AquaRio Aquarium Rio de Janeiro
South America's largest aquarium, featuring an immersive underwater tunnel and diverse marine life. Fun for all ages!

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
AquaRio Aquarium Rio de Janeiro
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
South America's largest aquarium, featuring an immersive underwater tunnel and diverse marine life. Fun for all ages!
"The tunnel at the end that you could walk through was amazing. You could see all the sea life swim around you!!"
🎯 Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Arrive right at opening, especially on weekends, to beat the major crowds and enjoy the exhibits more peacefully.
🎟️ Combo Tickets: Buyer Beware
The wax museum and mirror experience might not be worth the extra cost for adults; consider just the aquarium ticket.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Underwater Tunnel
Main Aquarium Circuit
Walk through a mesmerizing tunnel with sharks, rays, and fish swimming all around you. An immersive experience!

Diverse Marine Life
Various Enclosures
Explore over 300 species and 4 million liters of water, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the ocean.

Educational Exhibits
Throughout the Aquarium
Learn about marine ecosystems and conservation efforts through engaging and informative displays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Ticket Options & Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Arrive right at opening, especially on weekends, to beat the major crowds and enjoy the exhibits more peacefully.
🎟️ Combo Tickets: Buyer Beware
The wax museum and mirror experience might not be worth the extra cost for adults; consider just the aquarium ticket.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
AquaRio is a hit with children! The tunnel and diverse species are captivating for younger visitors.
🛍️ Gift Shops & Dining
There are two gift shops and food options available, with a larger one at the exit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Arrive right at opening, especially on weekends, to beat the major crowds and enjoy the exhibits more peacefully.
🎟️ Combo Tickets: Buyer Beware
The wax museum and mirror experience might not be worth the extra cost for adults; consider just the aquarium ticket.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
AquaRio is a hit with children! The tunnel and diverse species are captivating for younger visitors.
🛍️ Gift Shops & Dining
There are two gift shops and food options available, with a larger one at the exit.
📍 Location Convenience
Located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, making it an accessible attraction for tourists.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
AquaRio is a large aquarium with a standout underwater tunnel that offers an immersive experience, particularly loved by children. While the marine life is impressive, some visitors find the overall experience a bit basic and note that it can get extremely crowded. The additional attractions like the wax museum receive mixed reviews regarding their value for money.
"Very basic aquarium. One tunnel to walk under was kind of cool, but again extremely crowded. Huge crowds took forever to walk through. Also has a mirror option experience, not worth it, maybe for little kids. Has a basic wax museum 1/3 of the pictures they have to take and you have to pay for. Would not do it again. Great for little kids though probably. Was $160 for 3 adults for all three experiences, wax aqua mirror."
Chris Anderson
"It was a great aquarium and the tunnel at the end that you could walk through was amazing. You could see all the sea life swim around you!! There’s two gift shops inside, one small one about half way through and a big one at the end. There’s also lots of fun things to do there because the aquarium is on the 3rd floor of building while there’s other activities on other floors!"
Jess Marshy
"Awesome aquarium. We had a lot of fun here. Lots of beautiful fish and other underwater creatures to see. The tunnel is really cool. If you have kids, they'll love it. They have a gift shop and eating area as well."
Kay-Kay M.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
AquaRio is located in the port area of Rio de Janeiro. You can reach it by taxi, ride-sharing services, or public transport. Several bus lines stop nearby. It's also accessible from the VLT (light rail) system.
Yes, there is parking available at AquaRio, though it can get busy. It's advisable to check their official website for current parking rates and availability.
Yes, AquaRio is generally stroller-friendly, with ramps and elevators to navigate between floors.
For families, a taxi or ride-sharing service might be the most convenient option to avoid the hassle of public transport with children.
AquaRio is part of the revitalized port area, which is walkable. However, depending on your starting point, it might be a significant walk. Consider the VLT for easier access to nearby areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary. A standard adult ticket is around R$150, with children at R$75. Combo tickets are available but may not be worth the extra cost for adults. Check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing.
Yes, children typically receive a discounted ticket price. There have also been promotions offering free entry for children with a paying adult, so check for current deals.
