Top 26 Best Aquariums in the World
Aquariums are fascinating places that allow us to observe and appreciate the beauty and diversity of marine life.
The world's best aquariums offer an immersive experience, where visitors can get up close and personal with a vast array of sea creatures from all corners of the globe.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 25 best aquariums in the world.
These awe-inspiring attractions offer an incredible journey through the world's oceans, showcasing a wide range of marine species and habitats.
So, let's dive in and explore the wonders of the aquatic world!
1. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium - Okinawa, Japan
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a world-renowned aquarium and Ocean Expo Park located in Okinawa, Japan.
It is known for its vast array of marine, including whale sharks, manta rays, bull sharks, and over 80 different species of coral.
The main attraction of the aquarium is the massive Kuroshio Tank, which holds 7,500 cubic meters of water and is home to a variety of marine animals.
One of the most popular exhibits in the aquarium is the whale shark tank, which holds several whale sharks, including one of the largest aquariums in the world in captivity.
2. S.E.A. Aquarium - Singapore
The S.E.A. Aquarium on Sentosa Island in Singapore is one of the world's largest aquariums and marine parks, boasting over 100,000 marine animals across 50 different habitats.
The aquarium's main attraction is the enormous Open Ocean tank, which holds 45 million liters of water and is home to a wide range of marine life, including sharks, rays, and giant groupers.
In addition to the Open Ocean tank, the aquarium features several other exhibits showcasing different types of marine life, such as the Dolphin Island exhibit where visitors can watch trained dolphins perform in a show.
3. Georgia Aquarium - Atlanta, USA
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, with over 10 million gallons of water and more than 500 different species.
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, USA is known for its impressive collection of underwater life, including its famous whale sharks, California Sea Lions, and beluga whales.
It's also the only aquarium outside Asia to house the unique and endangered whale shark species (certified as the largest fish on earth).
The Georgia Aquarium is proud to house whale sharks and beluga whales, which are a symbol of the importance of marine conservation and the need to protect the world's oceans.
It's the only aquarium in the United States that houses whale sharks.
4. Oceanografic – Valencia, Spain
Oceanografic is an impressive aquarium and marine park located in the city of Valencia, Spain.
The park is spread over 110,000 square meters and houses over 500 different marine species, making it one of the largest and most diverse aquariums in Europe.
Featuring the longest aquarium tunnel in Europe, it comprises nine elegant underwater towers, each housing samples of the most important ecosystems.
The park also offers several interactive experiences, including the opportunity to swim with dolphins, sea lions and river otters, and watch sea turtle feeding sessions.
Visitors can also explore the underwater world through a 4D cinema and a virtual reality experience that takes them on a journey through the ocean's depths.
5. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan – Osaka, Japan
Located in the bustling city of Osaka, Japan, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the world.
The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is home to over 30,000 marine animals representing 620 different species, housed in 15 different exhibits that simulate various oceanic environments.
Visitors to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan can marvel at the largest collection of Japanese spider crabs in the world.
These Japanese Spider crabs are one of the largest arthropods on the planet, with a leg span that can reach up to 4 meters (13 feet) in length.
For these creatures alone, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is worth seeing in person.
6. The Aquarium of the Pacific - Long Beach, USA
The Aquarium of the Pacific is a world-class aquarium located in Long Beach, California, that is home to over 12,000 animals representing more than 500 species from the Pacific and beyond.
The largest of these tanks, “The Pacific Ocean” holds 5,400 tons of water and houses the aquarium's whale sharks, the largest aquarium fish in the world.
One of the highlights of the aquarium is the Tropical Pacific Gallery, which houses a large variety of marine from the Pacific islands and reefs.
The exhibit features a stunning 350,000-gallon tank with a walk-through tunnel, allowing visitors to see the sea life up close and from multiple angles.
7. Seattle Aquarium - Seattle, USA
The Seattle Aquarium is a popular destination located on the waterfront in downtown Seattle, Washington.
With a focus on the underwater life of the Pacific Northwest, the aquarium offers visitors a chance to explore the fascinating creatures that inhabit the region's waters.
The Giant Pacific Octopus is a fascinating and highly intelligent creature that can be found in the waters of the Pacific Northwest, including in the exhibits at the Seattle Aquarium.
These octopuses are the largest species of octopus in the world, with some individuals reaching up to 16 feet in length and weighing over 100 pounds.
Conservation efforts are essential to protecting the Giant Pacific Octopus and its habitat.
8. Genoa Aquarium - Genoa, Italy
Genoa Aquarium, located in the beautiful coastal city of Genoa, Italy, is one of the largest and most popular aquariums in Europe.
The aquarium is home to over 15,000 animals from 400 different species, making it an ideal destination for anyone interested in sea life and conservation.
One of the highlights of the Genoa Aquarium is the Biosphere exhibit, which houses a variety of plants and animals from different habitats around the world, including tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and the Arctic.
