Aquariums are gateways to the underwater universe, providing unparalleled experiences to witness marine life up close. The largest aquariums globally not only captivate visitors with their sheer scale but also their dedication to education, conservation, and unique exhibits. Below, we explore the 10 largest aquariums in the world, each offering a distinct glimpse into aquatic wonders.
Dive into the fascinating underwater world with The 10 Largest Aquariums in the World: A Deep Dive Into Spectacular Marine Wonders. This guide explores massive aquariums that house millions of gallons of water, showcasing diverse marine life from all corners of the globe.
1. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom – Hengqin, China
- Total Water Volume: 12.9 million gallons
- Highlight: Whale Shark Exhibit
- Entry Fee: Approximately $60 for adults, $42 for children
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, located in Hengqin, China, is the largest aquarium in the world, boasting a staggering water volume of 12.9 million gallons. This aquatic haven holds several world records, including the largest single aquarium tank and the biggest acrylic viewing window. The crown jewel of Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is its Whale Shark Exhibit, where visitors can marvel at these majestic creatures through a massive panoramic window.
The park spans several zones, each representing different aquatic habitats, including Polar Adventure and the Deep Sea. Guests can observe polar bears in an icy environment or immerse themselves in the tropical rainforest teeming with exotic fish. Beyond the marine exhibits, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom blends entertainment with education through daily parades, 4D theaters, and nighttime fireworks. The park’s focus on sustainability and marine conservation is evident in its breeding programs and research facilities. It’s more than an aquarium; it’s a holistic experience celebrating the beauty of marine life.
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2. Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta, USA
- Total Water Volume: 11 million gallons
- Highlight: Beluga Whales and Manta Rays
- Entry Fee: $47 for adults, $39 for children
The Georgia Aquarium, with its 11 million gallons of water, stands as the largest aquarium in the United States. Located in Atlanta, this massive facility houses over 100,000 marine animals, including iconic species such as whale sharks, beluga whales, and manta rays. Its Ocean Voyager exhibit is a highlight, offering visitors the surreal experience of walking beneath a tank teeming with life, from hammerhead sharks to massive groupers.
The aquarium is divided into several galleries, each focused on a unique ecosystem. The Cold Water Quest gallery, for instance, features cold-water creatures like penguins, sea otters, and giant crabs, while the Tropical Diver section mimics vibrant coral reef habitats. Beyond exhibits, the Georgia Aquarium is heavily involved in marine conservation efforts, particularly in rehabilitating injured sea turtles and conducting research on whale shark behavior. Interactive programs such as "Swim with Gentle Giants" allow visitors to snorkel or dive alongside the aquarium’s residents, creating memories that last a lifetime.
3. S.E.A. Aquarium – Sentosa, Singapore
- Total Water Volume: 10 million gallons
- Highlight: Open Ocean Habitat
- Entry Fee: $39 for adults, $29 for children
S.E.A. Aquarium in Sentosa, Singapore, is a marvel of engineering and marine conservation, housing over 100,000 marine animals across 10 million gallons of water. The Open Ocean Habitat, its most famous exhibit, features a colossal viewing gallery that creates the illusion of standing on the ocean floor. Here, schools of fish, giant manta rays, and leopard sharks glide gracefully in a seamless, awe-inspiring display.
The aquarium is divided into 10 zones, each inspired by marine environments along the ancient maritime Silk Route. Visitors can explore the Strait of Malacca and the Persian Gulf, experiencing the biodiversity of ecosystems like the Red Sea and the South China Sea. Educational programs and interactive exhibits, such as touch pools, provide hands-on learning opportunities for all ages. S.E.A. Aquarium is also a hub for marine research and conservation, hosting initiatives to protect endangered species like the manta ray and Napoleon wrasse.
