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10 Largest Aquariums in the World – 2023 updated

Stepping into the world of the largest aquariums in the world is akin to embarking on a breathtaking underwater adventure, where one can marvel at the rich diversity and radiant beauty of marine life.

Aquariums transport us into a different world, a world that is teeming with a plethora of underwater life. They offer a stunning insight into the underwater realm, a chance to witness the diversity of species that our oceans hold.

Among these, the largest aquariums in the world stand out, boasting millions of gallons of water and being home to thousands of marine species.

Chimelong Ocean Kingdom – Zhuhai, China: The world’s largest aquarium

Chimelong Ocean Kingdom / 长隆海洋王国Martin Lewison / Flickr
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom / 长隆海洋王国
Martin Lewison / Flickr

The largest aquarium in the world is the awe-inspiring Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai, China. This giant of an aquarium holds 12.87 million gallons of water and offers a unique view into the underwater realm, making it one of the most famous aquariums in the world.

It provides visitors with the chance to explore its vast array of sea life, including sharks, dolphins, and whales. Its main tank has a diameter of 120 meters and is the world’s largest open sea tank.

Chimelong Ocean Kingdom doesn’t just impress with its overall volume, but it also boasts the world’s largest aquarium tank. This mammoth main ocean tank captures the essence of the deep sea, providing visitors a panoramic view of the deep blue, including Whale sharks.

This aquarium holds world records for the largest tank,largest underwater viewing dome, largest aquarium window, and largest acrylic panel. It is the only one that holds all these world records for the time being.

Highlights of Chimelong Ocean Kingdom

  • 🐳 The Whale Shark Exhibit – This is the signature exhibit of the aquarium, where visitors can see the magnificent whale shark in all its glory.
  • 🐬 Ocean Theatre – The world’s largest ocean theatre, featuring shows with dolphins, belugas, and more for an unparalleled spectacle.
  • 🌊 Rare Species – The aquarium is home to a variety of rare and endangered species, providing an opportunity to learn about these remarkable creatures and their conservation.
  • 🎢 Amusement Theme Park – Besides its magnificent marine exhibits, the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom also boasts a theme park with thrilling rides and attractions.
  • 🍴 Dining – Several themed restaurants provide a variety of dining options, allowing visitors to grab a bite while enjoying the underwater views.
  • 🌌 Nighttime Spectaculars – The aquarium hosts regular nighttime shows featuring light and sound effects alongside performances from the marine creatures.
  • 🌊 One of the best aquariums in the world.

Marine Life Park – Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore: A cutting-edge aquarium

The Shark Seas section of the S.E.A. Aquarium in the Marine Life Park at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore.Smuconlaw/ Wikimedia
The Shark Seas section of the S.E.A. Aquarium in the Marine Life Park at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore.
Smuconlaw/ Wikimedia

The second-largest aquarium in the world is the Marine Life Park at Resorts World Sentosa island in Singapore. Being one of the largest aquariums in the world holds 12 million gallons of water and is a world-class attraction.

Its cutting-edge design, made possible by its state-of-the-art technology, allows visitors to explore the depths of the aquarium as it showcases some of the most spectacular creatures of marine life. Its largest tank features a nearly 100-meter long viewing tunnel, providing visitors with an immersive experience of the underwater world.

The Marine Life Park is a stunning aquarium featuring one of the largest open ocean tank exhibits in the world, along with two other immersive zones. These include the S.E.A Aquarium, which houses over 800 species of fish and marine biology, as well as the Adventure Cove Waterpark where visitors can explore its water slides, rivers and lagoons.

Highlights of Marine Life Park

  • 🐠 S.E.A Aquarium – Showcases over 800 species of marine life in a variety of habitats including giant pacific octopuses
  • 💦 Adventure Cove Waterpark – Offers a plethora of water-based activities, including water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.
  • 🐬 Dolphin Island – Provides a unique opportunity to interact with Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.
  • 🐧 Maritime Experiential Museum – An immersive museum that offers a glimpse into the maritime Silk Route’s history.
  • 🍽 Ocean Restaurant – An underwater dining experience where you can savour gourmet meals while watching the marine creatures swim by.
  • 🏄 Rainbow Reef – Allows visitors to snorkel with thousands of colourful fish, offering a mesmerising experience.
  • 🦈 Shark Encounter – A thrilling opportunity to dive with over 100 sharks from 12 different species.
  • 🧒 Children’s Play Area – A safe and fun space for children to enjoy water-based activities.
  • Nine underwater towers: – Offers nine different towers with bubble windows and underwater LED lights, providing a beautiful view of the sea life
  • 🌊 One of the best aquariums in the world.

Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta, USA: Formerly the world’s largest aquarium

Atlanta-Georgia AquariumMARELBU / Wikimedia
Atlanta-Georgia Aquarium
MARELBU / Wikimedia

The third-largest aquarium in the world is the iconic Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, USA. This aquarium was formerly the largest in the world when it opened in 2005 and still holds an impressive 6.3 million gallons of water today. Its largest tank is the incredible Ocean Voyager exhibit, which features an open-air viewing tunnel for visitors to be immersed in a world of sea life.

The Georgia Aquarium, is still one of the most famous aquariums in the world being a true underwater zoo, housing more than 100,000 animals from 500 different species. It’s also home to some of the most impressive and exotic creatures including whale sharks, beluga whales, manta rays, and hammerhead sharks.

Highlights of Georgia Aquarium

  • 🦈 The Georgia Aquarium is home to some of the largest fish in the world, including the massive whale shark, the largest fish species on the planet.
  • 🐳 Beluga whales, with their distinctive white colour and playful nature, are a major draw at this aquarium.
  • 🐬 The dolphin show, featuring acrobatic performances from these intelligent marine mammals, is a crowd favourite.
  • 🐧 The Penguin Encounter offers visitors the opportunity to observe these charming birds up close in a temperature-controlled habitat.
  • 🌊 The Ocean Voyager exhibit, designed to give visitors the illusion of being underwater, is the largest single marine exhibit in the world.
  • 👩‍🔬 The aquarium also features a state-of-the-art research centre where scientists conduct ground-breaking marine research.
  • 🎟️ Behind-the-Scenes tours offer a rare glimpse into the operation and animal care at the aquarium.
  • 🌊 One of the best aquariums in the world.

Dubai Mall Aquarium – Dubai, UAE: One of the most impressive aquariums in the Middle East

Dubai Mall Aquarium - Dubai, UAE Frank Seiplax/ Wikimedia
Dubai Mall Aquarium – Dubai, UAE Frank Seiplax/ Wikimedia

 

The fourth-largest aquarium in the world is located within a shopping mall, at The Dubai Mall in Dubai, UAE. This 2.64 million gallons aquatic wonder offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience with its impressive array of marine animals. Dubai Aquarium is one of the greatest aquariums in the world and the largest in Middle East.

The viewing tunnel is one of the highlights of this aquarium, as it allows visitors to witness a unique view into the underwater world. The Dubai Aquarium features an 11 million liter tank filled with thousands of colourful and exotic fish, alongside sharks and other creatures from the sea.

Highlights of Dubai Aquarium

  • 🌊 Viewing Tunnel: This 48-metre long tunnel offers a spectacular 270-degree view of the aquarium. The tunnel allows visitors to get up close with thousands of aquatic animals, including sharks and rays.
  • 🦈 Shark Diving: For the adventurous, the Dubai Mall Aquarium offers a unique opportunity to dive with the sharks. Participants can come face to face with the ocean’s most fearsome predators.
  • 🎣 Aquarium Cage Snorkeling: Another incredible experience is the chance to snorkel in a secure cage within the aquarium, surrounded by numerous colourful fish.
  • 🧑‍🔬 Behind the Scenes Tour: Visitors can go behind the scenes to learn more about the care and feeding of the marine animals and the overall operation of the aquarium.
  • 🐠 Aquarium Glass Bottom Boat: Visitors can enjoy a thrilling ride in a glass-bottom boat to observe the diverse sea life from above.
  • 🩸 Blood Bank: The aquarium hosts one of the world’s largest living coral reef exhibitions and a blood bank for endangered species.
  • 🏫 Interactive Learning: There are numerous interactive learning stations and activities for kids to learn about marine conservation and the importance of preserving sea life
  • 🌊 One of the best aquariums in the world.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium – Motobu, Japan: A must-visit aquarium

 Two Whale Sharks in the Okinawa Churaumi AquariumDerek Mawhinney/Wikimedia
Two Whale Sharks in the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Derek Mawhinney/Wikimedia

The fifth-largest aquarium in the world is situated at Motobu, Japan. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, with its 1.98 million gallons of water, houses some of the most fascinating marine species from the Pacific Ocean.