9. Ripley's Aquarium - Toronto, Canada
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is one of the top attractions in Toronto, Canada, and is home to thousands of sea creatures from around the world like the sand tiger shark, green sea turtle, and others.
Myrtle the green sea turtle is a beloved resident of the Ripley's Aquarium of Canada in Toronto, Canada.
She was rescued by the aquarium in 2014 after being found stranded on a beach in Nova Scotia, Canada, suffering from hypothermia and dehydration.
The staff at the Ripley's Aquarium of Canada worked tirelessly to nurse Myrtle back to health, and she quickly became a favorite among visitors.
Myrtle's story has also helped to raise awareness about the importance of protecting sea turtles and their natural habitats.
10. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo - Dubai, UAE
The Dubai Mall Aquarium is one of the most impressive attractions in Dubai and is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the city.
Located within the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, the Dubai Aquarium is a massive tank that is home to thousands of marine animals from over 200 species.
The Dubai Aquarium offers visitors a chance to see some of the world's most fascinating marine creatures up close, including sharks, rays, and schools of colorful fish.
11. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium - Shanghai, China
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to China.
Located in the bustling city of Shanghai, the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is home to over 450 species of sea animals from around the world, making it one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in Asia.
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium covers 20,500 square meters, features four subsea tunnels (measuring 155 meters in total), and consists of two pyramid-shaped buildings.
The buildings are divided into different exhibition zones: China, South America, Australia, Africa, Southeast Asia, the Cold-Water Zone, the Polar Zone, Deep Ocean Zone, and more.
12. Lisbon Oceanarium - Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon Oceanarium is one of the largest and most impressive oceanariums in Europe and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Portugal.
Located in the Parque das Nações area of Lisbon, the oceanarium is home to a vast array of marine life from around the world and is one of the few aquariums in the world to house a sunfish due to its unique care requirements.
One of the most unique exhibits at the Lisbon Oceanarium is the Giant Oceanic Tank, which is home to two ocean sunfish, also known as Mola mola, which is the largest bony fish in the world.
13. Vancouver Aquarium - Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver Aquarium, located in Stanley Park, is one of the largest and most renowned aquariums in Canada.
With over 50,000 animals from around the world, including dolphins, sea otters, beluga whales, and more, it's a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
One of the most unique features of Vancouver Aquarium is its Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre.
The center is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing marine mammals back into the wild.
14. Kenting National Museum of Biology and Aquarium - CheCheng Township, Taiwan
Kenting National Museum of Biology and Aquarium is a stunning museum and aquarium located in Checheng Township, Taiwan.
One of the highlights of the museum is its large aquarium, which is home to over 10,000 marine creatures from more than 500 species.
Visitors can explore various themed zones, including a coral reef exhibit, a jellyfish exhibit, and a shark exhibit.
15. Moscow Oceanarium - Moscow, Russia
Moscow Oceanarium is one of the largest aquariums in Europe, located in the heart of the Russian capital.
The Oceanarium features over 8,000 square meters of exhibits showcasing a wide range of marine life from around the world, making it a must-visit attraction for both locals and tourists alike.
The Oceanarium's exhibits include a diverse array of aquatic creatures, ranging from small fish to giant sea mammals.
16. Blue Planet Aquarium - Cheshire, UK
Blue Planet Aquarium, located in Cheshire, England, is a fascinating destination that allows visitors to discover the wonders of the underwater world.
A popular exhibit is the Amazon Flooded Forest, where visitors can see giant freshwater fish, piranhas, electric eels, and caimans.
The aquarium also features a touch tank area where visitors can touch and learn about sea creatures such as starfish, crabs, and sea urchins.
17. Yantai Haichang Whale Shark Aquarium - Yantai, China
Located in the coastal city of Yantai, China, the Yantai Haichang Whale Shark Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the wonders of the marine world.
As its name suggests, the aquarium is particularly known for its impressive collection of whale sharks - the largest fish species in the world.
Visitors to the Yantai Haichang Whale Shark Aquarium can marvel at the awe-inspiring size and grace of these gentle giants as they swim through the aquarium's massive tank.
18. The North Sea Oceanarium - Hirtshals, Denmark
The North Sea Oceanarium is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike who want to explore the fascinating marine world of Denmark's North Sea.
Located in the coastal town of Hirtshals, the aquarium offers a range of exhibits and activities that showcase the unique and diverse ecosystems of the North Sea.
19. SEA Life Centre London Aquarium - London, UK
SEA Life Centre London Aquarium is one of the most popular aquariums in the United Kingdom, located in the heart of London.
With over 600 species on display, visitors can explore the vast and diverse underwater world, from tropical coral reefs to the depths of the ocean.
One of the highlights of the aquarium is its Shark Walk, a glass walkway that allows visitors to walk above a tank filled with several species of sharks, including blacktip reef sharks and sand tiger sharks.
