BIOPARC Acuario de Gijón

Imagine a breathtaking journey beneath the waves without leaving the comfort of the promenade. Gijón is proud of its modern aquarium, officially known as the Bioparc Acuario de Gijón. This site is one of the gems of the northern coast, offering guests a unique opportunity to see the world through the eyes of marine life.

Inside the complex, 60 different freshwater and marine ecosystems have been recreated, making it a true living museum of nature. It is home to more than 5,000 animals representing about 460 species. This is one of the few places in Spain where you can encounter inhabitants of both local Asturian rivers and distant tropical oceans in a single space.

Gijón Aquarium. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The aquarium holds a place of honor at Poniente Beach and serves as an important educational center. Its exhibits cover a vast geography, from the rugged Cantabrian Sea to the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, allowing every visitor to feel the scale and fragility of our planet.

The special value of this place lies in its biological diversity. The journey through the halls is logically structured, guiding you through rivers, seas, and oceans, making the walk not only visually pleasing but also educational for guests of all ages.

To plan your visit and find more details, you can use the official contact information below. The aquarium is conveniently located in the coastal area, making it easy to combine your visit with a seaside stroll.

An amazing route awaits you, passing through 12 different ecosystems. You will begin your journey at the cool rivers of Asturias, home to salmon and eels, and gradually move into the salty waters of the Cantabrian Sea. This is a great opportunity to see the richness of the underwater world of Spain's northern coast.

One of the most popular zones is the otter enclosure. Watching these active and playful creatures through transparent walls styled as natural grottoes brings plenty of positive emotions. No less impressive are the encounters with majestic sharks, slow-moving sea turtles, and graceful rays in massive panoramic tanks.

For inquisitive visitors, there are educational programs and special interactive zones. Children will be delighted by the chance to spot bright clownfish and mysterious moray eels, while photography enthusiasts will find many perfect angles for shots against the backdrop of illuminated coral reefs and exotic tropical inhabitants.

The coastal location makes the journey to the site an enjoyable part of your walk. The aquarium is situated in the western part of the city, right by Playa de Poniente. If you are staying in the center, a stroll along the well-maintained promenade will take no more than 10–15 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the sea breeze before diving into the underwater world.

For those who prefer public transport, several city bus routes stop near the attraction. You can also use local taxi services, which will quickly take you from any point in the city directly to the main entrance.

Travelers arriving by private or rental car won't have to worry about parking—there are dedicated parking spaces in the immediate vicinity. The primary landmark for navigation is Poniente Beach, which is visible from afar due to its scale.

The history of this place is inextricably linked to the Asturias region's desire to highlight its deep connection with the ocean. The Gijón Aquarium was designed as a modern space where science meets enlightenment, aiming not just to display rare fish but to deeply educate visitors on water resource conservation.

Since its opening, the facility has become an important link in the country's scientific community. It actively collaborates with international biodiversity protection organizations and participates in programs for the conservation of endangered species. This makes it more than just an entertainment venue; it is a fully-fledged scientific and educational center.

Over the years, the exhibits have been regularly updated to meet the highest environmental and technological standards. Engineers and biologists constantly work to create the most natural conditions possible for the inhabitants, implementing the latest generation of water purification and climate control systems.

Today, this complex is considered one of the most significant in the northern part of the country. It has earned recognition not only for its rich collection of marine life but also for its architectural design, which harmoniously blends into the modern look of the city's waterfront.

To leisurely explore all 60 tanks and get to know the inhabitants of various climate zones, most visitors need about 1.5–2 hours. This time allows you to carefully study the information boards and observe the behavior of the marine life.

If you are planning a visit with children, it's worth setting aside a bit more time—up to 3 hours. Young travelers often linger by the otter enclosures and the areas with exotic fish, and the educational interactive elements can keep them engaged for quite a while.

The aquarium is open to the public daily, making it easy to include in your travel schedule. Standard operating hours are from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM; however, there is a shortened schedule on Fridays, when the doors are open until 3:00 PM.

Current weekly schedule:

• Monday — Thursday: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM
• Friday: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
• Saturday — Sunday: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Please note that hours may vary slightly on public holidays or depending on the season, so it is recommended to check the official website before your visit.

Gijón is a city with a rich history and a welcoming atmosphere, so after visiting the aquarium, it's worth spending some time at other interesting locations within walking distance. Exploring the surroundings will help you better experience the spirit of Asturias.