the four major oceananic ecosystems that are found throughout the world, with a massive central tank. The ecological systems are North Atlantic rocky coast, the Tropical Indian coral reefs, the Temperate Pacific kelp forests and the Antarctic coastal line.

The central tank is separated from the four ecological tanks by a glass barrier to give the impression of one massive tank. The main exhibit in Lisbon's Oceanarium is the 1,000-square-metres tank and the four 49-square-metre outer tanks. The central tank is 7 metres deep and allows pelagic swimmers to swim above the bottom dwellers, and providing the illusion of the open ocean.

 

The water in the centre tank of Lisbon's Aquarium is kept at a temperature that will allow both temperate and tropical fish to live. About 100 species from around the world are kept in the central tank and include: sharks, rays, chimaeras, various species of tuna, barracudas, groupers and moray eels and one of the main attractions is a large Sunfish.