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Donostia / San Sebastián

Visitors appreciate the aquarium's combination of marine life exhibits and maritime history displays. The 360-degree underwater tunnel is a highlight, offering immersive views of sharks, rays, and turtles. The tactile aquarium provides an interactive experience, especially for children. Some visitors note the aquarium's relatively small size compared to others, but still find it worthwhile. The location near the harbor and Old Town adds to its appeal.

Explore the San Sebastián Aquarium: A Maritime Gem by the Sea in Donostia 

Nestled at 1 Plaza de Carlos Blasco Imaz in the picturesque city of Donostia / San Sebastián, Spain, the San Sebastián Aquarium offers visitors a captivating dive into marine wonders and rich maritime history. This charming aquarium, perfectly located near the harbor and the historic Old Town, is a beloved destination for families, marine enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike.

A Unique Blend of Marine Life and Local History

Unlike typical aquariums, this venue masterfully combines exhibits of vibrant regional fish species with fascinating displays on Donostia’s naval heritage. From tales of ancient fishing traditions and whale hunting to insights into maritime trade and corsair stories, the museum paints a vivid picture of the city’s deep connection to the sea.

Visitors are guided through two thoughtfully designed levels—beginning with historical exhibits at the top, which seamlessly lead down to modern aquarium tanks filled with local and tropical marine species. This layout allows guests to immerse themselves fully in both the past and present aquatic worlds.

Get up close with sharks, rays, and turtles in an immersive tunnel that surrounds you with aquatic life.

Interactive tanks where children and adults can touch sea creatures, enhancing educational engagement.

Discover a diverse collection of fish native to the Basque coast alongside colorful tropical species.

Well-lit and thoughtfully designed display areas make exploring comfortable and visually stunning.

Visitors often note the aquarium’s compact size, but praise its quality over quantity approach. It offers a calm, educational, and family-friendly atmosphere where guests can easily spend one to two hours soaking in the exhibits and marine life. The aquarium’s approachable pricing and accessibility reinforce its appeal as a top cultural attraction in Gipuzkoa.

What are the opening hours of the San Sebastián Aquarium? 

Opening hours vary by season. Typically, from October to March it's open Tuesday to Friday 10:00–19:00, weekends and holidays 10:00–20:00. From April to June and September, weekdays 10:00–19:00, weekends and holidays 10:00–20:00. In July and August, daily from 10:00 to 20:00. Closed on Mondays except long weekends.

How much does it cost to visit the aquarium? 

Admission is €14 for adults, €7 for children aged 4-12, €10 for reduced tickets (retired & students), and free for children under 4. VAT is included.

Yes, the aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.

The San Sebastián Aquarium enjoys a broadly positive reputation among visitors. Guests appreciate the harmonious blend of marine exhibits and historical context, which creates a rich cultural experience. The 360-degree underwater tunnel and tactile aquarium are standout features that delight both kids and adults. While some remark on the aquarium's smaller size compared to other global aquariums, most find it thoroughly enjoyable, especially given its prime location by the seaside and close to the bustling Old Town.

Plan your visit to this maritime treasure and immerse yourself in the wonders of the sea and the vibrant legacy of Donostia’s naval past.

Europe

Spain

Nestled in the picturesque city of Donostia, the Aquarium is not just a place to observe marine life; it’s a vibrant journey through the region's rich maritime history. This **seaside aquarium** offers a captivating blend of local fish exhibits and engaging displays on fishing traditions, making it a must-visit for families and marine enthusiasts alike. As you step inside, the scent of saltwater fills the air, and the gentle sound of waves creates a serene atmosphere.

While the aquarium itself does not have dining facilities, the surrounding area is teeming with delightful cafés and restaurants. After your visit, indulge in local Basque cuisine at nearby eateries. Be sure to try the **pintxos**, a traditional Basque tapas, and the fresh seafood dishes that reflect the region's coastal heritage. The vibrant culinary scene complements the aquarium experience, making it a perfect day out.