4. L’Oceanogrà fic – Valencia, Spain
- Total Water Volume: 11 million gallons
- Highlight: Unique Dome-Shaped Design
- Entry Fee: €33 for adults, €25 for children
L’Oceanogrà fic, located in Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, is Europe’s largest aquarium, with 11 million gallons of water spread across its futuristic complex. Designed to resemble a water lily, the aquarium features habitats from the Mediterranean, the Arctic, the Antarctic, and the Red Sea. Its architectural beauty is complemented by its focus on marine science and sustainability.
The facility is renowned for its Dolphinarium, one of the largest in the world, where visitors can enjoy dolphin performances while learning about their behavior and conservation. Another standout feature is the underwater tunnel, which allows guests to walk beneath sharks, rays, and other ocean predators. Educational exhibits delve into critical topics such as climate change and coral reef preservation, making L’Oceanogrà fic a center for environmental advocacy. The facility’s dining options, including an underwater restaurant, offer a unique experience that merges luxury with marine exploration.
5. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium – Okinawa, Japan
- Total Water Volume: 7.5 million gallons
- Highlight: Kuroshio Sea Tank
- Entry Fee: ¥1,880 (approximately $13) for adults, ¥620 (approximately $4) for children
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is celebrated for its Kuroshio Sea Tank, one of the largest tanks globally, holding 7.5 million gallons of water. This exhibit showcases the biodiversity of the Kuroshio Current, with whale sharks, manta rays, and tuna coexisting in a breathtaking underwater tableau. The tank’s enormous acrylic panel offers a crystal-clear view, making it a favorite among photographers and marine enthusiasts.
In addition to the Kuroshio Sea Tank, the aquarium highlights Okinawa’s unique marine ecosystems, including vibrant coral reefs and deep-sea habitats. Interactive programs, such as feeding sessions and behind-the-scenes tours, engage visitors of all ages. The aquarium also plays a crucial role in marine conservation, particularly in coral reef restoration projects and the study of whale sharks. Its location within the Ocean Expo Park further enhances its appeal, offering visitors access to botanical gardens and traditional Okinawan cultural exhibits.
6. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo – Dubai, UAE
- Total Water Volume: 2.64 million gallons
- Highlight: Suspended Tank in a Mall
- Entry Fee: $39 for basic tickets; premium experiences like cage snorkeling cost extra
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, located in the iconic Dubai Mall, combines luxury with marine exploration. Its main attraction is the suspended tank, which holds 2.64 million gallons of water and features one of the largest acrylic viewing panels globally. Visitors can walk through a 48-meter-long tunnel for an immersive underwater experience, surrounded by sharks, rays, and schools of tropical fish.
The Underwater Zoo above the main tank showcases unique ecosystems, such as the Rainforest and Rocky Shore, housing species like giant crocodiles, piranhas, and penguins. The aquarium also offers adrenaline-pumping activities, including shark diving and cage snorkeling. With its cutting-edge design and focus on marine conservation, the Dubai Aquarium has become a landmark attraction that perfectly blends innovation with education.
7. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium – Shanghai, China
- Total Water Volume: 1.85 million gallons
- Highlight: Longest Underwater Tunnel
- Entry Fee: ¥160 (approximately $22) for adults, ¥110 (approximately $15) for children
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, with its 1.85 million gallons of water, is famous for its record-breaking 155-meter underwater tunnel. Divided into multiple zones representing global ecosystems, the aquarium offers a journey through the rivers of China, the Amazon rainforest, and the Antarctic.
Key exhibits include endangered species like the Chinese sturgeon and rare jellyfish displays. The tunnel’s design takes visitors on a voyage through different underwater landscapes, from coral reefs to open ocean environments. The aquarium’s commitment to conservation is evident in its educational programs and breeding initiatives, focusing on preserving endangered aquatic species.
8. Monterey Bay Aquarium – California, USA
- Total Water Volume: 1.2 million gallons
- Highlight: Sustainable Marine Exhibits
- Entry Fee: $59.95 for adults, $44.95 for children
Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the most celebrated aquariums in the world, renowned not only for its size but also for its focus on sustainability, conservation, and showcasing native Californian marine life. Located on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula, the aquarium holds 1.2 million gallons of water spread across several expansive tanks, each designed to replicate natural ecosystems along the Pacific Coast. The main attraction, the Open Sea Gallery, presents an unparalleled view of open-ocean habitats and features animals like hammerhead sharks, massive schools of sardines, and the speedy bluefin tuna.
