Oceanário de Lisboa

The Oceanário de Lisboa is a world-class aquarium located in the Parque das Nações, a modern waterfront district built for the 1998 World Exposition. Its centerpiece is a colossal 5,000-cubic-meter tank, home to sharks, rays, barracudas, and a variety of fish, all swimming in a carefully recreated ocean environment. The aquarium is designed around four distinct habitats: the North Atlantic, the Antarctic, the Pacific, and the Indian Ocean, each with its own unique species. Visitors can walk through a transparent tunnel that offers a 360-degree view of the main tank, feeling as if they are underwater. The Oceanário is also known for its conservation efforts, including breeding programs for endangered species like the seahorse. The building itself, designed by American architect Peter Chermayeff, resembles a floating ocean liner and is surrounded by a beautiful park with gardens and water features. It's a perfect destination for families, marine enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a mesmerizing encounter with the ocean's wonders.

Don't miss

• Marvel at the massive central tank with sharks, rays, and giant groupers.
• Explore the four habitat tanks: North Atlantic, Antarctic, Pacific, and Indian Ocean.
• Watch the daily feeding sessions for penguins, otters, and other animals.
• Visit the temporary exhibitions that focus on specific marine ecosystems.
• Walk through the underwater tunnel for a unique perspective of the main tank.

Know before you go

• Don't miss the penguin feeding times, check the schedule upon arrival.
• Photography is allowed, but no flash near the tanks to avoid stressing the animals.
• The on-site café offers good views of the park, but you can also bring your own snacks.
• Combine your visit with a stroll through the Parque das Nações, which has gardens and a cable car.

A bit of history

The Oceanário opened in 1998 as the centerpiece of the Lisbon World Exposition, themed 'The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future.' It was designed by architect Peter Chermayeff and remains one of the largest aquariums in Europe.