BIOPARC Acuario de Gijón sits on Playa de Poniente, on the seafront of Gijón. Its tanks hold marine animals from the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Red Sea, along with a section on a Cantabrian river. The large tank holds sharks and sea turtles. The route moves through several levels, so the displays build up one after another. Animal training sessions and feedings by scuba divers add to the visit, and there is English information along the way.
What lives in the aquarium
The aquarium covers about 4,000 square meters. Its tanks hold between 1 million and 100 million liters of water each, and the animals come from the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Red Sea, plus a section on a Cantabrian river.
Visitors can see sharks, sea turtles, sea otters, sturgeons and Magellanic penguins. The displays also include bull sharks, loggerhead turtles and red piranhas. It is the only aquarium in Spain where mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish can all be seen.
How the route works
The visit follows one route. Each section leads to a deeper level of the aquarium, and the displays change from one to the next. Seating areas along the way let you stop and watch the tanks. Clean toilets are placed at several points on the route.
Staff speak English, and the displays include English information. Scuba divers feed the rays during scheduled sessions, and animal training sessions are also held. Check the times at the ticket desk. The VR experience is sold separately from the entry ticket.
Conservation work
The aquarium is part of BIOPARC and supports more than 20 conservation projects around the world. One of them is an effort to repopulate salmon in local rivers. The building opened in 2006, and the exhibition is updated regularly.
Where to eat
The aquarium has two dining spaces. Restaurante Kraken serves refined, chef-led cooking by Lara Roguez. For current options, check the aquarium website.
Getting there and planning
The aquarium is on Playa de Poniente, on Gijón's seafront. There is paid parking on site and paid street parking nearby. A free car park is also close, but it may already be full, so plan to arrive early or use paid parking.
The entrance and the car park are wheelchair accessible. Tickets are sold at the aquarium, and buying them in advance is recommended. The Ciudadana card is worth asking about for a lower entry price.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, entry is paid. Buying tickets in advance is recommended, and the Ciudadana card is worth asking about for a lower price. The VR experience costs extra.
Is there English information?
Yes. The staff speak English, and the displays include English information.
Where is the aquarium?
It is on Playa de Poniente, S/N, 33212 Gijón, Asturias, Spain.
Can I park near the aquarium?
There is paid parking on site and paid street parking nearby. A free car park is also close, but it may already be full.
Is it good for children?
Yes, it is listed as good for kids, and it has a touch tank and displays that suit young visitors.
