The Grand Aquarium is a large public aquarium at the entrance to Saint-Malo, the walled corsair city on the coast of Brittany. Since it opened in 1996, it has held around 600 species, from Breton coastal waters to tropical seas and deep ocean. Start with the shark ring, then take the Nautibus, a simulated dive into the deep ocean, and finish at the touch pools, where children can handle creatures from local waters. Allow about two hours.
Inside the aquarium
The aquarium opened in 1996 at the entrance to Saint-Malo, in the Malouin basin of the Ille-et-Vilaine department. Its displays are split into nine themed areas, each arranged around a marine environment.
The Mediterranean area shows local sea life, including octopus, red and brown lionfish and Greek moray eels. Other rooms cover cold and temperate seas, mangroves, tropical waters and a shipwreck. A deep-sea zone uses a darker room to show creatures that live far below the surface.
The touch pools are the part most families return to. Here visitors can handle species from Brittany's coast, and staff can explain what each animal is and where it lives.
The shark ring and the Nautibus
The 360° shark ring was added in 2011. It is a tunnel with water on every side, so sharks and turtles pass overhead and around you. The tank holds about 600,000 litres.
The Nautibus is a simulated submarine ride that descends about 300 metres into the darkest part of the ocean. It is the final attraction on the route and is run for visitors at least 1 metre tall. Its dark section can be unsettling for small children, and women who are pregnant are advised not to take the two rides at the end.
Together, the shark ring and the Nautibus give the visit its strongest moments, which is why many visitors save them for last or plan their route around them.
Planning the visit
Plan about two hours for the full route. The aquarium has a cafe and a gift shop on site, and the entrance and parking lot are wheelchair accessible. A parking lot is free to use.
If you are staying in the old walled town, the easiest route is by bus. Take bus line 1 from Intra-Muros or from the station, in the direction of La Madeleine, and get off at the Aquarium stop. The aquarium is a short ride from the old town, so it fits well into a rainy-day plan.
Tickets are best bought in advance, especially at weekends and in high season, when the entrance can be busy.
FAQ
How long do you need at the Grand Aquarium?
Plan about two hours for the full route, including the shark ring, the Nautibus and the touch pools.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially at weekends and in high season, when queues can build up.
Is the aquarium suitable for young children?
Yes. The touch pools and the displays suit children. The Nautibus is only for visitors at least 1 metre tall, and its dark section may frighten small children.
How do I get to the aquarium from the old town?
Take bus line 1 from Intra-Muros or from the station, in the direction of La Madeleine, and get off at the Aquarium stop.
Is the Grand Aquarium wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance and the parking lot are both wheelchair accessible.
