Oceanário de Lisboa: Guided Tour
NEWTickets

Oceanário de Lisboa: Guided Tour

Take a guided tour of the Oceanário de Lisboa to see the underwater world. Learn from an expert about 8,000 sea creatures across 500 species. View the permanent exhibition with a 5-million-liter central saltwater aquarium. Surrounding habitats include the North Atlantic, Antarctic, Temperate Pacific, and Tropical Indian Ocean. Walk through two levels, terrestrial and underwater, to see various ocean climates. Visit the Forests Underwater by Takashi Amano, the world's largest nature aquarium, and explore the Submerged Universe exhibition.

Step into an underwater paradise at the Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium), one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Located in Lisbon, Portugal, this stunning marine park offers an unforgettable journey through the world's oceans. Home to a vast array of marine species, from playful otters to majestic sharks, the Oceanário provides a unique opportunity to connect with the wonders of the underwater world. It is a place where education meets conservation, inspiring visitors to learn about and protect our planet's precious marine ecosystems. Prepare to be mesmerized by the beauty and diversity of life beneath the waves.

Highlights

Walk through immersive marine habitats representing ecosystems from the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Antarctic oceans.
Observe sharks, rays, sunfish, and vibrant schools of fish circling the massive central tank from multiple viewing levels.
Watch playful sea otters and other species in carefully designed environments that replicate natural conditions.
Discover rotating exhibitions that focus on biodiversity, sustainability, and ocean preservation.
Learn about global marine conservation initiatives and how individual actions impact ocean health.

About Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium)

The Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium) is more than just an aquarium; it's a captivating experience that immerses visitors in the beauty and complexity of marine ecosystems. Designed by architect Peter Chermayeff, the Oceanário's centerpiece is a massive central tank that simulates the open ocean, creating the illusion of a single, continuous underwater world. This main tank is home to a diverse array of species, including sharks, rays, barracudas, and a variety of other fish.

 Surrounding the central tank are four distinct habitats, each representing a different ocean ecosystem: the North Atlantic, Antarctic, Temperate Pacific, and Tropical Indian Ocean. The Oceanário is deeply committed to marine conservation and education, actively participating in research and conservation projects around the world. Through its exhibits and educational programs, the Oceanário aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans and marine life. A visit here is a chance to marvel at the beauty of the underwater world, learn about the challenges facing our oceans, and be inspired to take action to protect them.

Why Book Online?

Booking your Lisbon Oceanarium tickets online offers a seamless and stress-free way to guarantee your entry to this popular attraction. While tickets are available for purchase on-site, booking in advance ensures you won't miss out, especially during peak season. By booking online through our platform, you can enjoy verified tickets and potentially discover exclusive online deals. Take advantage of different ticket options, skip the lines, and start your underwater adventure without delay.

History

The Oceanário de Lisboa was built as part of the Expo '98 world exposition, which was themed "The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future." Designed by American architect Peter Chermayeff, the Oceanário was conceived as a centerpiece of the Expo, showcasing the importance of ocean conservation and education. 

Since its opening in 1998, the Oceanário has become one of Lisbon's most popular attractions, drawing visitors from around the world. The Oceanário's innovative design and focus on conservation have earned it numerous awards and accolades. Over the years, the Oceanário has expanded its exhibits and educational programs, solidifying its role as a leading institution in marine research and conservation. 

Today, the Oceanário de Lisboa continues to inspire and educate visitors about the wonders of the underwater world and the importance of protecting our oceans for future generations.

Opening Hours

The Oceanário de Lisboa is open daily with the following schedule:

Regular hours of Oceanário de Lisboa:

  • 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Last entry: 7:00 PM

Special holiday hours:

  • December 24: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last entry 6:00 PM)
  • December 25: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (last entry 7:00 PM)
  • December 31: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last entry 6:00 PM)
  • January 1: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (last entry 7:00 PM)

 

Best Time to Visit

To make the most of your visit to the Oceanário de Lisboa, aim for weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when visitor numbers are generally lower. Weekends, school holidays, and public holidays are the busiest, often leading to longer entry lines and crowded viewing areas around the main tank.

