Located off the Parque das Nações, Lisbon's Aquarium is a must-visit attraction for those exploring the Lisbon region.
The Oceanario de Lisboa is an exceptional facility that houses a remarkable array of captivating marine species within its five million-liter (1,320,860.3 US gallons) aquariums. The aquarium comprises five distinct tanks, a central tank, and four smaller tanks that represent the Portuguese Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Antarctic Ocean. These tanks are cleverly designed to create the illusion of a single aquarium and a unified ocean, showcasing over 8,000 animals and plants belonging to 500 different species.
In addition to the aquarium, the ticket price includes access to various other exhibits. We opted for the guided Behind the Scenes tour, which commenced with a welcoming meeting with our tour guide and biologist, Bruno, outside the aquarium.
Our tour began with a comprehensive walk around all five oceans, accompanied by an informative explanation of the diverse marine life inhabiting each region. We then proceeded to the invertebrate exhibits, followed by a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the aquarium's operations.
The tour commenced at the top of the aquariums, where we were introduced to the mechanisms employed to maintain water quality and the environment for the breeding area. Subsequently, we ascended to a location above the central tank, gaining a panoramic view of the aquarium's vast expanse.
Subsequently, we descended beneath the aquariums to explore the mechanical room, which houses the intricate machinery responsible for filtering, pumping, ozone generation, and salt mixing. The sheer scale of this facility underscores the immense effort required to sustain such a remarkable aquatic environment.
Bruno's expertise, knowledge, and genuine passion for the animals and ocean conservation were evident throughout the tour. For those seeking an in-depth understanding of the Oceanario de Lisboa, the two-hour tour is an invaluable investment of time and money.
Given the aquarium's seven-day-a-week operation, including holidays, we anticipate returning to experience its wonders once more. read more