Situated at 1 Plaza de Carlos Blasco Imaz, the aquarium is conveniently located near the stunning La Concha beach, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade. Additionally, the historic Old Town of Donostia, known for its lively atmosphere and charming streets, is just a short walk away. This makes the aquarium an ideal starting point for exploring the city’s vibrant culture and attractions.

One of the aquarium's standout features is the **shark tunnel**, where visitors can walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by swimming sharks and rays. This immersive experience is both thrilling and educational, allowing guests to learn about marine life up close. Additionally, the aquarium houses a fascinating section dedicated to the history of fishing in the region, showcasing artifacts and stories that highlight the local culture.

The aquarium is renowned for its immersive shark tunnel and exhibits that showcase local marine life and fishing history.

Yes, the aquarium is family-friendly and offers engaging exhibits that children will love.

A typical visit lasts about 1-2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits.

Whether you're a local or a traveler, the Aquarium in Donostia is an enriching experience waiting for you. Come explore the wonders of the sea, learn about the region's maritime heritage, and create lasting memories with your family. Don't miss out on this unique attraction—plan your visit today!

Seaside aquarium with fish from the region as well as exhibits on local fishing & naval history.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzODhuWTdnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ_--yFbK6UQ0RbrB978k0380/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzODhuWTdnRRAB

Small scale maritime museum & aquarium that packs a punch with exhibits on local history, fishing traditions, trade history and ocean life.

Laid out on two (2) levels, you start from the top with the history exhibits and work your way down to the aquarium. It takes one (1) hour if you are too ADD to read anything and two (2) hours to visit if you actually read the panel displays.

Cold and unfriendly staff at the entrance, the museum is easy to navigate as the exhibits have enough room to circulate without too many people.

Highly recommended, top quality exhibits, modern, well-lit, a nice calm visit.

P.S.: please leave a 👍 if this review + pictures were useful in making your choices, thank you 🙏

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR2eDgzNTFBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ_--yFbK6UQ0RbrB978k0380/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR2eDgzNTFBRRAB

It's a very cute place! Personally, I felt like it was maybe smaller than I would expect it to be, but otherwise the environment is lovely and there is a good variety of fish!

At the beginning there's also a whole section on ships and fishing practices which is interesting!

Overall, it is a lovely aquarium, nothing particularly special, but if you in general enjoy aquariums (like me) I'm sure you'd enjoy the visit :))

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2LWFyUVl3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ_--yFbK6UQ0RbrB978k0380/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2LWFyUVl3EAE

Very nice and worth a visit, combining both the Maritime museum and Aquarium. The museum mostly focuses on the naval history of the city, from whale hunting, to corsairs and fishing traditions and industry. The aquarium contains various areas, some with local fish and others with tropical fish. I enjoyed the visit very much, and recommend it.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmMmQtTWFnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ_--yFbK6UQ0RbrB978k0380/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmMmQtTWFnEAE

A must-visit on a cloudy day! The aquarium itself is not so big, but the interesting exhibitions fill in the gaps. Kids will love the shark tunnel, adults will be fascinated by the information about whale hunting. You can easily spend 2 hours in here.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMzek9Ha2RBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ_--yFbK6UQ0RbrB978k0380/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMzek9Ha2RBEAE

Beautiful place.
It has everything from everything regarding the sea.
Great piece to cost with your family. Kids will love it.
Price is not so high compared to other places looked this in Europe.

Explore Donostia-San Sebastián's Aquarium: A Family-Friendly Maritime Museum

Founded in 1908 by the Gipuzkoa Oceanographic Society, the San Sebastián Aquarium is one of the oldest marine museums in Spain. Its current location, the Palacio del Mar-Aquarium, was inaugurated in 1928 and houses one of the first live marine collections in the Cantabrian region. The aquarium has undergone several expansions and renovations, notably in 1998 and 2008, to enhance its exhibits and facilities.

