The best aquariums in Europe

Despite the rumours, the Channel Tunnel is not a giant aquarium. But, with LeShuttle, it is one of the fastest ways to visit some of the best aquariums in Europe. Explore coral reefs and black lagoons, sea caves and shipwrecks and meet the strange creatures and crustaceans that call our blue planet home. No scuba gear required!

Why European aquariums are worth the trip

Whether you’re planning a family day out, preparing a rainy day activity or are just hooked on all things fishy, the aquariums in Europe will not disappoint. With plenty of family-friendly activities, educational exhibits, immersive experiences, touch pools, tunnels, tanks and tours – these water-filled attractions are sure to delight.

With each aquarium exploring different habitats and featuring different animals, you might just find yourself heading on a fishy-themed road trip across Europe. As Dory might say “Just keep driving, just keep driving…”

Top aquariums in Europe

We've rounded up some of the best aquariums in Europe to help you plan a memorable day out.

Nausicaá, France - The biggest aquarium in Europe

While there may be plenty more fish in the sea, you won’t find an aquarium with more fish in Europe! The largest aquarium on the continent, Nausicaá is home to over 1,600 different species and no less than 58,000 animals. Start your Nausicaá experience by diving into one of the three tour routes: ‘Voyage on the High Seas’, ‘Shores and Men’ or ‘In the eye of the climate.’ Watch out for sting rays, grey sharks, wolf eels and penguins. You can even swim with a pod of sperm whales in the immersive experience dedicated to these deep-diving giants.

Near the coast in Boulogne-sur-Mer, the aquarium is just 25 minutes from our Calais terminal and is open year-round, with the exception of January, when the attraction closes briefly. 

Tickets start from €30 per adult and €23 per child.

See rays from a whole new angle at Nausicaá. Credit: Luc Viatour, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

La Rochelle Aquarium, France – Ten themed worlds to explore

Divided into 10 ‘universes’, La Rochelle Aquarium takes you on an immersive journey through the deep blue. Discover different habitats and animals as you venture through the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Caribbean seas. Dive into the shadowy world of sharks, float gently alongside turtles and plunge into the hypnotic depths of mysterious fluorescent species. 

Just one and a half hours from Nantes and two hours from Bordeaux, the aquarium makes for a perfect day trip. If you are staying in La Rochelle, it is an unmissable addition to your itinerary.

Depending on the season, the aquarium opens as early as 8:30am and closes as late as 11pm. Tickets start from €18,50 per adult and €12,50 per child.

Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo, France – Immersive submarine simulator

Meet bizarrely and brilliantly named fish like the elephant fish, the comet fish, the cowfish and the stonefish at Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo.  With over 600 different species, across eight different habitats, you’re sure to learn plenty of weird and wonderful facts about the world beneath the waves. 

The aquarium, in the Brittany region of France, is also home to a range of unique activities including behind-the-scenes tours and immersive virtual reality experiences. For something truly memorable, why not join the Nautibus expedition?  Head to the Emerald Submarine Base to help oceanographer Dr. Jean Kermalo with his work. You’ll board a semi-submersible submarine and dive 300m down in search of the lost city – but who knows what other discoveries you’ll make along the way…

Tickets start from €18,90 per adult and €13,90 per child.

Ready for an underwater adventure? Board the sub at Saint-Malo! Credit: Arnaud 25, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

L'Oceanogràfic, Spain - The longest underwater tunnel in Europe

Sea creatures from the Mediterranean, the Arctic, the Antarctic and the tropical sea all live in L'Oceanogràfic - within a volume of water equivalent to 15 Olympic swimming pools. Spot walruses in the igloo-shaped dome or watch the antics of penguins in the Antarctic zone. Look out for the giant spider crabs, sea horses, sea lions and turtles among the 750 species that call this aquarium home.

Walk through the longest underwater tunnel in Europe, measuring an impressive 30 metres in length, to come face-to-face with rays, sawfish and sharks - all without getting your feet wet! Even the restaurant is underwater so you can enjoy your lunch while 10,000 fish swim beside you behind clear glass. And, you can always pick up a cuddly memento in the aquarium shop on the way out.

Driving to Spain from the UK is a great way to explore more of the continent along the way - and with this aquarium on your itinerary, the trip is even more worthwhile.

 Tickets start from €38,30 per adult and €28,20 per child.

SEA LIFE, Belgium – Penguins, otters and a walk-through ocean tunnel

Just over two hours away from our Calais terminal, SEA LIFE Blankenberge in Belgium is another unmissable aquarium in Europe. With locations all over the world, this attraction delivers the same crowd-pleasing experience wherever you visit. 

