Saint Petersburg Oceanarium

The St. Petersburg Oceanarium is a unique venue in St. Petersburg, a true "underwater museum" with live exhibits that allows you to peek into the depths of the world's oceans without leaving the city center. As the only facility of its kind in the Northern Capital, it offers visitors a fascinating journey into the world of marine and freshwater fauna. This modern complex is equally engaging for both adults and children.

The oceanarium's collection is impressive in its scale and diversity. Spanning approximately 5,000 square meters, it houses dozens of tanks containing over 4,500 living creatures representing about 150–200 species from across the planet. Here, you can encounter inhabitants of rivers and lakes as well as residents of distant seas and oceans—from vibrant tropical fish, moray eels, and rays to graceful sharks and playful seals.

One of the main highlights of the oceanarium is the 750,000-liter main tank featuring a 35-meter underwater tunnel equipped with a moving walkway. Walking through it creates a complete illusion of being submerged on the seabed. Additionally, visitors can witness exciting shark and seal feeding shows. The Oceanarium is conveniently located within the "Planeta Neptun" shopping and entertainment mall, making your visit even more comfortable.

If you have any questions regarding opening hours, ticket prices, or the show schedule, you can contact the St. Petersburg Oceanarium administration directly. All up-to-date information is available via the contact details provided below.

A visit to the St. Petersburg Oceanarium is an exciting walk through numerous thematic halls where you can discover the amazing diversity of the underwater world. You will be able to get a close-up look at exotic marine fish, freshwater inhabitants, starfish, slow-moving turtles, as well as formidable sharks and graceful rays. The main 750,000-liter tank makes a particular impression, where the lives of large marine animals can be observed through a massive panoramic window.

The Oceanarium offers not only static exhibits but also a rich program of events. We recommend checking the schedule in advance so you don't miss the spectacular shark feedings, which take place daily, or the demonstration seal training sessions. Additionally, the venue regularly hosts exciting shows with marine animals and educational thematic tours that will interest both adults and children.

Special conditions have been created for the youngest visitors. Families with children can visit interactive exhibits and play areas where little ones can learn about the inhabitants of the seas and oceans in an accessible and engaging way. Educational programs and classes are also held for preschoolers and school students, making the Oceanarium not just an exhibition, but a full-fledged entertainment and educational center for the whole family.

The St. Petersburg Oceanarium is conveniently located in the heart of the city at 86 Marata Street. It is part of the large "Planeta Neptun" shopping and entertainment mall. Thanks to this central location, getting there is easy from any part of St. Petersburg, whether by public transport or by car.

The easiest and fastest way to reach the Oceanarium is via the metro. The nearest station is "Zvenigorodskaya" (Line 5, purple), which is just a few minutes' leisurely walk from the "Planeta Neptun" complex. "Vladimirskaya" (Line 1, red) and "Ligovsky Prospekt" (Line 4, orange) stations are also within walking distance; the walk from these takes a bit longer but allows you to enjoy the views of the central streets.

If you are planning to arrive by car, you can use the parking facilities at the "Planeta Neptun" mall, which is very convenient. Additionally, you can always reach the Oceanarium quickly by taxi by setting the shopping mall or the exact address as your destination.

The history of the St. Petersburg Oceanarium began with an interesting and forward-thinking idea. Its creation was initiated by the management of JSC "Rubin," while the visionary behind the project was Academician Igor Dmitrievich Spassky. The unique concept was not just to build an aquarium but to integrate it into a shopping and entertainment center, increasing its appeal and ensuring the profitability of such a large-scale venture.

The realization of such an ambitious project required international cooperation. The Finnish company Eagle Group Int. served as the general designer for the entire complex, while consultations for the oceanarium itself were provided by the New Zealand firm Marinescape Project. The actual construction was carried out by the St. Petersburg contractor ZAO "Kompakt." This synthesis of global expertise and local resources resulted in a world-class facility.

The grand opening of the oceanarium took place on April 27, 2006, and it almost immediately won the hearts of both residents and visitors. Since its inception, it has become one of the most visited attractions in St. Petersburg, drawing approximately 600,000 people annually. This consistent interest confirms the success of the original concept and makes the oceanarium a key point on the city's tourist map.

When planning a visit to the St. Petersburg Oceanarium, it is recommended to set aside 1.5 to 3 hours. This is usually enough time to leisurely explore all the thematic zones and exhibits, observe the marine and freshwater inhabitants, and take souvenir photos.

The duration of your visit may vary depending on your interests. If you just want a quick walkthrough of all the halls, one hour might suffice. However, to get the most out of the experience, it's worth staying longer to attend the thrilling shark feeding shows or seal training sessions, and to take part in interactive programs. This is especially relevant for families with children, who typically need more time to fully enjoy everything the oceanarium has to offer.

The St. Petersburg Oceanarium is open to visitors year-round. The standard operating hours are daily from 10:00 to 20:00, with the ticket offices and entrance closing at 19:15. It is important to remember that the oceanarium holds a sanitary day every third Monday of the month, during which it is closed to the public. Before your visit, especially during holidays, it is recommended to check the current schedule on the official website as changes may occur.

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices upon arrival or in advance online, which often helps save time and avoid queues. Special booking is not required for a standard visit; tickets are almost always available. However, if you plan to attend specific tours or educational programs, prior registration may be necessary.

After a fascinating dive into the underwater world at the St. Petersburg Oceanarium, don't be in a rush to leave the area. Its prime location in the historic center of St. Petersburg offers plenty of opportunities for further exploration of the city. A stroll through the neighborhood will allow you to discover new interesting spots and gain even more vivid impressions from your trip.

Within walking distance of the Oceanarium, you'll find a wide variety of sites, ranging from famous historical monuments and museums to cozy cafes and entertainment venues. Exploring the nearby attractions will help you create a rich and interesting itinerary for the whole day.