The 17 Most Breathtaking Aquariums on Earth You Need to See
Aquariums offer an enchanting glimpse into life beneath the waves, evoking awe and curiosity at every turn. Globally, tens of millions of people visit aquariums annually to be amazed by the marine variety.
From sparkling coral reefs to massive shark tanks, these aquatic wonders seamlessly blend entertainment, education, and conservation into a single, unforgettable experience.
If you’re a seasoned jetsetter, marine life aficionado, or just looking for inspiration for your next getaway, the following 17 aquariums are ones you must visit to leave you awestruck.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (Japan)
Home to one of the world’s biggest aquarium tanks, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is the star of the show with its stunning Kuroshio Sea tank. Here, you will witness massive whale sharks and manta rays swimming effortlessly in crystal-clear waters.
This aquarium is a paradise for sea lovers. As agreed by the Japan National Tourism Organization, it holds over 720 species and features interactive features like touch pools and deep-sea habitats. Its sparkling exhibits and sea research make it a place to visit.
S.E.A. Aquarium (Singapore)
Formerly the world’s largest oceanarium, this Sentosa Island wonder features over 100,000 sea animals in 50 diverse habitats. Its Open Ocean tank offers a panoramic view of the sea, as if strolling into it. Perfect for sea lovers and families, the S.E.A.
The SEA Aquarium is an educational centre for biodiversity, featuring exhibits of jellyfish, sharks, and seahorses. Its conservation mission rounds out the experience, so you feel like one of those actually doing something to protect our oceans.
Georgia Aquarium (United States)
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is the stuff of legends—not only for its enormity but also for its ability to accommodate whale sharks, manta rays, and beluga whales in specially crafted habitats.
Innovative displays such as the Ocean Voyager tunnel bring sea life close at hand, providing a 360-degree underwater experience. It’s not just an aquarium; it reflects state-of-the-art research and memories to last a lifetime.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (Japan)
Embodying the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” the Kaiyukan presents ecosystems in an interactive exhibit divided into 27 tanks. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, these tanks house approximately 30,000 animals. Its most enormous tank, a replica of the Pacific Ocean, is home to record-holding animals, such as whale sharks.
The adjacent interactive areas, where guests can touch sea creatures or view penguins in Arctic landscapes, provide a hands-on component to this exciting learning experience.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (United Arab Emirates)
Inside the colossal Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium is a wonder of the future. Its gigantic viewing panel and tunnel make you feel like the sea surrounds you.
Its tanks are home to thousands of species, from sand tiger sharks to glowing jellyfish. As you walk through its tunnel or engage in shark-cage snorkeling, the experience is as much an adventure as it is a luxury.
L’ ‘Oceanogràfic (Spain)
Valencia’s Oceanogràfic is Europe’s biggest aquarium, featuring ecosystems ranging from the Arctic tundra to temperate wetlands. The building’s futuristic architecture hints at the wonders within, including dolphins, walruses, and even belugas.
Kids and adults will love the interactive dolphin shows; conservation-minded exhibits provide an educational spin.
uShaka Marine World (South Africa)
More than an aquarium, uShaka blends ocean conservation with theme-park entertainment. Designed like a shipwreck, its highlights range from dolphin gymnastics to thrilling seal shows.
Home to over 32 tanks and 1 million gallons of water, uShaka Marine World immerses you in African sea life with space for fun family activities.
The Lost Chambers Aquarium (United Arab Emirates)
Enter a legendary underwater realm at Atlantis Dubai, where The Lost Chambers Aquarium recreates Atlantis myths. Winding tunnels are ‘home to more than 65,000 marine animals as counted by Aquaventure World.’
From reef sharks to rays, this unique attraction pairs storytelling with star-quality marine exhibits for a dreamlike, fantastical journey.
Vancouver Aquarium (Canada)
In lovely Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium has been recognized for its conservation work since its opening in 1956. It’s entertaining, too, with over 300 fish species and daily shows by the belugas and sea otters.
The aquarium is also involved in local marine rescue and research efforts, which supports the assertion that every visit helps the planet’s health.
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (China)
The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium boasts the world’s longest submarine observation tunnel and an impressive 155-meter underwater walk. The exhibits range from Chinese endangered species to tropical ocean fish.
Architectural wonder and ocean biodiversity meet here, and it is a place one must visit if fascinated by the secrets of the ocean..
Istanbul Aquarium (Turkey)
Istanbul Aquarium takes its visitors on a themed underwater tour of 16 zones, offering an immersive travel experience through ecosystems such as the Black Sea and the Amazon Rainforest.
The last rainforest exhibit, with live plants and tropical creatures, allows you to “dive” into two worlds in one place—a real globe-trotting aquarium experience.
Cretaquarium (Greece)
Specializing in the Mediterranean marine life, the Cretaquarium gets up close and personal with the local ecosystems. Dedicated to the aquatic ecosystem of the Mediterranean, the Cretaquarium gets up close and personal with the local ecosystems. Stroll through its halls and be amazed at seahorses, octopuses, and monk seals.
A learning center as much as a feast for the eyes, with its educational mandate and conservation goal for Europe’s waters. Personal with the local ecosystems. Stroll through its corridors to be amazed at seahorses, octopuses, and monk seals.
The Deep Aquarium (United Kingdom)
Well-named, Hull’s “The Deep” is dedicated to the secrets of the deep ocean. According to the BBC, it is home to more than 5,000 animals, including sharks, rays, and jellyfish, and it’s a paradise for marine conservationists. Stroll through space-age exhibits and down to the underwater viewing tunnel—it’s compelling and environmentally friendly.
AquaRio (Brazil)
This Rio aquarium places South America firmly on the map with its gigantic 28 tanks and over 350 ocean species. The pièce de résistance? Walking through a tunnel surrounded by colorful sea life on all sides.
Every tank is designed to highlight Brazil’s biodiversity, from the rays and jellyfish to the multicolored clownfish.
Nausicaá (France)
Engaging and stunning, the Nausicaá aquarium centers on ocean sustainability through attractions like the massive open lagoon, which contains several hundred sea creatures. Its innovative combination of film experiences and actual environments renders it memorable.
Shedd Aquarium (United States)
A jewel of Lake Michigan, the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago offers experiences blending science, fun, and conservation. Beluga whales, penguins, and anemone-covered reefs await.
Opened in 1930, the Shedd is home to 32,000 animals and, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Energy, contains the world’s most diverse aquatic collection. It combines historic architecture with cutting-edge aquatics research for an exciting experience.
Cube Oceanarium (China)
This Chengdu site celebrates China’s aquatic life. It features vibrant coral reefs, stunning amphibians, and thrilling shark-feeding demonstrations, ensuring a captivating experience.
As recorded by AAT (Advanced Aquarium Technologies), the Cube Oceanarium, which opened in 2014, does not just house sea animals; its modern design also makes it a unique space.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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