It is highly recommended to buy tickets online in advance, especially for promotions and to potentially save time queuing.
AquaRio's opening hours can vary by season and day of the week. It's best to check their official website for the most accurate and current operating schedule before your visit.
There isn't a strict time limit for your visit, allowing you to explore at your own pace. However, be mindful of opening and closing times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The absolute highlight is the immersive underwater tunnel where marine life swims all around you. Don't miss the diverse species in the various tanks.
While great for kids, adults can also enjoy AquaRio, especially the impressive tunnel and the variety of marine life. Some reviewers found the other attractions less compelling.
This is an additional attraction offered, often as part of a combo ticket. Reviews suggest it might be more appealing to very young children and not worth the extra cost for adults.
A typical visit can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much time you spend at each exhibit and if you opt for the additional attractions.
AquaRio focuses on immersive viewing experiences, particularly in its large tanks and the central tunnel. Educational displays also offer learning opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, AquaRio has food outlets and a dining area where you can purchase snacks and meals. There's also a large gift shop at the exit.
Expect typical aquarium fare like snacks, drinks, and possibly some light meal options. Some reviewers noted the irony of plastic-wrapped cotton candy being sold near conservation exhibits.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside major attractions like AquaRio. It's best to consume them before entering or purchase items from their concessions.
Concession prices at tourist attractions can be higher than average. It's advisable to budget accordingly if you plan to eat or snack inside.
Information on specific dietary options is limited. It's recommended to inquire at the food outlets upon arrival or check their website for menus if this is a concern.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside AquaRio. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals.
The underwater tunnel offers incredible photo opportunities with marine life swimming around. The large tanks also provide great backdrops.
For professional shoots, it's best to contact AquaRio's management in advance to inquire about their policies and any necessary permits.
Avoid using flash photography, especially near sensitive exhibits, as it can disturb the animals. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal for capturing the ambiance inside the aquarium. A smartphone with a good camera will also work well.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing tickets in advance, and look out for promotions offering free entry for children with a paying adult, as these can significantly reduce costs. While the combo tickets with the wax museum might be extra, they can add to the fun for younger children. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore without rushing, and utilize the on-site dining options for convenience.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there are food outlets inside, bringing your own snacks and water (if permitted) or planning to eat before or after your visit can help save money. The main draw, the aquarium itself, offers significant value through its impressive collection and the unique underwater tunnel experience, which is the core of the visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Marine Wonders
Beyond the visual spectacle, AquaRio aims to be an educational hub. The aquarium features exhibits that highlight the biodiversity of the oceans and touch upon important conservation themes, such as the impact of plastic waste. While some visitors have noted that the educational aspects could be more prominent, the sheer scale and variety of species offer a powerful visual lesson in marine ecosystems. For families, this provides a fantastic opportunity to spark curiosity and learning in children about the underwater world.
When planning your visit, consider that AquaRio can become extremely crowded, particularly on weekends. Arriving early or visiting on a weekday is highly recommended to fully appreciate the exhibits without being overwhelmed by crowds. The layout is designed for a flowing experience, with gift shops and dining options strategically placed throughout.
Beyond the Tanks: Additional Attractions
Another experience offered is the 'mirror option,' which likely refers to a mirror maze or illusion-based attraction. Similar to the wax museum, its appeal is subjective and often geared towards children. The value proposition of these additional attractions as part of a combo ticket has been questioned by some adult visitors, who felt the aquarium itself was the main draw.
It's worth noting that AquaRio is located on the third floor of a building, with other activities potentially available on different levels. This integrated approach means visitors can potentially spend more time in the area, exploring various forms of entertainment. However, for those solely interested in the aquarium, it's wise to carefully consider the ticket options to ensure you're paying for what you truly want to experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit