If you’re planning a trip to Asturias and want a family-friendly, educational outing that’s both fun and visually stunning, the Bioparc Aquarium of Gijón might just fit the bill. We haven’t done this particular tour ourselves, but from the descriptions and reviews, it sounds like a great place for anyone curious about marine life—whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with kids.
What we really like about this aquarium is its diverse collection of more than 2,000 animals spread across over 60 aquariums—a solid mix of freshwater and saltwater species. Plus, the chance to get up close with creatures like bull sharks, loggerhead turtles, and colorful fish makes for an engaging visit. Another highlight is the opportunity to touch starfish and sea cucumbers, which adds a tactile element that kids and adults alike often appreciate.
A potential drawback to keep in mind is the cost—at $23 per person, it’s not the cheapest outing, but considering the number of animals and the educational experience offered, many find it to be a fair value. Also, check the availability for your travel dates, as the visit lasts just one day with varying start times, depending on the day.
This tour is particularly well-suited for families, marine enthusiasts, or anyone interested in learning about ocean life in a relaxed, accessible setting. It’s not overly large, so it’s manageable if you want a leisurely visit without feeling overwhelmed.
Key Points
- Diverse marine life: Over 2,000 animals in more than 60 aquariums.
- Educational focus: Designed to promote ocean conservation and education.
- Interactive elements: Opportunities to touch starfish and sea cucumbers.
- Good value: At $23, it’s a reasonable price for a full day of discovery.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly and suitable for most visitors.
- Short visit window: Check availability for your preferred start time, as it’s valid for one day only.
Exploring the Gijón Aquarium: What You Can Expect
When you walk into the Bioparc Aquarium of Gijón, you’re greeted by a vibrant display of marine species from around the world. The aquarium’s layout is designed to give visitors a clear view of different habitats—both freshwater and saltwater—highlighting the incredible diversity of aquatic life.
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The Saltwater and Freshwater Habitats
The saltwater tanks are especially impressive, recreating ecosystems from the Caribbean, Pacific, Indian Oceans, and beyond. You’ll see creatures like bull sharks nearly three meters long, grey sharks, and nurse sharks swimming gracefully in their tanks. The tanks are large enough (with a total of over 2,000 cubic meters of water) to give these animals plenty of space, which makes for a more natural viewing experience.
The freshwater exhibits focus on species native to the rivers of Asturias and the Cantabrian Coast. Expect to see salmon, trout, eels, sturgeons, and other freshwater fish. It’s a good way to connect the local environment with the global marine world, which is something the aquarium emphasizes.
The Educational Experience
One of the best features here is the focus on education and conservation. According to reviews, guides are knowledgeable and eager to share insights about the animals, habitats, and ongoing conservation efforts. Clare, in her review, mentions how the exhibit covers “lots of different habitats explored,” which indicates a well-rounded presentation.
Tactile Opportunities
For a more interactive experience, small pools allow visitors to touch starfish, small fish, or sea cucumbers. This hands-on element is often a highlight, especially for children, but many adults also appreciate being able to connect physically with marine life in a safe environment.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Animals and Their Stories
The aquarium is home to approximately 5,000 animals, a number that suggests a healthy diversity. The loggerhead turtles are a notable attraction—these gentle giants often fascinate visitors with their graceful movements. Predatory species like chest fish and bull sharks add a sense of adventure and provide a real-world glimpse into the ocean’s food chain.
From the reviews, we gather that visitors appreciate the small pools and the opportunity to get close enough to observe the animals in detail. The presence of sharks, eels, sturgeons, and turtles makes it appealing for those interested in more than just the usual aquarium fare.
Practical Tips for Visiting
Since the ticket is valid for just one day, plan to visit during the hours that suit your schedule—be sure to check the specific start times when booking. The entry fee of $23 per person seems reasonable, especially considering the variety and number of species housed. However, if you’re traveling with children, bear in mind that the experience is educational but also compact, so plan accordingly.
The aquarium is wheelchair accessible, which is a plus for visitors with mobility concerns. It’s also a manageable size, so you won’t need to worry about long walks or feeling overwhelmed.
What the Visitors Say
The positive reviews highlight the variety of habitats and the creatures from both land and sea. One reviewer, Angel Toledo, notes that the experience was so good their children “loved it,” while Clare emphasizes the diversity and the habitats explored. Both reviews suggest that the guides and displays are engaging and enhance the learning experience.
It’s worth noting that, despite the small size of the aquarium, visitors feel they receive good value, especially if they’re interested in marine biology or simply love seeing beautiful creatures up close.
Who Should Consider Visiting?
This experience is perfect for families with kids, who enjoy interactive exhibits and learning about animals. It’s also great for individuals or groups interested in marine life, ocean conservation, or just looking for a pleasant, educational outing in Asturias. Since it’s not huge, it’s suitable for a half-day trip if you’re exploring Gijón or nearby areas.
Final Thoughts
The Bioparc Aquarium of Gijón offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that combines beautiful marine creatures with educational insights. The diverse collection of animals, interactive touch pools, and focus on conservation make it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in exploring the underwater world—without the overwhelming size or cost of larger aquariums elsewhere.
While the ticket price is fair for what is offered, do keep in mind that it’s a one-day visit—so planning ahead to catch the start times will help you maximize your experience. If you love marine life and are traveling in Asturias, this aquarium provides a memorable glimpse into ocean ecosystems that’s both fun and educational.
Bioparc Aquarium of Gijon Entry Ticket
“Great exhibition with lots of different habitats explored and creatures from the deep as well as on land. Highly recommended.”
FAQ
Is the ticket valid for multiple days?
No, the ticket is only valid for one day. Be sure to check the available start times and plan your visit accordingly.
How much does the entry cost?
It’s $23 per person, which offers access to all the exhibits and the opportunity to see about 5,000 animals across over 60 aquariums.
Is the aquarium suitable for children?
Yes, many visitors mention that children enjoy the interactive touch pools and the variety of animals. It’s a family-friendly experience.
Are there guided tours included?
The description doesn’t specify guided tours, but reviews mention knowledgeable guides, so individual or group guides may be available separately.
Is the aquarium wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue is accessible for wheelchair users, making it comfortable for those with mobility needs.
How long does a typical visit take?
While not explicitly stated, most visitors find it manageable to explore the entire aquarium in a few hours, especially if they take their time.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes, the experience encourages taking beautiful photos of the animals and habitats.
What kind of animals can I expect to see?
Expect to see sharks, turtles, salmon, eels, trout, sturgeons, and many small fish, along with the opportunity to touch starfish and sea cucumbers.
Is there any dining or amenities on-site?
The provided information doesn’t mention food or amenities, so it’s best to bring your own snacks or plan for nearby options.
If you’re looking for a relaxed, informative outing that lets you get close to marine creatures and learn about ocean conservation, the Bioparc Aquarium of Gijón could be a highlight of your Asturias trip. Just remember to check availability beforehand and take your time to enjoy all the displays.
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