Source: TimOve
Valencia is known for the unique architecture of their museum and ancient cathedrals. However, there are also modern structures that you can visit and enjoy. One of these modern structures is the L’Oceanografic or the Aquarium in Valencia, Spain, which opened on February 14 of 2003. Here are the 10 things that you should know about this particular Aquarium.
1. The Structure
The design of the structure was made by the architect Felix Candela. He also had some help from Carlos Lazaro and Alberto Domingo who are both structural engineers. The whole area is divided into 10 great sections which usually are referring to the different marine areas. Aside from these sections, there are also restaurants and shops that you can go to in order to eat or buy souvenirs. There are also offices in this place, such as the Education and Research building. The water that are present in the aquarium is pumped from the La Malva-Rosa beach. The necessary requirements for this scenario has been passed.
2. The Different Sections
The sections that you can visit include the Upper Shore, the Mid Shore, the Touching Pool and others. Aside from that, there are also exhibitions of various marine animals such as the Arctic exhibitions where walruses and beluga whales are present, the Atlantic exhibitions which stars Humboldt penguins, the Islands where you can see several colonies of Patagonian sea lions, and the exhibition of seals that take place in the Temperate and Tropical section.
3. Area and Water Capacity
Discover L’Océanografic, Europe’s largest marine park at City of Arts and Sciences Valencia https://t.co/DAgvGAn9nH pic.twitter.com/ytCKkfrvWt
— Hoteles Silken (@hotelessilken) May 7, 2016
The total area of L’Oceanografic or the Aquarium in Valencia is about 110,000 square meters or 1,200,000 square feet. Its total water capacity of about 42,000,000 liters makes it the largest structure of its kind in the whole of Europe. The water capacity actually includes the dolphinarium which measures up to 26,000,000 liters as well as the ocean tank which measures 7,000,000 liters.
4. The Animals
Making new friends 😉 #bird #Oceanogràfic #wetlands #exhibit #animals #instabird
A photo posted by inesseeta (@inesseeta) on
There are many types of marine animals that can be found in the Aquarium. The total number of animals that are present in the place is about 45,000. Such animals belong to about 500 various kinds species. These species include beluga whales, sharks, dolphins, penguins, walruses, sea lions, sea turtles, fish, reptiles, and even fish, among others. The nine underwater towers in the Aquarium are the habitats of these animals.
5. The Dolphinarium Exhibition
If you want to just relax, you can go to the Dolphinarium Exhibition where you can look at some dolphins perform activities that showcase their intelligence and abilities. The seating capacity of the said dolphinarium is about 2,210 individuals. There is also a pool where you can find mules dolphins. The exhibition starts at various times so you have to check with the Information Desk with regards to the timetable.
6. The Red Sea Underwater Auditorium
There is also an underwater auditorium which resembles the Red Sea. This area is a large room with a roof that takes the shape of a pilgrim shell. The seating capacity of the Red Sea Underwater Auditorium is about 440 people. Aside from just being able to sit there, you can also watch how the animals that live inside the auditorium are fed by several divers.
7. The Underwater Restaurant
Restaurant in an aquarium. @ L'Oceanografic Submarino Restaurant https://t.co/vH5RzE1Asb pic.twitter.com/D31ZPSfQnx
— Honourable Husband (@HonourableHusba) May 21, 2016
There is also an underwater restaurant where you can eat a wide variety of foods, especially the delicacies of Valencia, when you feel hungry from all the sights that you have visited within the complex. The shape of the roof of this building got its inspiration from a lily. This restaurant has two floors. A grand aquarium surrounds the lower floor while the upper floor is designed like an island located at the middle of a big lake. Oceans Restaurant and La Jonja Restaurant are also open for service.
8. Operating Hours of L’Oceanografic
Después de una noche con tiburones, nos vamos a visitar l'oceanografic #Marianistas #OceanograficoValencia pic.twitter.com/bs6jA3J64P
— Ana M Niñerola (@anitaninerola) May 27, 2016
The complex generally opens at 10am. However, the closing time may differ, depending on the day and season. During the low season, it closes at around 6pm from Sundays to Fridays and 8pm on Saturdays. During the medium season, it closes at either 7pm or 8pm on Sundays to Fridays and 8pm on Saturdays. During the high season, it closes at 12mn every day.
Information
- Operating Hours: 10AM – 8PM
9. Prices of Admission Tickets
¡Buaaaah! Otro día de excursión increíble en l'Oceanogràfic de @CityArtsScience 😀 ¡Ha sido genial! #Animat_Style pic.twitter.com/pwJJ1Zy3Lf
— Anima't Excursiones (@GrupAnimat1) November 12, 2015
The prices of the tickets for admission to the Aquarium varies depending on the age and number of individuals. Ticket prices for adults are 27.90 euros while those reduced tickets are 21 euros. The prices for school groups as well as adult groups are 12.55 euros and 18.65 euros, respectively. There is also a 15% discount that can be applied to individual adult fee for those who have a youth and student card.
10. Reduced Tickets and Group Tickets
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Reduced tickets are bought for children who are 4 up to 12 years of age. Children aged 0 to 3 years can avail of free admission. A reduced ticket can also be brought by a person over 65 years or a retiree or a disabled as long as supporting documents have been presented. For a school group ticket, a minimum of 15 regulated education students should be present. As for the adult group ticket, the group should have a minimum of 20 persons.
Information
- Name: L’Oceanografic
- Address : Ciutat de les Arts I de les Ciencies, Carrer Eduardo Primo Yufera, 1B, 46013 Valencia, Spain
- Phone Number : +34 960 470 647
- Website: https://www.oceanografic.org
The Aquarium in Valencia or L’Oceanografic does not only provide you with entertainment or leisure. It also allows you to learn and discover the marine life. It makes one realize how beautiful it is to conserve biodiversity not only on land but also in different bodies of water.
Have a good trip and travel!
