What is so fascinating about the biggest aquarium in the world?
Whether you are considering some of the largest aquariums in the world or merely a local aquatic museum, these places offer insight into the magic of the underwater world. Not only are you bound to experience something new, but you will leave full of wonder and appreciation for life under the sea.
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The best aquariums in the world are not only a chance for discovery but an excellent opportunity to learn, and it makes them the perfect day out for you or your family. From gazing at rare species to seeing dolphins frolic, aquariums are packed full of fun. We have created a list of the largest aquariums in the world by volume in litres, for you to check out on your next adventure.
What is the largest aquarium in the world?
The Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, China
With an oceanarium that holds an incredible 48 million litres of water, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is the largest aquarium in the world. The park is China’s answer to Disney World and has eight different ocean-themed areas inside the park that contain a variety of attractions, amusement rides, and shows. You will find an incredible array of animals that includes polar bears, orcas, and stingrays. The park is growing in popularity, seeing over 10 million visitors last year.
Marine Life Park, Singapore
Marine Life Park held the title of the biggest aquarium in the world from 2012 to 2014, despite losing its title it is still a sight to behold. Situated in the world-renowned Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, it is home to more than 100,000 animals, 800 species and a 45 million litre tank. It has a 36-metre viewing panel, which is one of the largest in the world, that is supposed to simulate being at the bottom of the ocean. Marine Life Park has the most extensive collection of manta rays in the world and is one of the few giant manta rays in captivity.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is one of the Yas Island theme parks and is the first marine life theme park in the MENA region. It covers 183,000 square meters of land, serving as a vibrant habitat for over 100,000 marine, land and flying animals, and showcasing 8 fantastic realms: One Ocean, Abu Dhabi Ocean, Rocky Point, Microocean, Tropical Ocean, Artic, Antarctica, and Endless Ocean. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the UAE while you are here.
Also worth checking is the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue, the country’s first and only research, rescue, rehabilitation and return centre aiming to support regional and global marine conservation efforts.
Oceanografic, Spain
Oceanografic is located in Spain and is the biggest aquarium in Europe with an incredible combined tank volume of around 42 million litres. There are over 500 different species at the aquarium, including sharks, dolphins, penguins and walruses. In total, they house more than 45,000 animals across ten different areas that reflect the various habitats from around the world. I have not yet made it to Oceanografic, but colleagues tell me the setup and diversity of animals is breathtaking.
Georgia Aquarium, United States
The Georgia Aquarium held the mantle of the largest aquarium in the world from 2005 until 2012 when it slipped into third place. However, it remains the biggest aquarium in the United States. Their tanks hold a whopping 37.8 million litres of water and are home to hundreds of species and thousands of different animals. It was an incredibly generous donation of $250 million that saw the vision of the aquarium brought to life.
Moscow Oceanarium, Russia
Located in the heart of Moscow, the “Moskvarium” as it is colloquially known, has a total tank capacity of 25 million litres, making it one of the largest aquariums in the world. Inside you will find 30 different aquariums, that house more than 100 freshwater species. It is a significant tourist attraction in the city and gets a million visitors a year. If you are daring enough, you can even swim for 45 minutes with the sharks and stingrays.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends, United States
Located in the Walt Disney World Florida, this aquarium was the best in the world when it opened in 1986 and was the largest saltwater tank in the world, with an enormous 22 million litres of water. It is the second-largest in the United States, surpassed only by the aquarium in Georgia. Since 2006, the attraction has taken on a Finding Nemo theme with an underwater exploration journey to help find Nemo.
Shedd Aquarium, United States
The 19 million litre aquarium is the third-largest in the United States and one of the oldest aquariums in the world, first opening in 1930. It holds more than 32,000 animals and when it opened was the first inland oceanarium to house a permanent saltwater fish exhibition. If you visit you will find sharks, sea otters, and even alligators. The Shedd Aquarium also participates in conservation research focused on the beluga whale, which I think is an outstanding cause.
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uShaka Marine World, South Africa
Designed around five shipwrecks, the uShaka Marine World is one of the biggest in the world and contains 32 different tanks. They house over 10,000 different animals in a combined total of 17.4 million litres of water. If you are lucky enough to visit the South African attraction, hammerhead sharks, spinner sharks, kingfish and cobia, await you.
Atlantic Sea Park, Norway
Home to one of the largest saltwater aquariums in Scandinavia, Atlantic Sea Park’s largest tank has a volume of 15 million litres. The park has pools where you can touch the animals in their home, as well as watch dive shows, and feed fish. The aquarium specializes in specimens from the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the waters around Norway.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Japan
Until the Georgia Aquarium opened in 2005, this was the largest aquarium in the world. It is a huge draw in Japan and has had over 20 million visitors. Its 77 tanks contain an incredible 7.5 million litres of water and were home to the first captive-born manta ray in 2007. I have been to this aquarium, and the 22.5-metre-long glass panel will leave you speechless as you stare at the 26,000 animals.
Should you visit the largest aquariums in the world?
I have visited a few different aquariums, and I’d recommend not waiting to visit the largest aquarium in the world. Going to any aquarium is a gateway into another world and a great way to learn about marine life, so don’t hold out. You get a glimpse into the lives of exotic specimens from far-flung places around the globe, what’s not to love?