20. AquaRio - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
AquaRio is the largest aquarium in South America, located in the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The aquarium features over 8,000 animals from 350 different species, showcasing the diverse marine life of the Brazilian coast and beyond.
One of the highlights of AquaRio is the 26-meter-long shark tunnel, where visitors can walk through a glass tunnel while sharks, rays, and other fish swim overhead.
Other popular exhibits include the Amazonian freshwater fish exhibit, showcasing species like the piranha and the giant arapaima, and the touch pool, where visitors can interact with starfish and sea urchins.
21. SEA LIFE Centre Istanbul Aquarium - Istanbul, Turkey
SEA LIFE Centre Istanbul Aquarium is a world-class aquarium located in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey.
With over 47 different exhibits and more than 15,000 sea creatures, it is one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the region.
One of the main attractions at SEA LIFE Centre Istanbul Aquarium is the underwater tunnel, where visitors can walk through an 83-meter-long tunnel surrounded by colorful fish, sharks, and other sea creatures.
The aquarium also offers a range of interactive experiences, including touch tanks, feeding sessions, and virtual reality experiences.
22. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium - Sydney, Australia
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia, located in the heart of Sydney's Darling Harbour.
The aquarium houses over 700 different species of marine life, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Southern Ocean.
Visitors can explore the aquarium's many exhibits, including the Penguin Expedition, where you can get up close with a colony of adorable King and Gentoo penguins, and the Dugong Island, where you can see the only pair of dugongs on display in Australia.
23. Monterey Bay Aquarium - Monterey, US
Located on the iconic Cannery Row in Monterey, California, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world-renowned attraction that showcases the diverse marine life found in the nearby Monterey Bay.
Visitors to the aquarium can explore over 200 exhibits featuring more than 35,000 creatures, including playful sea otters, sleek sharks, mesmerizing jellyfish, African penguins, and majestic sea turtles.
One of the most popular exhibits is the Kelp Forest, which showcases the diverse ecosystem found off the coast of California.
Visitors can also enjoy the Open Sea exhibit, which houses the aquarium's largest tank, featuring tuna, sharks, and other oceanic predators.
24. Aquarium de La Rochelle - La Rochelle, France
Located on the Atlantic coast in western France, Aquarium de La Rochelle is a popular destination for visitors interested in the rich marine life found in the Bay of Biscay.
The aquarium is home to over 12,000 sea animals representing over 600 species, including colorful tropical fish, playful sea lions, and even penguins.
25. Shedd Aquarium - Chicago, US
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois, Shedd Aquarium is one of the most beloved aquariums in the United States.
With over 32,000 animals representing over 1,500 species, visitors can explore the diverse marine life found in the Great Lakes and around the world.
One of the highlights of Shedd Aquarium is the Wild Reef exhibit, which transports visitors to a vibrant coral reef ecosystem teeming with colorful fish, rays, saltwater fish, and sharks.
26. Chimelong International Ocean Resort - Guangzhou, China
Chimelong International Ocean Resort is a popular tourist destination and the world's largest aquarium located in Guangzhou, China.
The resort is home to several attractions, including the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, which is one of the largest aquariums in the world.
The aquarium houses over 500 species of marine life, including several rare and endangered species.
The Chimelong Ocean Kingdom also features a theme park, a water park, and several hotels and restaurants.
FAQs regarding the Best Aquariums in the World
Let's look at the most frequently asked questions relating to the best aquariums in the world.
What are the 3 biggest aquariums in the world?
The three biggest aquariums in the world by water volume are The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, The Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Hengqin, and The Marine Life Park in Sentosa.
Which is the best aquarium in the US?
According to Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards for 2021, the top-ranked aquarium in the US is the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Where does Monterey Bay Aquarium rank?
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is considered one of the top aquariums in the United States and according to Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards for 2021, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is ranked as the #2 aquarium in the United States, just after the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.
Is Monterey Aquarium the best in the world?
While the Monterey Aquarium is widely regarded as one of the best aquariums in the United States and the world, it is difficult to say definitively which aquarium is the "best" as it ultimately depends on personal preferences and criteria.
In 2018, the Monterey Bay Aquarium was awarded the Global Icon Award by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), recognizing its leadership and impact on the global aquarium community.
Summing Up: The Best Aquariums in the World
Aquariums are the ideal places to explore the mysterious and beautiful world of the ocean floor.
From the stunning exhibits at the Texas State Aquarium and the Atlantic Sea Park to the world-renowned displays at the National Aquarium and the Florida Aquarium, these institutions provide a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with rare fish and other fascinating creatures of the deep.
Through interactive exhibits, engaging programs, and immersive experiences, aquariums offer a fun and educational way to learn about marine life and the importance of conservation.
So why not plan a visit to one of these amazing aquariums today?
You'll be amazed by the sights and sounds of the underwater world and will gain a new appreciation for the importance of protecting our oceans and the creatures that call them home.
