The Best Aquarium Visits in Portugal, All 3 Reviewed

1.Lisbon Oceanario: Aquarium Entrance Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,454 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $30Our pick

Visit Lisbon Oceanarium at Parque das Nações for a self-guided look at 8,000 animals from 500 species. Your ticket includes the permanent aquarium, Takashi Amano’s Forests Underwater, and Submerged Universe. Plan on two to three hours, use your phone for entry, and check the current status of the Antarctic habitat before going.

“Very relaxing afternoon and very well lit. Loved that they had arrows showing which way to go. Nice.”

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2.Diving in the Madeira Aquarium

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $163Top rated

Spend about 2.5 hours with Lava Diving Center, learning scuba skills before entering Porto Moniz’s natural pools and Madeira Aquarium’s 6-meter tank. Guides including Abílio, Manuel, and Michael work with beginners and experienced divers. You’ll see sharks, rays, morays, and local fish in a small group of up to four.

“Une expérience géniale. Toute la famille a adoré. Merci à Manuel pour sa gentillesse et son professionnalisme. C'était notre première plongée et Manuel est vraiment rassurant et à l'écoute. Je recommande vraiment cette activité.”

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3.Porto Moniz: Diving with Sharks and Rays in Madeira Aquarium

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 192 reviews · 3 hours · from $159

Join instructor Abílio for a small-group scuba session at Madeira Aquarium. You’ll tour the exhibits and technical zone, learn in Madeira’s natural lava pools, then enter the main tank with sharks, rays, and mantas. No certification is required, and groups are limited to four people.

“It was awesome! Instructor was great and was really helpfull! I can’t believe this experience is this cheap! Got to see the fish up close and with good guidance! Awesome overal! Unforgetable!!!!”

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