Head over to Penguin Beach to learn more about the waddle of Humboldt penguins that live there. Yes - a group of penguins on land is called a waddle! Then walk over to the Land of Otters to meet Asian dwarf otters, Hector and Chon. Make sure you stop by at feeding time to learn more about these playful mammals – and to hear them squeak and chatter with their keepers. Finish with a deep dive into the world of tropical fish and sharks in the ocean tunnel.

Tickets start from €23,50 per adult and €19,50 per child.

Waddle over to SEA LIFE Belgium to see the penguins play.

AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium, Switzerland – Europe’s largest freshwater aquarium

You may not be driving to Switzerland specifically for this aquarium, but as the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe – this one is sure to reel you in. With over 10,000 fish from five different continents, there is plenty to discover, from the well-known piranha to the lesser-known paddlefish. Interactive displays, complete with English descriptions and subtitles, make the experience immersive and educational for all ages.

There’s more to freshwater ecosystems than what’s beneath the surface – look out for reptiles and amphibians as you walk through this attraction. As well as snakes and crocodiles, you’ll find a large Komodo dragon among the aquarium residents.

With plenty of noteworthy destinations en route to this attraction, you might want to plan a few detours along the way. Take the A26 to pass through Reims or go via the E411 for a more cross-continental route through Belgium and Luxembourg.

Tickets start from CHF 29 per adult and CHF 19 per child.

Ecomare, Netherlands – Seal sanctuary and nature museum

Part museum, part seal sanctuary, Ecomare is an unmissable stop on any trip to the Netherlands. Dedicated to the marine animals around the Wadden Sea, the North Sea and the island of Texel, the centre is a fun and educational stop.

Meet the temporary guests in the seal sanctuary before they are released back into the ocean or say hello to the permanent residents who are too old or infirm to survive in the wild. A hub for rescue and research, you’ll also find a bird sanctuary inside this attraction, with gulls, gannets, geese and ducks among the patients.

Step inside the nature museum to learn more about the animals and ecosystems along the Dutch coast. The Whale Hall, with its collection of whale skeletons, is a particularly unmissable stop – walking alongside a 24-metre-long fin whale skeleton is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Tickets start from €16 per adult and €11 per child.

Stand in the shadow of giants - visit the whale skeleton at Ecomare. Credit: WeeJeeVee, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Dolfinarium, Netherlands – Marine mammal shows and splash zones 

Meet walruses, sea lions, seals, sharks, rays and of course, dolphins at Dolfinarium in the Netherlands. The marine mammal park is the only one of its kind and the only one where you’ll find a water park, playgrounds and a beach among its offerings! 

Hop across stepping stones at Crab Coast and see if you can spot any of the scuttling crustaceans – tread carefully and watch your toes around these curious creatures! Young visitors will want to grab a free Dolfinarium animal passport at the entrance to explore the park through a fun treasure hunt. Will you learn enough to become a certified ocean protector?

With destinations like Ghent, Antwerp and Utrecht along the route to this park, you may want to plan some pit stops en route.

Tickets start from €21,50 per person. Children under 2 years of age can visit for free.

Plan your trip to the aquariums in Europe

Find everything you need to plan a trip to the aquariums in Europe, from top tips to travel advice.

Driving from Calais to Europe’s aquariums

You may not be able to see the fish when you cross the channel with LeShuttle, but with the journey taking just 35 minutes, you’ll be diving into underwater worlds in no time. The closest aquarium to our Calais terminal is just a 25-minute drive away, and with so many top aquariums to explore, you might just be tempted to sea where the road takes you.

Top tips for your deep dive into Europe’s aquariums

Get up close to sharks and sea lions at Nausicaá in the sea tunnel | © Anne-Sophie Flament

Plan a stress-free trip to the best aquariums in Europe with these handy tips.

•    Before your visit, check out the aquarium website for essential details and the best ticket prices.

•    Check feeding times, talks and events to make the most of your visit.

•    Take your time and enjoy the journey, there are plenty of fantastic destinations to explore en route.

•    Consider visiting on weekdays or in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful outing.

•    Help to protect the animals by avoiding tapping on the tanks and respecting touch pool rules.

And lastly, don’t forget to stop off in the gift shop! This is not only a great opportunity to pick up a cuddly memento, but also to support the conservation efforts of the aquarium. 

Which European aquarium has the largest collection of marine life?

The aquarium with the largest collection of marine animals happens to also be the closest aquarium to Calais. Nausicaá is home to over 1,600 different species and 58,000 animals.

Are there any aquariums in Europe suitable for children?

Whether you visit an aquarium in France, Belgium, Spain or the Netherlands, you’re in for a fun-filled day out with the whole family. With interactive exhibits, play zones, educational talks and hands-on experiences aplenty, there is something for every age.

Take the plunge - Explore Europe’s best aquariums with LeShuttle

Cross the channel in just 35 minutes with LeShuttle and start exploring the best aquariums in Europe. Whale, what are you waiting for? Book your trip with LeShuttle.