The Aquarium of San Sebastián is a captivating seaside attraction in Donostia, showcasing the rich biodiversity of marine life and local fishing history. Visitors can explore mesmerizing exhibits, including a stunning underwater tunnel where sharks glide overhead, making it a must-visit for marine enthusiasts and families alike.

Aquarium

phone

address

The Aquarium of San Sebastián showcases the remarkable biodiversity of our planet's oceans, inviting visitors to embark on an unforgettable underwater journey. With exhibits on local fishing and naval history, it offers a captivating experience for marine enthusiasts and families alike.

Phone

Address

Rating

Family-friendly

The Aquarium of San Sebastián is a captivating attraction in Donostia, showcasing the remarkable biodiversity of the oceans. Visitors can explore various exhibits, including a stunning underwater tunnel and displays on local fishing and naval history, making it a must-visit for marine enthusiasts.

Dive into the wonders of Donostia's Aquarium! Experience mesmerizing marine life and interactive exhibits. Plan your visit today!

Explore Donostia Aquarium: Dive into Marine Wonders

Donostia Municipality

Educational tours led by knowledgeable staff, available in multiple languages.

Guided Tours

Interactive exhibit where visitors can touch various marine species.

Tactile Aquarium

Overnight events allowing guests to sleep inside the aquarium.

Sleeping with Fishes

Discover Donostia's Aquarium: A Maritime Gem by the Sea

Nestled in the heart of Donostia / San Sebastián, the Aquarium offers a captivating dive into the rich marine world and fascinating maritime history of the Basque coast. Located at 1 Plaza de Carlos Blasco Imaz, this engaging destination combines a modern aquatic environment with cultural exhibits that celebrate the sea's influence on local life.

An Immersive Two-Level Experience for All Ages

The aquarium is thoughtfully designed across two levels, inviting visitors to explore from top to bottom. Begin your journey upstairs with intriguing exhibits showcasing the region’s naval heritage — from traditional fishing practices and whale hunting to the bustling trade history that shaped Gipuzkoa. Descend to the aquatic galleries where you’ll encounter vibrant tanks teeming with both local fish species and exotic tropical marine life.

Unique Attractions and Interactive Offerings

Beyond simply observing, the Aquarium invites you to engage with the marine environment in exciting ways that make it perfect for families and curious travelers alike.

 Educational tours led by knowledgeable staff in multiple languages, offering deep insights into marine life and local maritime traditions.

 An interactive zone where visitors can gently touch various marine species, creating a memorable hands-on experience.

 A unique overnight event that lets guests spend the night inside the aquarium, surrounded by mesmerizing aquatic life.

Whether you're a passionate marine enthusiast, a family looking for an educational outing, or a traveler eager to uncover local culture, the Aquarium in Donostia delivers an enriching experience. Its compact size ensures a calm and intimate visit without overwhelming crowds, while the well-lit and modern exhibits make exploration both comfortable and fascinating.

Families with children especially appreciate the kid-friendly exhibits and the engaging shark tunnel, which sparks wonder and curiosity among young visitors.

 Situated in central Donostia, making it an accessible and convenient cultural stop.

 Offers free guided tours and interactive zones to maximize your visit without extra cost.

 Combines natural marine displays with compelling historical narratives about Donostia’s relationship with the sea.

Euskadi

Dive into the wonders of Donostia's Aquarium! Discover local marine life with interactive exhibits and guided tours. Perfect for families!

Explore Donostia's Oceanfront Aquarium - A Marine Adventure

Plan your visit to San Sebastián's Aquarium! Find tips on tickets, timings, and unique exhibits like the shark tunnel. Don't miss out on family fun!

San Sebastián Aquarium: Your Ultimate Visitor Guide

Discover the rich history of San Sebastián Aquarium, established in 1908. Learn about its unique exhibits and its importance in marine conservation.

Explore Donostia-San Sebastián's Aquarium: A Family-Friendly Maritime Museum

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