Dive into the heart of the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències for an immersion in European marine ecosystems. Discover Europe's longest underwater tunnel and observe the famous belugas Kairo and Yulka, unique in Europe.
Prices and conditions
From 39,45 €.
Sharks, penguins, crocs, dolphins, and more.
From 41,60 €.
Enjoy a deep sea safari and mad science experiments in sunny Valencia.
From 41,29 €.
Skip the lines with speedy access tickets to the Oceanogràfic and Hemisfèric.
From 47,45 €.
See sharks swim and dolphins perform.
Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.6/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"The undersea tunnel is absolutely stunning - you truly feel like you're underwater. We got to see the bélugas Kairo and Yulka, a first for Europe. The logical route through the Arctic Biomes is perfect for avoiding the crowds."
"With my kids, we absolutely loved it. The sharks in the large tanks are breathtaking. For photos, use image stabilization as the lighting is dim inside the tunnel. The Restaurante Submarino is well worth a visit."
"Félix Candela's architecture is magnificent. It was a bit crowded on Saturday, but the dolphin show more than makes up for it. I recommend taking the EMT bus line 60 to avoid the traffic jams around the City of Arts and Sciences."
"The commitment to conservation through the Oceanogràfic Foundation is reassuring. We got to observe the walruses, which are rare in Europe. The €43.05 ticket price is high, but the experience of 42 million liters of water is worth it."
"Arrive 30 minutes before the Delphinarium as seats fill up quickly. We had lunch overlooking the fish, a truly magical moment. It's a cool refuge in summer, so bring a light sweater for kids in the Arctic Zone."
"Impressive, but lines at the ticket office can reach 50 minutes. If you book in advance, you save a lot of time. The main tunnel is the highlight, with the dolphins overhead. The staff is professional."
"The biodiversity (500 species) is real. The bélugas are unique in Europe. The Restaurante Submarino requires a reservation, otherwise it's sold out. A must-see visit in València, especially with family."
"We visited with the combined Oceanogràfic & Hemisfèric ticket, which was very convenient. The architecture is a masterpiece. The reptiles at the end of the tour provide a nice finale. The air conditioning makes the visit comfortable even in the midday sun."
"Very beautiful, but the price is perceived as high compared to other aquariums. The plexiglass tunnel is the best part. Avoid the July–August weekends, as it gets very crowded. The School Activities demonstrate a strong educational investment."
"Seeing the bélugas Kairo and Yulka in Europe is a real treat. Félix Candela's architecture is sublime. We took the bus, saving ourselves the hassle of parking. The dolphin show was entertaining and well organized."
"Europe's longest undersea tunnel is real and absolutely stunning. The sharks swim right overhead. We had lunch beneath the tanks, a rare experience. The EMT bus is the best way to get to the City of Arts and Sciences."
"Many species, but some ethical concerns about the dolphins raised by other visitors. The ARCA del Mar center offers some reassurance. Lines for the shows can be long. The Restaurante Submarino is pricey, but the view is exceptional."
Everything you need to plan your visit
PMR
PMR access ensured in main buildings; caution advised on exterior level changes between pavilions.
Family
Ideal for families: strollers accepted, adapted restrooms, outdoor play area.
Audio guide
French, English, Spanish
Current conditions and forecast to plan your visit
Figures illustrating the scale of this architectural and scientific project.
Total water volume
Opening year
Visitors per year
Of fish presented
Located within the City of Arts and Sciences, L'Oceanogràfic is much more than a simple aquarium; it is the beating heart of Mediterranean and Arctic biodiversity in Spain. With its 42 million liters of water, it constitutes one of Europe's largest aquatic complexes. This major infrastructure allows for total immersion in diverse habitats, offering a rich educational experience for families and marine enthusiasts.
L'Oceanogràfic is a posthumous work by Hispano-Mexican architect Félix Candela, who died in 1997 before its inauguration in 2003. Its iconic buildings feature a shape reminiscent of water lilies, harmoniously integrated into the City of Arts and Sciences complex. This reinforced concrete structure testifies to a bold vision where architecture serves life, creating a fluid space between sky and sea.
Initially operated by Parques Reunidos, the facility is now managed by the Avanqua consortium since 2015. This transition allowed for the modernization of facilities while preserving the original architectural integrity. Commitment to species conservation remains at the core of its mission, with active participation in the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria to protect endangered species.
The site covers approximately 10 hectares and houses various habitats reconstructed with precision. From marine mammals to reptiles and aquatic birds, each area is designed to offer a realistic perspective of the natural ecosystem. This pedagogical approach aims to raise public awareness about environmental issues while providing a captivating visual spectacle, far from traditional display cases.
The must-see attraction is the underwater tunnel, considered the longest in Europe. It allows you to walk beneath sharks and rays, offering a unique perspective on deep marine life. This total immersion creates a strong emotional bond with the animals, particularly appreciated by children during a family visit to Oceanografic, transforming learning into a memorable adventure.
At the Arctic Biome, you can observe the famous belugas Kairo and Yulka, unique in Europe in a zoological establishment. This biome also features walruses, penguins, and seals, making this encounter exceptional given the rarity of these species in continental captivity. The underwater view combined with aerial observation offers a complete understanding of their social behavior and swimming patterns.
The Delphinarium offers daily dolphin shows, highlighting the intelligence and agility of these cetaceans. Although access to the stands is generally included, it is subject to seat availability, so arrive early. These educational demonstrations explain veterinary care and behavioral enrichment, reinforcing the educational aspect of the experience rather than mere entertainment.
It is highly recommended to check the exact opening hours for your chosen visit date on the official website before booking. Time slots may vary depending on the season or Valencian holidays such as Sant Joan. Clearly state that access is subject to availability at the time of payment, and never guarantee a fixed time slot without an up-to-date official source to avoid disappointment.
Combined City of Arts and Sciences tickets allow you to optimize your day by including the Science Museum or the Hemisfèric. However, the exact content must be checked line by line, as some offers include only entry while others add audio guides. Price reductions exist for children, seniors, and Valencian residents, but require the presentation of valid proof at the entrance.
For parking, prefer public transport like the EMT bus from the city center, as nearby parking lots are paid and limited. PMR accessibility is ensured in main areas, although some outdoor paths have minor elevation changes. Finally, note that food is available via the Restaurante Submarino, but bringing water is advised for families during hot summer visits.
Total immersion in 42 million liters of water
Insider tips
The Delphinarium stands have a limited capacity of 2000 seats. Arriving 30 minutes before the show guarantees a good seated spot facing the main action. Late arrivals often result in uncomfortable standing positions to watch the dolphins.
Start with the main tunnel, then explore the biomes (Arctic, Mediterranean) before finishing with the reptiles. This avoids backtracking through narrow corridors. Following the natural flow of visitors reduces fatigue and optimizes your overall visit time.
Use night mode or stabilization for photos under the tunnel, where lighting is dimmed. The rapid movements of sharks require a high shutter speed. Avoid flash, which disturbs the animals and reflects off the glass, ruining your shots.
Book in advance to eat facing the fish, a unique experience but very popular. Tables near the windows offer an unbeatable view of turtles and tropical fish. Expect around €25 per person for a meal with panoramic underwater views.
Lines 60 to 99 stop near the City. Avoid driving in summer as traffic jams around the complex are frequent. The bus is economical, eco-friendly, and drops you off just a few minutes' walk from the aquarium's main entrance.
In summer, the Oceanogràfic is a cool refuge. Bring a light sweater for children, especially in the Arctic zone where temperatures are kept low. The thermal difference with the Valencian outdoors can be shocking without appropriate clothing.
If you love science, combine it with the Museum of Science and the Hemisfèric for a full day. These tickets offer significant savings compared to separate entries. Check the exact content of each offer before purchasing to maximize your value.
In the Arctic biome, go up to the upper level to see belugas and walruses from above. Then go down for the underwater view that reveals their fluid movements. This double perspective greatly enriches the behavioral observation of these white cetaceans.
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Book my ticketsLittle-known anecdotes
The Oceanogràfic is the only facility in Europe housing belugas, an iconic species of the Arctic. This exclusivity makes meeting Kairo and Yulka a unique moment impossible to replicate elsewhere on the European continent.
With a capacity of 42 million liters, it is one of the largest aquatic complexes in Europe. This massive capacity allows it to host approximately 500 fish species and various marine habitats.
The building is a posthumous work by Hispano-Mexican architect Félix Candela, who died in 1997. His reinforced concrete structures resemble giant water lilies, ingeniously fusing architectural biomimicry with modern museum functionality.
Only three European facilities display walruses, including the Oceanogràfic (along with Harderwijk and Pairi Daiza). These massive mammals share the arctic space with belugas and common seals.
The aquarium actively participates in the conservation of endangered species through European programs and its dedicated foundation. A member of the European Association of Zoos, it coordinates studbooks for sawfish critically endangered with extinction.
The Delphinarium houses the largest basin dedicated to bottlenose dolphins in Europe, with 26 million liters of water. Its depth reaches 11 meters, allowing animals to perform spectacular dives during the five daily shows.
Three itineraries based on available time
The Valencia Tourist Card offers 24, 48 or 72 hours of free travel, museum access, and discounts on tours, meals, and shopping.
From 17 €
More must-see experiences in Valencia
Find the attraction and nearby places to visit
Make time to explore the surrounding area
5 min walk
Unmissable interactive tour designed by Santiago Calatrava, perfect to complement the scientific discovery of the City.
5 min walk
Planetarium and IMAX cinema offering immersive visual shows on the universe, located just opposite the Oceanogràfic in the City.
On-site
Dine with panoramic views of the great shark tank, a unique culinary experience in the heart of the aquarium.
Adjacent
Former riverbed transformed into a linear park, ideal for a green stroll before or after the aquatic visit: the Jardín del Turia.
25 min walk
Modernist gem in the city center, perfect for a cultural end to the day after scientific visits: the Catedral de Valencia.
On-site
Themed shops for marine and scientific souvenirs, located near the main entrances of the Cité des Arts.
Estimated travel times from the main points in the city
Bus : Ciutat Arts i Ciències - Justícia (6 min walk)
Find a hotel near l'Oceanogràfic Valencia
Everything you need to know before your visit
A preview of this exceptional place before your visit
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