The Donosti Aquarium or San Sebastián Aquarium is located in one of the most emblematic areas of in the city of San sebastian: the harbor, right next to San Sebastián’s old quarter, and just a few minutes from the city center. The Aquarium is one of the cities most popular attractions, attracting over 300,000 visitors annually. There are other larger and more famous aquariums in Spain, wether it be L’Oceanogràfic of Valencia or the Barcelona Aquarium, but it is wel worth a visit.
The aquarium is housed within a beautiful and emblematic building that dates back to 1928. It features two floors dedicated to the maritime and marine heritage of Gipuzkoa. The institution is simultaneously an aquarium and a museum that chronicles the history and relationship of the people of San Sebastián and the sea.
One of the aquarium’s main highlights is the northern right whale skeleton that is suspended within. The aquarium has several enclosures as well dedicated exclusively to the Bay of Biscay, which is home to more than 200 species, and an amazing 360º tunnel and a variety of tropical species.
The San Sebastián Aquarium is a very affordable activity you can enjoy in the city. Ticket prices are as follows:
The aquarium opens all year round except December 25, January 1, and January 20.
Pro Tip: the aquarium’s divers feed the sharks and other species on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 12:00 if you are interested in watching live.
The aquarium is divided into three areas. We believe you should estimate two to three hours to visit the aquarium. The first area is the huge pool of the Oceanario. This area was totally refurbished in the 1990s and the newest technologies introduced. The pool is 30 meters long and 16 meters wide and it can hold 1,8 million liters of water. There are over 40 species and our favorite feature in the aquarium: a tunnel to travel through the Oceanario. This is a great feeling and children love it! You will walk next to some of the impressive sharks that populated the Oceanario. The Oceanario focuses on local species that can be found in the Cantabric sea and the Atlantic. As you may have well hinted, the real stars of this area are the sharks. The largest in the Ocenario are the impressive and frightening bull sharks.
Individual aquariums: there are a number of aquariums that focus on different species. Panels explains their origin, location, and other interesting facts. You will find lots of different tropical species.
Tactile aquariums. This is an area dedicated to education (the San Sebastian aquarium receives a good number of school visits from students from all over the Basque country) The tactile aquariums let us get closer to the fauna and live in the sea. You will be able to touch starfishes or urchins. A great experience!
The first piece of advice would be to ditch the car for this outing. The best option for getting there is to rent one of the thousands of free bikes available across the city.
If you want to take you car, the nearest parking lot is Txofres parking located right in front of Zurriola beach.
Ciutadella is (After Mahon) the second largest town in Menorca and until 1722 the island´s capital. It is today the seat of a bishop but above all a beautiful, attractive and appealing city.Its port is full of restaurants where you will enjoy fish with fantastic views.
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