Restaurants, bars and museums in Lisbon · Page 248

Oceanário de Lisboa

Lisbon · Zoos, Aquariums & Farms

The Lisbon Oceanarium, or Oceanário de Lisboa, is located in the district of Parque das Nações at Esplanada Dom Carlos I, 1990-005. As stated on their official webpage, the Oceanário de Lisboa is 15 minutes from the center of Lisbon. It is open from 10:00 am-8:00 pm. Lockers are available as are other services for the tourism customer. If purchased online, tickets are 10% off. It is home to over 500 species and 15,000 individuals of marine life. Architect Peter Chermayeff designed the aquarium to appear that it is floating on the Tagus river. It uses lighting, sound and the structure of the walkways to provide an immersive experience into the world of marine life. The central tank is 5 million liters. Sharks, rays and barracudas are just a few of the species that inhabit the tank. It is divided into two levels to provide various points of view of the marine life. The Oceanário also houses four other ecosystems. The Tropical Indian Ocean zone is home to clownfish, butterflyfish, and surgeonfish. The Temperate Pacific Ocean zone is home to the garibaldi fish. The North Atlantic zone has wolffish and starfish. The Antarctic Coastline houses King Penguins. There are informative displays which show the effects that climate change has on the Antarctic. Two exceptional marine species are featured: the Ocean Sunfish, which is the world’s largest bony fish, and two spider crabs which are referred to as the “King” and “Queen”, and have leg spans of over 3 meters. Takashi Amano’s Forests Underwater is an aquarium art exhibition which is 40 meters long and incorporates aquascapes and freshwater fish. The permanent exhibition One Planet, One Ocean explores the various habitats of the world’s ocean. The temporary exhibitions feature Sea Monsters and the world of marine prehistoric creatures, and Submerged Universe, a blend of marine science and art. Sea life conservation, and related challenges such as coral bleaching and marine pollution, are some of the issues covered by various exhibitions. The Oceanário aims to address marine conservation challenges through rehabilitation and research of marine species. Other activities include a 90-minute guided tour of the Oceanário (for groups of up to 25), a behind-the-scenes tour of the central aquarium for €40, and Sleeping with Sharks for €60. Activities for children aged 4 to 12 (birthday parties) are offered. One visitor review mentions play areas within the premises.

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