Visiting the largest Oceanarium in Europe – L’Oceanogràfic in Valencia
Some time has already passed since we have visited the largest Oceanarium in Europe. But our memories are still fresh and well kept in the mind like it was yesterday. Our visit to L’Oceanogràfic in Valencia was definitely one of the best experiences we have ever had and will hardly be overcome by anything else.
At that time we were staying in a flat of our friends in Elche (near Alicante) and it took few hours to get to Valencia for a day trip, finding L’Oceanogràfic and a free parking spot nearby. At that time we didn’t know what L’Oceanogràfic actually is all about, we just heard something about it somewhere… But what a great surprise it was!
L'Oceanogràfic, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
About L’Oceanogràfic
Valencia is a home to the City of Arts and Sciences and one of its unforgettable parts is the largest oceanic world in Europe called L’Oceanogràfic. The other parts are as amazing as Oceanarium but they are dedicated to something else.
L’Oceanogràfic is represented by numerous species of marine flora and fauna. Visitors will encounter a great white beluga, walruses and dolphins and many other marine animals.
Dancing with Dolphins in L'Oceanogràfic, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
Besides these kinds of mammals there are lots of large and beautiful aquariums that are full of fish and other marine animals.
Sea World was opened on December 12, 2002. The Aquarium with all of the buildings and adjacent water areas covers an area of 110,000 square meters and contains a total volume of 42 million liters of seawater.
Large aquarium in L'Oceanogràfic, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
L’Oceanografic is made up of several buildings and each of them represents the most important ecosystems of the seas and oceans that are in our planet.
We spent the whole day here which was really a great time that we will never forget. We saw dolphins show two times as it was so amazing that we couldn’t do nothing but come to see the performance once again.
Birds in L'Oceanogràfic, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
The basic admission is 27.90 € but there are lots of discounts available and they also sell Season Pass for those spending some more time in the area. You can also save few cents when buying a ticket online.
Buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences have very modern feel and most importantly they are used effectively. Everything is easily accessible even for the people with disabilities and also for families with small children.
Dolphins in L'Oceanogràfic, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
During the tour, on which you should reserve the whole day, you’ll see up to 45,000 animals in total of 500 different species. In many large aquariums you will see walrus, beluga whales, sea lions, seals, penguins, turtles, sharks, sawfish, starfish, jellyfish and crustaceans of all kinds.
The entire complex is definitely worth seeing – unique architecture, a huge amount of marine animals that we have never seen before or amazing 70 meters long tunnel under the aquarium. It was an amazing show of shark, swordfish, rays and other inhabitants of the world oceans.
Shark in L'Oceanogràfic, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
Underwater restaurant offers, beside delicious food, a great view of the sea animals. You’ll also find patisserie, pizzeria and fast food here, so you won’t be hungry.
If your travels lead to Spain then including L’Oceanogràfic as well as the City of Arts and Sciences on your itinerary would not be a bad idea.
The Ocean Sunfish in L'Oceanogràfic, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
Seal in L'Oceanogràfic, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
Seahorse in L'Oceanogràfic, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
Jellyfish in L'Oceanogràfic, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
Dolphin in L'Oceanogràfic, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
Dolphinarium in L'Oceanogràfic, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
Dancing with Dolphins in L'Oceanogràfic, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
Birds in L'Oceanogràfic, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
Birds in L'Oceanogràfic, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
L'Umbracle, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
L'Oceanogràfic, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
A comment ? Write there !
Svet Dimitrov Le 23/11/2015 à 20h59
L’Oceanogràfic is a magnificent place which I, unfortunately, did not have the pleasure to visit when I was in Valencia for just one night. The City of Arts and Sciences is just cosmic!
Julius Szabo Le 23/11/2015 à 21h05
Yes, that really is amazing place! Well, I’ve been to Valencia only once and I haven’t seen anything else than L’Oceanogràfic 🙂 So what is better? 🙂
Svet Dimitrov Le 23/11/2015 à 21h10
Me too, only for like 14 hours. The Formula One track inside the city is nice to drive on. And the enormous park that wanders around the L’Oceanogràfic and goes further 15 km should be nice to explore with a bike.
Julius Szabo Le 24/11/2015 à 18h14
hmmm, seems like I need to write some article about Valencia 🙂 Seems to be interesting city!