There’s something mesmerizing about aquariums. Anyone who’s seen an aquarium knows that abeautifully designed fish tank is like a work of living art in motion. Here are the seven of thebest aquariums in the world for people of all ages to love.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Okinawa, Japan
The Kuroshio Sea – the main tank at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium – held the record for the world’s largest acrylic panel when it first opened in 2002 as part of the island’s Ocean Expo Park, but has since been surpassed by the Georgia Aquarium and Dubai Aquarium and Discovery Centre. Still, thousands of tourists flock to this island to catch a glimpse of the aquarium. It organizes regular surprises for its visitors, so making a trip there can truly be memorable.
Address:424 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture 905-0206, Japan
Operating Hour: 8:30AM – 6:30PM (Oct-Feb); 8:30AM – 8:00PM (Mar – Sept)
Price: ¥1,850 (Adult); ¥1,230 (High school student); ¥610 (Elementary and junior high school student); Free for children under 6
Website:churaumi.okinawa/en/
Aquadom, Berlin, Germany
Though the size may not be as impressive as the rest of the list, you will definitely be enthralled by its cylindrical structure. Located inside the Radisson Hotel in Berlin, the Aquadom runs 25 meters in height and 11 meters in diameter with a capacity of a million liters of water. As for sea creatures, this marine exhibit is sanctuary for over 1,600 aquatic animals andcoral reefs. If that still doesn’t impress you, try the transparent elevator that goes through the entire tank for a closer look at the fishes.
Address:Spandauer Str. 3, 10178 Berlin, Germany
Operating Hour: 10AM – 7:00PM
Prices:From €10.50 (Adult); From €8.70 (Child)
Website:www.visitsealife.com/de/de/berlin/
Georgia Aquarium, Georgia, USA
One of the largest aquariums in the world, this impressive facility opened its doors back in 2005 after a generous grant of $250 million from Bernie Marcus, the owner of Home Depot. What’s great about this aquarium is its Ocean Voyager section, where they keep whale sharks in tanks that have capacities of up to 24 million liters of water each. Besides that, the Georgia Aquarium is also dedicated to ocean conservation. Its Conservation Field Station is dedicated to theresearch and rescue of dolphins and small whales in North Florida.
Address:225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Operating Hour: Hours of operation vary, do check out their website for the updated time.
Price: From $31.95 (Adult, aged 13-64); From $27.95 (Child, aged 3-12); From $29.95 (Senior, 65 and above)
Website:www.georgiaaquarium.org/
uShaka Marine World, Durban, South Africa
The uShaka Marine World was actually built to resemble aship’s wreckage, making your trip there really unique and different from the rest. Visitors can gape at the magnificent tanks – a total of 32 – that feature practically every sea creature on Earth. Feeling hungry? Grab a bite at the Cargo Hold restaurant that comes with a full-size aquarium with sharks.
Address: 1, King Shaka Ave, Point, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Operating Hour: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Price:R 186 (Adult); R 138 (Child and Senior)
Website: www.ushakamarineworld.co.za/
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, Shanghai, China
What sets this aquarium apart from its contenders is its jaw-dropping underwater tunnel that measures up to 155 meters long. Besides the usual sea creatures that have become a staple in aquariums all over the world, the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium also houses severalendangered species from the country’s Yangtze’s River, including the Yangtze alligator and giant salamander. Reptiles aside, guests will also be treated to the rare sights of Chinese water dragons and penguins of Antarctica.
Address: 1388 Lujiazui Ring Rd, LuJiaZui, Pudong Xinqu, Shanghai, China
Operating Hour: 9:00AM – 6:00PM
Price:RMB 160 (Adult); RMB 110 (Child)
Website: /www.sh-aquarium.com/en/
Dubai Aquarium and Discovery Centers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
It’s without a doubt that Dubai has positioned itself as amajor tourist destination in the recent years. Themonumental Burj Khalifa and exquisite man-made islands like the Palm Jumeirah aside, Dubai is also famed for the Dubai Aquarium and Discovery Center. Strategically situated in the gigantic Dubai Mall, this aquarium now boasts the largest acrylic panel in the whole world, with more than 33,000 sea animals belonging to 85 different aquatic species sourced from around the world.
Address: Ground & Level 2, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Operating Hour:10AM – 11PM (every day except Thurs, Fri & Sat), 10AM – 12AM (Thurs, Fri & Sat)
Price: AED 100 (Baby Aquarist); AED 300 (VIP Experience); AED 120 (Explorer Experience); AED 100 (Researcher Experience); AED 200 (Mermaid Transformation)
Website: www.thedubaiaquarium.com/
The Deep Aquarium, Hull, England
What Hull’s Deep Aquarium lacks in its size is made up for its imposing design. Strictly speaking, The Deep Aquarium is actually a ‘submarium’ with 2.5 million liters of seawater. Opened in 2002, the aquarium has been a major tourist destination since. It plays host to seven variety of shark species, as well as 3,500 types of marine creatures.
Address: Tower St, Hull, HU1 4DP, United Kingdom
Operating Hour:10:00AM – 6:00PM
Price:£12.50 (Adult); £10.50 (child, aged 3-15); £11.50 (Student); £11.50 (Senior, aged 60 and above); Free for children under 3
Website: www.thedeep.co.uk/
