Lisbon Oceanarium

There are many historical sites to be found in Portugal. Sometimes, though, you want more on your vacation. Sometimes you want something that is a little different than anything that you have ever seen before. If you feel this way then you must see the Lisbon Oceanarium. The Oceanarium is not your everyday run of the mill aquarium. It is extraordinary and certainly not something you will see everyday.

The Second Largest in the World

The Lisbon Oceanarium is the largest in Europe and second in the world to the Osaka Aquarium in Japan. Peter Chermayeff was the architect in charge of both structures. In the modernly designed Lisbon Oceanarium the biggest focal point is the central tank, the Global Ocean tank. This tank holds various ocean species. The Oceanarium is home to over 16,000 plants and animals with 450 species.

Inside the Aquarium

Inside the Oceanarium you will be able to see the aquatic life from different levels. You can explore deep sea life without the hassle of having to suit up and dive yourself. There are both large and small species, as well as those found in the high seas and those you would find in costal waters. There are fish, plants, mammals and birds to be seen in the central tank. It really is a world of ocean life all in one place.

The Oceanarium is unique in that the four costal habitats of the world are all represented here. Each costal habitat has its own ecosystem and is recreated in one of the four towers in the Oceanarium. You can see species from the Antarctic, Pacific, Indian and Atlantics oceans right here in the Oceanarium. The most intriguing part of the design is that all these habitats co-exist. As mentioned, each of the four towers represent a specific ecosystem. Each of these ecosystems were created with a focus on detail. You may see a fish from that would original only be found in the Indian Ocean swimming alongside another fish that would be found only in the Antarctic Ocean. However, what you may not realize is each ecosystem is separated by invisible walls so this is merely an illusion, although a very good one that gives the Oceanarium its unique image.

That’s Not All

Not only is the Oceanarium an amazing view of ocean life unlike any other, but the facility also does special events. There is the Backstage Tour that gives you a 45 minute guided tour into areas of the facility that normally are off limits to visitors. On the tour you will see how the staff care for the animals and how they access the tank. There are also high tech interactive displays throughout the Oceanarium that give you multilingual explanations about all the ocean life found in the tank.

The aquarium will give you a range of experiences. You will get to explore ocean life that you could otherwise see by traveling the world yourself, many species are only seen by deep sea diving and some are nearly impossible to catch a glimpse of without professional help. You will also learn about these species. You will get information that is informative and enlightening. You will get to see the animals and fish interact in a habitat that is just like the one where they normally live. It is nothing like typical aquariums where the species are taken from their normal habitat. Here at the Oceanarium the animals and fish feel right at home.

Get There and Explore

This is a wonderful attraction for kids. They really enjoy seeing all the ocean life and learning about the fascinating species inside the enormous tank. Adults will also enjoy the feeling of being in the ocean without ever getting wet. It is a nice diversion from the many historic sites you are bound to be touring. It just adds a little variety to your trip to the area.

The Oceanarium is located in the Parque das Nacoes quarter. This modern are is perfect for the Oceanarium. It is easy to get to from the metro. Just get off at Oriente and stroll through the Vasco da Gama mall to the aquarium. Prices can change and hours may change as well so be sure to check ahead.