Aquarium San Sebastián sits in a historic building beside the harbour, close to the Old Town. The top floors are a museum of the city's sea history, covering fishermen, privateers and trade, with model boats on display. The lower floors are the aquarium, with more than 200 species from the Cantabrian Sea and tropical waters. The highlight is the 360-degree tunnel, where sharks, stingrays and turtles pass overhead. Allow at least 1.5 hours, and go early, since it gets busier later in the day.
A 1928 building by the harbour
The aquarium opened in 1928 in a historic building next to the docks and the Paseo Nuevo promenade. Its address is Plaza de Carlos Blasco Imaz 1. It is also called the San Sebastian Natural Science Museum, and it is one of the largest oceanographic museums in Europe.
The aquarium is known for an enormous whale skeleton that has been part of the building's collection since it opened. The skeleton is one of the first things many visitors look for on the way in.
The museum floors
The top two floors are a museum of the city's relationship with the sea. The displays cover the history of San Sebastián's ships and trade, its fishermen and its privateers. Model boats show how fish were caught, and an illustrated section covers Basque whaling and boatbuilding.
Some English labels contain spelling mistakes, so expect small errors in the text. A small art display sits on the level between the museum and the tanks.
The tanks and the tunnel
The lower two floors hold the aquarium. Its tanks present fish from the Cantabrian Sea alongside tropical species, and the collection includes sharks, stingrays, eels, turtles and jellyfish. Shells and coral are also on display.
The main attraction is the 360-degree tunnel that crosses the large pool, so fish pass above you and on both sides. Plan to spend time here, because the view changes with every passing school of fish. One pool invites children to touch fish and try to pick them up. An incubator shows shark and stingray eggs being raised, and films explain life under the sea.
The Auditorium is a quieter room where you can sit and watch the fish swim by.
Planning the visit
Buy tickets online ahead of time to avoid a long wait. Arriving in late morning has worked well for some visitors, and the aquarium is calmer earlier in the day. Expect to validate your ticket in the entrance line.
The gift shop sells locally made artisan items at affordable prices, which makes it a good place to find a souvenir. There is a cafe on site. Windows overlooking the bay sometimes show boat races or swimming competitions, so look out for them while you walk through.
The entrance, restrooms, seating and parking lot are wheelchair accessible, and an assistive hearing loop is available.
FAQ
Is the aquarium wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, restrooms, seating and parking lot are wheelchair accessible. An assistive hearing loop is also available.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended. Buying online helps you avoid the queue, but you still need to validate your ticket in the entrance line.
How long do you need at the aquarium?
Allow at least 1.5 hours. The museum floors and the tanks both take time to see.
Is the aquarium good for children?
Yes. It has a 360-degree tunnel, a pool where children can touch fish and a museum section. Keep children close during peak hours, when the aquarium can get packed.
Is there a cafe or gift shop?
Yes. There is a cafe on site and a gift shop that sells locally made artisan items.