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is home to over 750 species of fish and other creatures, including manta rays, dugongs, giant spider crabs and two whale sharks. It also features a unique “Kuroshio Sea” exhibit, a stunning example of the aquarium’s ingenuity. Its main tank holds over 7.5 million litres of water and is home to a variety of sea creatures, including the lovely whale shark.

Highlights of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

  • 🐋 The aquarium is home to the world’s first successful breeding of manta rays in captivity.
  • 🐠 The giant 7,500 cubic metre tank, Kuroshio Sea, is one of the largest in the world and house whale sharks and manta rays.
  • 🦀 The Deep Sea exhibit introduces visitors to rare and unique creatures from the deep, dark parts of the ocean.
  • 🌊 The Coral Sea exhibit showcases a colourful and thriving coral reef ecosystem.
  • 🐢 The Sea Turtle Pool gives visitors the opportunity to observe these graceful creatures up close.
  • 🌿 The Manatee house is home to the charming and rare West Indian Manatee.
  • 🎥 The theatre at the aquarium offers a visual treat with high-resolution movies about the aquatic world.
  • 🍽️ The Ocean Blue Café offers a dining experience with breathtaking views of the Kuroshio Sea exhibit.
  • 🌊 One of the best aquariums in the world.

Aquarium of Genoa, Italy: A premier destination for marine life lovers

Acquario di Genova Genoa AquariumRoberto Ferrari / Flickr
Acquario di Genova Genoa Aquarium
Roberto Ferrari / Flickr

The Aquarium of Genoa in Italy is the sixth-largest aquarium in the world, holding 1.5 million litres of water and featuring a wide selection of sea life.

The aquarium provides visitors with an immersive experience, allowing them to come face to face with some of the most exotic species that our oceans hold. It also offers interactive activities such as feeding shows and touch tanks, where visitors can get up close to some of the creatures.

The Aquarium of Genoa is a premier destination for marine biology lovers. It’s an outstanding example of modern aquarium design and engineering, exhibiting some of the world’s most impressive aquatic animals in their natural habitats.

Highlights of Aquarium of Genoa

  • 🦈 The Shark Bay: This exhibit is home to some of the most fascinating shark species, including sandbars and bull sharks.
  • 🐧 Penguin Beach: A delightful exhibit, where visitors can observe these adorable creatures in a recreation of their natural habitat.
  • 🐠 Tropical Garden – Wings of the Tropics: An incredible biodome housing a wide variety of tropical birds, butterflies, and reptiles.
  • 🐙 Tentacles – Cephalopods Exhibit: The exhibit provides a fascinating insight into the world of cephalopods, including octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish.
  • 🐬 Dolphin Presentation: A spectacular show where dolphins showcase their intelligence and agility.
  • 🌐 Biodiversity Pavilion: A journey through the evolution of life on Earth, featuring a variety of different species.
  • 🏞️ The Padiglione Cetacei: This is a large tank that allows visitors to see dolphins from different perspectives, including from below.
  • 🍴 La Terrazza: A dining experience featuring stunning views of the sea life below.
  • 🦜 The Tropical Forest: A section dedicated to tropical and exotic birds where visitors can see a variety of colourful and rare species up close.
  • 🦀 The Touch Tanks: Hands-on experience for visitors to touch and learn more about several species such as starfish, sea cucumbers and hermit crabs.
  • 🌊 One of the best aquariums in the world.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan – Osaka, Japan: One of the most impressive aquariums in the world

Osaka Aquarium KaiyukanKimonBerlin/ Wikimedia
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
KimonBerlin/ Wikimedia

The seventh-largest aquarium in the world is located in Osaka, Japan. The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is an impressive 1.7 million gallon facility that houses over 30 thousand creatures from across 600 species.

Kaiyukan offers visitors a unique experience with its interactive displays and elaborate tanks. The aquarium is home to an incredible range of creatures, from sea turtles to giant sharks and even the rare Pacific octopus. Visitors can also witness some of the most spectacular feeding shows in all of Japan.

