Poema del Mar Aquarium

The Poema del Mar aquarium is a modern and grand complex located in the port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. Opened on December 17, 2017, it rapidly earned the status of one of the most impressive and must-visit attractions in the Canary Islands. Owned by the renowned Loro Parque group, this project is of strategic importance to the entire archipelago, strengthening its position as a world-class tourist destination.

The architectural appearance of the 12,500 m² building was inspired by the work of the Canarian artist Néstor Martín-Fernández de la Torre. It was his painting "Poema del Atlántico" that served as the source for the name of this unique place. Thanks to innovative solutions and incredible displays showcasing marine life, Poema del Mar is considered one of the most spectacular aquariums in Europe.

Visitors can look forward to a fascinating journey through three main zones: "Jungle," "Reef," and "Deep Ocean." Each recreates unique ecosystems with a striking variety of inhabitants. The "Deep Ocean" zone deserves special attention, featuring one of the world's largest curved panoramic windows, which offers a breathtaking view of the underwater world. This is a place where art and nature merge, offering an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

To plan your visit to the Poema del Mar aquarium, check the current opening hours and ticket prices, or ask any other questions, you can contact the aquarium representatives directly. All the necessary information is usually available on the official website.

A visit to the Poema del Mar aquarium is a thrilling immersion into the diverse aquatic worlds of our planet. Your journey will take you through three unique themed zones representing 35 marine and river ecosystems. The first zone, "Jungle," recreates the stunning landscapes of five continents. Here, among more than two thousand species of plants, freshwater fish, turtles, crocodiles, and even some species of lizards and chameleons live in artificial lagoons and terrariums.

The next stage of your adventure is the "Reef" zone. Its centerpiece is a huge cylindrical aquarium containing over 400,000 liters of water. Walking along the spiral bridge around it, you can take a close look at the vibrant life of a coral reef. Colorful fish, Atlantic rays, moray eels, and even small sharks live here. This zone gives the feeling of complete immersion in a colorful and lively underwater world.

The crown jewel of the aquarium is the "Deep Sea" zone. It features one of the largest curved panoramic windows in the world: it is 36 meters long and 7 meters high. This giant screen into the living world of the ocean allows you to observe graceful sharks, rays, and many other deep-sea inhabitants, including species from the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Watching life in the "Deep Sea" leaves a truly unforgettable and majestic impression.

Getting to the Poema del Mar aquarium is quite easy, thanks to its convenient location in the port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The aquarium building features striking futuristic architecture, making it clearly visible from afar. It is situated in the immediate vicinity of the pier where cruise ships arrive, making it the first stop for many tourists starting their exploration of the city.

The most convenient way to reach the aquarium by public transport is by bus. There are two major bus stops located near Poema del Mar. Routes 1, 2, 12, 19, 20, 24, 33, 41, 47, 49, and L1 stop at the Eduardo Benot station. The second closest stop is Albareda, served by buses 1, 2, 12, 21, 33, 41, 47, 49, L1, and X47. This abundance of routes makes it easy to get here from almost anywhere in the city.

For those traveling between the Canary Islands, the aquarium is also very accessible. It is located just 350 meters from the pier where the Fred. Olsen ferry arrives from Tenerife. This distance can be easily covered on foot in a few minutes. Additionally, you can always use a taxi, which will quickly take you to the aquarium entrance from any part of the city or from the airport.

The history of the Poema del Mar aquarium began relatively recently, yet it is quite eventful. The grand opening took place on December 17, 2017, making it one of the most modern aquariums in Europe. From the very beginning, the project was of great importance to the region: the Government of the Canary Islands and the City Council of Gran Canaria recognized it as strategically important for promoting the archipelago as an international tourist destination.

The name and concept of the aquarium are inextricably linked to the cultural heritage of the Canary Islands. The inspiration came from the famous series of paintings "Poema del Atlántico" (Poem of the Atlantic) by the prominent Canarian artist Néstor Martín-Fernández de la Torre. His work is reflected not only in the name but also in the architectural design of the building itself, turning it into a true art object in the port of Las Palmas.

The Loro Parque group, renowned for its high standards in animal welfare and the creation of world-class zoological parks, is the force behind Poema del Mar. Thanks to this expertise and its prime location, the aquarium has become one of the main landmarks of Gran Canaria in just a few years. It quickly won the hearts of tourists and became an integral part of the cultural and entertainment landscape of Spain.

When planning a visit to the Poema del Mar aquarium, it is worth setting aside an average of 2 to 3 hours for the tour. This time is generally sufficient to leisurely walk through all three main themed zones—"Jungle," "Reef," and "Deep Ocean"—and get a full impression of the diversity of the ecosystems presented. The route is designed so that you consistently immerse yourself in different aquatic worlds without missing anything important.

However, the duration of the visit can vary. If you are traveling with children who curiously stop at every tank, or if you are a big fan of marine biology who wants to carefully study the information boards, your journey might take longer. Some visitors spend up to half a day at the aquarium, especially considering the option to relax in the local cafe or restaurant. To avoid rushing, it is best not to plan your visit late in the evening when there is little time left before closing.

Poema del Mar aquarium is happy to welcome visitors all year round, with no days off or holidays, making it convenient to visit at any time. The doors are open to guests daily, although working hours may vary slightly. According to some sources, the aquarium is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; according to others, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. It is recommended to check the current schedule on the official website before your visit.

Since the aquarium in Las Palmas is one of the main attractions in Spain, it can get quite crowded during peak seasons. To avoid long lines and save time, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance. This not only guarantees entry at a time convenient for you but also makes your visit more relaxed and well-planned.

A visit to the Poema del Mar aquarium is just the beginning of your exploration of Las Palmas' vibrant port district. Thanks to its excellent location, there are many other interesting places near the aquarium that will help make your day even more fulfilling. A stroll through the neighborhood will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of the city and get acquainted with its history, culture, and daily life.

Just a few minutes' walk from Poema del Mar, you will find parks, historic fortresses, museums, and lively squares. This is a great opportunity to combine a visit to one of Europe's best aquariums with an exploration of other iconic landmarks in the capital of Gran Canaria. Below is a list of places that are easily accessible on foot.