The aquarium is home to the world’s first living kelp forest exhibit, a feat that replicates the lush underwater forests off the California coast, filled with swaying kelp, colorful fish, and playful sea otters. In addition to providing a visually stunning experience, Monterey Bay Aquarium actively engages in numerous research and conservation efforts. From tracking sea otter populations to aiding in the rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals, the aquarium is deeply committed to protecting marine ecosystems. Educational programs, daily feedings, and interactive displays make it an ideal destination for families and marine enthusiasts who want to learn about the delicate balance of marine life along the western coast of the United States.
9. Turkuazoo – Istanbul, Turkey
- Total Water Volume: 1.3 million gallons
- Highlight: Shark-Filled Ocean Tunnel
- Entry Fee: ₺260 (approximately $15) for adults, ₺195 (approximately $11) for children
Turkuazoo, also known as Sea Life Istanbul, is Turkey’s largest aquarium, containing over 1.3 million gallons of water and more than 10,000 marine creatures. Located within the Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall, Turkuazoo’s Ocean Tunnel is a remarkable feature, providing a 270-degree viewing experience that surrounds guests with a breathtaking underwater environment. Here, visitors can observe sharks, stingrays, and a variety of other species as they glide above and around them.
Turkuazoo’s extensive collection of marine species includes sea turtles, octopuses, and piranhas, as well as the largest gathering of sharks in Turkey. The aquarium is divided into 21 distinct zones, each designed to showcase different aquatic habitats and species. The Black Sea zone, for example, educates visitors on the unique marine life native to Turkey’s coastlines, while other exhibits focus on tropical and rainforest ecosystems.
The aquarium is dedicated to marine education and conservation, hosting regular workshops and activities for children to inspire the next generation of ocean advocates. The staff also work on shark and ray conservation projects, making Turkuazoo not only a popular attraction but also an essential player in marine conservation within the region.
10. AquaDom – Berlin, Germany
- Total Water Volume: 260,000 gallons
- Highlight: Cylindrical Elevator Ride
- Entry Fee: Approximately €20 for adults, €15 for children
AquaDom in Berlin is not only one of the most unique aquariums in the world but also an architectural wonder. Located in the lobby of the Radisson Collection Hotel, AquaDom is an enormous cylindrical aquarium with a volume of 260,000 gallons. The transparent tank stands 25 meters (82 feet) tall and offers a unique experience: visitors can ride a glass elevator through the center of the tank, surrounded by colorful fish, coral reefs, and even small sharks.
The AquaDom’s cylindrical design provides an immersive, 360-degree view of its vibrant ecosystem, allowing guests to observe over 1,500 tropical fish from 100 species. The tank is meticulously maintained, and its unique design allows sunlight to filter through, creating a natural-looking habitat for the fish and coral. The team behind AquaDom also emphasizes education and sustainability. The facility features interactive exhibits about coral reefs, educating visitors on the importance of these ecosystems and the threats they face from climate change and human activity.
The AquaDom’s presence in Berlin, in the heart of a bustling urban environment, offers a surreal and memorable experience, blending luxury with marine exploration. Although it’s smaller in scale than other aquariums on this list, AquaDom’s innovative design and interactive experiences make it a unique attraction that showcases the beauty and fragility of underwater life in a way that is accessible to both tourists and locals.
Conclusion Largest Aquariums in the World
From the expansive Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China to the striking AquaDom in Berlin, the world’s largest aquariums showcase the incredible diversity of marine life across the globe. Each of these aquariums stands as a testament to human ingenuity and dedication to the conservation of underwater ecosystems. Whether you’re interested in exploring the unique species of the Kuroshio Sea at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium or walking through the longest underwater tunnel at Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences that deepen our understanding of the ocean’s mysteries.