The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan in Japan stands out as an inland aquarium. Unlike coastal aquariums, which can directly source seawater, inland aquariums like Kaiyukan are situated away from the coast. They must therefore employ innovative solutions to recreate marine conditions and maintain the health and vitality of their aquatic inhabitants.

Highlights of the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

  • 🦈 The largest tank in the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan houses a whale shark, a fantastic sight for every visitor.
  • 🐙 The aquarium is home to the rare Pacific octopus, a species not commonly found in other aquariums.
  • 🐠 With more than 600 species, the aquarium offers a rich biodiversity, including exotic fish, rays, and other marine creatures.
  • 🌊 The immersive Pacific Rim exhibits allow visitors to explore different environments, showcasing sea life from the Pacific Ocean’s various regions.
  • 💦 Interactive displays and touch pools provide engagement with some species, offering a hands-on experience.
  • 🎥 Regular feeding shows are a highlight, where visitors can watch these marine creatures during their mealtime.
  • 🌃 Night-time visits offer a unique experience, with the aquarium beautifully illuminated, creating a magical underwater world.
  • The world’s largest collection of jellyfish – the aquarium is home to more than twenty different species of jellies, with over 300 individual organisms of sea life.
  • 🌊 One of the best aquariums in the world.

L’Oceanografic – Valencia, Spain: A Modern Aquatic Marvel

Oceanogràfic, ValenciaFromTheNorth/Flickr
Oceanogràfic, Valencia
FromTheNorth/Flickr

The L’Oceanografic in Valencia, Spain is the eighth-largest aquarium in the world. This aquatic marvel boasts an impressive 1.85 million gallons of water and exhibits a wide array of sea life from around the globe. Its main tank holds an impressive 8 million litres of water and is home to the world’s largest variety of sharks.

This modern facility features habitats that range from polar to tropical oceans, allowing visitors to explore some of the most diverse sea life on the planet. The Oceanogràfic also offers interactive experiences such as a 4D cinema and dolphin shows.

Highlights of L’Oceanografic – Valencia, Spain

  • 🦈 The Blue Ringed Shark Tank is home to several of these stunning and dangerous species, including whale sharks.
  • 🐠 The Tropical Oceanarium showcases a colourful array of tropical fish from the Caribbean, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
  • 🐬 Dolphin Shows: A spectacular presentation that gives visitors an insight into the intelligence of dolphins.
  • 🐢 The Mediterranean Sea Area displays a variety of species from the nearby Mediterranean coast.
  • 🌊 Experiencing the Aquarium’s underwater tunnel gives visitors an awe-inspiring perspective on life beneath the sea.
  • 🍴 La Paloma Del Mar Restaurant is also located within the aquarium, offering guests a unique dining experience with views of sea life.
  • 🌊 One of the best aquariums in the world.

Lisbon Oceanarium – Lisbon, Portugal: A unique underwater experience

Lisbon OceanariumLisbon OceanariumI/Wikimedia
Lisbon Oceanarium
Lisbon OceanariumI/Wikimedia

The ninth largest aquarium in the world is located in Lisbon, Portugal. The Lisbon Oceanarium offers an impressive 1.3 million gallons of water and houses over 2000 species from the world’s oceans.

This state-of-the-art facility features some of the most awe-inspiring displays, with its giant tanks and interactive activities. Visitors can explore the depths of the world’s oceans with a variety of interactive experiences, such as diving in shark tanks and feeding shows.

Highlights of Lisbon Oceanarium

  • 🦈 Central Tank: The Lisbon Oceanarium’s largest tank, it’s home to a variety of species including rays, sharks, and barracudas.
  • 🐠 Tropical Indian Coral Reef: A colourful showcase of life around coral reefs, housing species like clown fish and surgeonfish.
  • 🐦 Marine Birds Exhibit: A unique display of marine birds like puffins and penguins in recreated natural habitats.
  • 🌊 Diving Experiences: Visitors can venture into the shark tank for a close encounter with these awe-inspiring creatures.
  • 🎞️ Feeding Shows: Watch as staff feed the Oceanarium’s residents, providing an up-close look at the feeding habits of sea life.
  • 🤝 Interactive Touch Tanks: These allow visitors to touch and feel some marine creatures, like starfish and sea urchins, offering a hands-on learning experience.
  • 🌊 One of the best aquariums in the world.