Arriving right at opening time (10:00 AM) or later in the afternoon after 4:30 PM also helps you enjoy a calmer experience. For fewer crowds overall, plan your visit in spring or fall rather than during the peak summer months.

What to See Inside

The Oceanario de Lisboa is carefully designed to take you on a journey through diverse marine habitats, bringing together more than 15,000 animals from over 500 species across four major oceanic regions.

  • The heart of the Oceanário is its impressive central tank, a colossal display mimicking the open ocean. Here, you'll encounter a mesmerizing array of marine life, from sleek sharks and graceful rays to schools of vibrant fish. 
  • Around this central tank are four distinct marine habitats, each showcasing the unique biodiversity of different regions of the world. In the North Atlantic habitat, you'll discover the rugged beauty of the North Atlantic marine environment. 
  • The Antarctic exhibit introduces you to the fascinating world of penguins, while the Temperate Pacific zone reveals the unique species found in the Pacific. 
  • Finally, the Tropical Indian Ocean habitat teems with colorful coral reefs and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. 

Each exhibit offers a window into the wonders of marine life, inviting you to explore and learn about the interconnectedness of our planet's oceans.

Things to Know

Before booking your Lisbon Oceanarium tickets, keep the following in mind: 

  • Tickets can be purchased online in advance to avoid queues. 
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the Oceanário.
  • Photography is allowed, but flash photography may be restricted in some areas. 
  • The Oceanário is accessible to visitors with disabilities
  • Educational programs and guided tours are available for those interested in learning more.

Visitor Rules

  • Please refrain from touching the glass or any of the exhibits. 
  • Do not feed the animals. 
  • Please supervise children at all times. 
  • Follow the instructions of the Oceanário staff. 
  • Smoking is not allowed inside the Oceanário.

Is It Worth Visiting?

The Oceanário de Lisboa offers an immersive and unforgettable journey into the depths of the ocean. It's a place where you can marvel at the beauty and diversity of marine life, from the smallest seahorses to the largest sharks. More than just an aquarium, the Oceanário is a center for conservation and education, inspiring visitors to care for our planet's oceans. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or on your own, the Oceanário de Lisboa is an experience that will stay with you long after you leave. Step into a world of wonder and discover the magic of the underwater realm. The Oceanário is a place where you can connect with nature, learn about the challenges facing our oceans, and be inspired to make a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I purchase Lisbon Oceanarium tickets?

You can purchase Oceanário de Lisboa tickets online through our website for a convenient and guaranteed entry.

How much do Oceanário de Lisboa tickets cost?

Ticket prices vary depending on the type of ticket and any applicable discounts. Check our website for the most up-to-date pricing information.

Do I need to book Lisbon Oceanarium tickets in advance?

Booking your Lisbon Oceanarium tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to ensure you don't miss out. Secure your spot by booking online through our platform.

How long does it take to visit the Oceanário de Lisboa?

The average visit duration is between 2 to 3 hours, but you may want to allocate more time to fully explore all the exhibits.

Is the Oceanário de Lisboa accessible to visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the Lisbon Oceanarium is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. Please check the official website for accessibility information.

Can I bring food and drinks into the Oceanário de Lisboa?

Food and drinks are generally not allowed inside the exhibit areas. However, there are designated areas where you can enjoy refreshments.

Is photography allowed inside the Oceanário de Lisboa?

Yes, photography is allowed for personal use, but flash photography may be restricted in some areas to protect the animals.

Are there guided tours available at the Oceanário de Lisboa?

Yes, guided tours are available for those interested in learning more about the Oceanário's exhibits and conservation efforts. Check our website for tour availability.

What is the best time to visit the Oceanário de Lisboa to avoid crowds?

The best time to visit is during the off-season or on weekdays. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can also help you avoid peak times. Book your tickets on our website.

How to Get There

The Oceanário de Lisboa is located in the Parque das Nações district. The easiest way to get there is by taking the metro to the Oriente station, which is on the red line. From the station, it's a short walk to the Oceanário. You can also reach the Oceanário by bus (lines 708, 725, 728, 750, 759, 782, 794) or taxi.