Robert PerskyVALENCIA, SPAIN. Oceanogràfic is the largest aquarium in Europe, and was built in 2003 and designed by the architect Félix Candela. It has more than 500 different species, including large mammals, like beluga wales and sea lions. And with other great places to visit in the Cuidad de las Artes y las Ciencias complex, this is a great place to spend the day in Valencia.
What I especially enjoyed about this aquarium was the environment it created. The buildings were all very modern and unique. The ecosystems on display were properly split and each contained its own building and area. The tropical area included a long underwater tunnel that allowed you to sit and get a long and unique perspective from under the water. All of the buildings are easy to access and one area generally leads to the next. Ecosystems included the Mediterranean, the Arctic, the tropics, wetlands, the temperate seas, and the Red Sea.
Bird Habitat | Robert Persky
We went to a dolphin show, which lasted an hour. The first ten minutes were spent selecting children and adults who would be able to interact with the dolphins during the show. The trainers then swam with the dolphins and had them perform tricks. Loud music played at intervals. The show was interesting to see, but not more unique than others I have previously seen.
Oceanográfic is located in the amazing Cuidad de las Artes y las Ciencias. This complex is amazing to gawk at and enjoy, with its modern buildings and large public spaces. Hemisféric is a planetarium and Imax / 3D theatre. Different shows are shown every day. The Science Museum is great to explore, with interactive exhibits that teach children and adults about science.
An adult ticket costs 27,90 euros, while a student ticket costs 23,70 euros and a children’s ticket costs 21,00 euros. If you want a pass to all of the buildings in the Cuidad de las Artes y las Ciencias (Oceanográfic, Hemisféric, and the Science Museum), an adult ticket will cost 32,62 euros, while a student ticket will cost 27,76 euros and a children’s ticket will costs 24,80 euros. By tickets online before going because it is cheaper.
Food can be expensive inside, so I would suggest bringing a picnic. All the signs are in English and Spanish, and the dolphin show was narrated in both English and Spanish. The aquarium was great, and one of the better ones that I have seen, but yet it was nothing special (so not worth a visit if you don’t have too much time).
Oceanográfic
C/ Eduardo Primo Yufera (Cientific) 1B
City of Arts and Sciences
46013 Valencia, Spain
http://www.cac.es/oceanografic/
Tel. +34 902 10 00 31
Hours: Sun to Fri 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias | Robert Persky