Nausicaa – Boulogne-sur-Mer, France: An unforgettable journey beneath the waves

Aquariums de Nausicaá - Centre national de la mer.- Boulogne-sur-Mer Pas-de-CalaisPIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ /Wikimedia
Aquariums de Nausicaá – Centre national de la mer.- Boulogne-sur-Mer Pas-de-Calais
PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ /Wikimedia

Nausicaa is the tenth largest aquarium in the world. This incredible 1.2 million gallon facility is located in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France and features a wide array of sea life from across the globe. Its largest tank contains 6 million litres of seawater and features a variety of species, from sea turtles to whale sharks. For many years its one of the most popular aquariums in the world and literally a great underwater zoo/

Highlights of Nausicaa – Boulogne-sur-Mer

  • 🦈 The Great Lagoon: Nausicaa’s largest tank is home to a myriad of marine animals, including whale sharks and rays.
  • 🐠 Colorful Coral Reef Exhibit: This area showcases a vibrant array of coral reef species, providing a colourful journey through underwater life.
  • 🐧 Penguin Colony: An interactive exhibit where visitors can observe and learn about the habits of these charming creatures.
  • 🌊 Touch Pool: A hands-on experience where guests can interact with various sea creatures.
  • 🎥 Underwater Viewing Tunnel: This immersive feature gives guests a 360-degree view of marine animals life.
  • 🐬 Dolphin Shows: These scheduled events are a favourite among visitors, providing insights into the behaviours and intelligence of dolphins.
  • 🦦 Sea Lion Training: Witness how staff interact and train these intelligent creatures, offering an entertaining and educational spectacle.
  • 🌊 One of the best aquariums in the world.

Other questions about the World’s Largest Aquariums:

Which aquarium has the largest permanent saltwater fish collection?

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago holds the distinction of having the largest permanent saltwater fish collection. It was the first inland aquarium to house such a collection. Today, it is home to approximately 32,000 animals, making it a significant attraction for marine life enthusiasts.

Which aquarium has the world’s largest collection of sharks in the world?

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, USA, is notable for its extensive shark collection and is the only place outside Asia to house whale sharks. The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo in the UAE is recognized for its 10-million-liter tank filled with various species, including many types of sharks. The S.E.A. Aquarium in Singapore houses over 100,000 marine animals, including several shark species, and is praised for its conservation efforts. Finally, the Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey, USA, claims to have the largest variety of sharks in the Northeast.

Where is the world’s largest aquarium window?

The world’s largest aquarium window is located in the Cube Oceanarium in China. This astonishing architectural feat is part of the Polar Ocean World located in Chengdu and is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest aquarium window in the world. The gigantic window allows visitors an unparalleled view of the aquatic world, immersing them in a vivid underwater spectacle and contributing to the Cube Oceanarium’s reputation as one of the top aquariums in the world.

What is the largest aquarium in Africa?

The largest aquarium in Africa is the uShaka Marine World, located in Durban, South Africa. This expansive facility stretches over 40 acres and combines a variety of attractions, from the uShaka Marine World, one of the world’s top aquariums, to the exhilarating uShaka Wet ‘n Wild water park.

The uShaka Marine World is home to over 30,000 aquatic creatures from different species.

If you like aquariums, step out of the “youtube aquarium” and visit a real one for one in a lifetime experience!

Further Research – References

  1. Lisbon Oceanarium. (n.d.). Visit Portugal. Retrieved from https://www.visitportugal.com/
  2. Nausicaa. (n.d.). Nausicaa Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.nausicaa.co.uk/
  3. Shedd Aquarium. (n.d.). Shedd Aquarium. Retrieved from https://www.sheddaquarium.org/
  4. Georgia Aquarium. (n.d.). Georgia Aquarium. Retrieved from https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/
  5. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. (n.d.). The Dubai Mall. Retrieved from https://thedubaimall.com/
  6. S.E.A. Aquarium. (n.d.). Resorts World Sentosa. Retrieved from https://www.rwsentosa.com/
  7. Adventure Aquarium. (n.d.). Adventure Aquarium. Retrieved from https://www.adventureaquarium.com/
  8. Cube Oceanarium. (n.d.). Chengdu City Guide. Retrieved from https://www.chengducityguide.com/
  9. uShaka Marine World. (n.d.). uShaka Marine World. Retrieved from https://ushakamarineworld.co.za/