Nausicaá, Boulogne-sur-Mer
Wander among sharks, sea lions and beautiful coral reefs in the biggest aquarium in Europe. Just 30 minutes from our Calais terminal!
Located in Boulogne in the heart of the Opal Coast Nausicaá is Europe’s largest aquarium, a unique place where young and old alike can marvel at the beauty of the marine world, learn all about environmental issues and, above all, learn to love and protect the ocean.
For anyone spending some time in Hauts-de-France, Nausicaá aquarium is a fantastic family day out. It is more or less on the doorstep of our terminal, so why not dive in at the start of your holiday?
Where is Nausicaá aquarium?
The Nausicaá National Sea Life Centre is in the town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, a busy fishing port on the Opal Coast.
Driving to Nausicaá from Calais
The Nausicaá aquarium is only a 30-minute drive (toll-free) from LeShuttle’s terminal at Calais. When arriving in Boulogne-sur-Mer on the A16 motorway, take exit 29 or 32, and follow the signs to the aquarium.
Things to see and do
Nausicaá is home to 40 species of fish and marine animals
The largest aquatic tank in Europe
Nausicaá houses the largest aquatic tank in Europe, containing 10,000 cubic metres of water. 40 species of fish and marine animals call it home, including sharks, rays and shoals of exotic fish as well as beautiful varieties of coral. Standing beside the glass window of the aquarium, or sitting in the tiered seats, you see the great spectacle of the ocean all around you – huge manta rays swooping over your head, shoals of herrings dancing by, sandbar sharks brooding menacingly. An amazing sight!
‘In The Eye of The Climate’ exhibition
In the Eye of the Climate is an immersive visual exhibition at Nausicaá, where you are confronted by the startling consequences of climate change.
On floor-to-ceiling screens covering an area of 430m2 , you see houses teetering on the edge of cliffs, melting ice caps and the effect of rising sea levels. You also discover marine ecosystems and the essential role played by the oceans in climate regulation. It is a truly thought provoking experience which will sadden and shock but also inspire and empower you. The aim of the exhibition is to propose solutions and for people to discover their power to act and bring about change.
The jellyfish at Nausicaá aquarium
There are lots of jellyfish at Nausicaá – partly because they are a form of plankton and the first link in the marine food chain. But also because the seas have more jellyfish than ever before, as climate change makes the water warmer and less suitable for some of their predators. In several of the aquarium’s exhibitions you can marvel at the balletic beauty and radiance of different species, such as the moon jellyfish, the compass and the golden jellyfish.
Plus, you are quite safe and won’t get a nasty sting!
Watch the sealions from a glass tunnel
You can cross the huge tank via an 18-metre-long tunnel, which takes you onto the sea bed of the Ocean. Stroll around among manta rays in the calm, soothing atmosphere, and duck when a grey shark skims over your head!
Sea lions swim all around you. They are one of the all-time favourite animals of Nausicaá. Hunted for their fur and meat, sea lions were close to extinction towards the end of the 20th century. They have now been saved, and at Nausicaá aquarium they entertain visitors with their daily physicals under the watchful eye of their trainers, or just laze around on the rocks in the Californian reserve.
The impressive lord of the seas
You will see a vast array of sharks at Nausicaá aquarium – from big to small, scary to, well, not quite so scary. You might be surprised by exactly how many different varieties of shark there are, and how so many are nothing like the conventional image of the great white shark, the ‘lord of the seas’. At Nausicaá there are sand tiger sharks, leopard sharks, nurse, carpet, zebra, bull and spotted hound sharks.
New for Summer 2025: Tropical getaway
Enjoy an unforgettable sensory and immersive experience and escape into the fascinating world of tropical lagoons, where a unique treasure trove of life awaits you!
Explore the mangroves while listening to birdsong, stroll through the clear sparkling waters of the lagoons and discover the coral reefs, real underwater gardens where coral cohabits with a multitude of colorful and fascinating fish. Together, let's preserve the wonders of these tropical ecosystems!
Fun facts about Nausicaá aquarium
Here are some things you might not know about Nausicaá, the second most popular tourist attraction in France north of Paris:
- 17,000m3: the total volume of water at Nausicaá
- 10,000m3: the volume of water in the biggest tank in Europe
- It takes 6 weeks to completely fill the big tank
- There are 2,000 births a year
The zebra shark, to be found in the tropical lagoon
2025 rates
| Adults 13 years and over | Children from 3 - 12 years | Special rates* adults | Special rates* children | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | €30 | €23 | €26.30 | €19.30 |
| High season | €31.50 | €24.50 | €27.80 | €20.80 |
*Seniors (+60y), students, job-seekers, people with a disability and holders of a ‘large family card’ (delivered by French Authorities). Proof may be requested at the entrance checks.
Get 15% off Nausicaá National Sealife Centre tickets: LeShuttle customers can get 15% off entry tickets, plus free audio guides. To redeem the offer, simply hand in your LeShuttle ticket (travel hanger) at Nausicaá upon arrival.
Book your trip to Nausicaá aquarium with LeShuttle
Coral jungles, tropical lagoons and touching moments with sharks: Nausicaá is a fantastic family day out, with plenty to ponder amid the wonder.
Getting to Nausicaá via LeShuttle is just a 35-minute crossing below the seas from Folkestone to Calais, and then a 30-minute hop by car from our terminal.
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