Aquário Municipal de Santos
Discover Brazil's aquatic wonders at Santos's charming municipal aquarium, featuring a tunnel, penguins, and local marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Aquário Municipal de Santos
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Brazil's aquatic wonders at Santos's charming municipal aquarium, featuring a tunnel, penguins, and local marine life.
"Cheapest aquarium admission I ever had, relatively. It's good to spend the day."
🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings
Get a combo ticket for the aquarium and Orquidário to save money! Great value for exploring more.
🚶♀️ Quick Visit Recommended
It's a smaller aquarium, so expect a visit of about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick, enjoyable stop.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Marine Life Tunnel
Main Exhibition Area
Walk through a magical tunnel surrounded by fascinating aquatic creatures. An immersive journey to the ocean floor!
Penguin Exhibit
Dedicated Enclosure
Meet the charming Magellanic penguins! A delightful sight for all ages, though some note they appear a bit subdued.
Brazilian Aquatic Species
Various Tanks
Discover a diverse collection of freshwater and marine animals, with a focus on species native to Brazil.
Touch Tank Experience
Interactive Area
Engage with marine life up close in this interactive touch tank, offering a hands-on learning opportunity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Timing is Key
Combo Tickets & Nearby Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings
Get a combo ticket for the aquarium and Orquidário to save money! Great value for exploring more.
🚶♀️ Quick Visit Recommended
It's a smaller aquarium, so expect a visit of about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick, enjoyable stop.
🐧 Penguin Watch
See the Magellanic penguins, but note some visitors feel they seem a bit depressed.
🚗 Parking & Location
Conveniently located on Ponta da Praia, parking can be found nearby.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings
Get a combo ticket for the aquarium and Orquidário to save money! Great value for exploring more.
🚶♀️ Quick Visit Recommended
It's a smaller aquarium, so expect a visit of about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick, enjoyable stop.
🐧 Penguin Watch
See the Magellanic penguins, but note some visitors feel they seem a bit depressed.
🚗 Parking & Location
Conveniently located on Ponta da Praia, parking can be found nearby.
🎨 Graffiti Art
Check out the vibrant graffiti art that has been added to refresh the aquarium's exterior.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Aquário Municipal de Santos to be a charming and affordable attraction, perfect for a quick visit. While some note its smaller size and occasional empty tanks, the variety of Brazilian species and the immersive tunnel are highlights. The penguins are a draw, though their demeanor has been commented on. It's a good value, especially with combo tickets.
"The price ticket is very cheap and the attractions inside are cool. The place is nice and you can see many different species there but this aquarium is small, so you’ll finish your tour in probably 30 minutes."
Jaime Lettich
"Very nice location with good views, although we were there in winter (August) and fairly quiet, I imagine it gets a lot busier in peak/Summer time."
Simon Rivett
"Small, lots of empty tanks, but it seems like they are trying to improve it. I’d recommend it for a quick visit, don’t expect too much though."
Miriam Davidson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The aquarium is located at Praça Vereador Luiz La Scala s/nº, Ponta da Praia, Santos. You can reach it by car, with parking available nearby, or by public transport. Many visitors enjoy walking along the scenic waterfront to get there.
Yes, parking is generally available in the vicinity of the aquarium, especially on weekdays. During peak season or weekends, it might be more challenging to find a spot close by.
Absolutely! Santos has a beautiful boardwalk, and walking to the aquarium from nearby areas is a pleasant experience, especially if you're staying along the coast.
Several bus lines serve the Ponta da Praia area, making it accessible via public transportation. Check local bus routes for the most convenient options.
While specific accessibility details can vary, the main exhibition areas are generally navigable. It's always a good idea to contact the aquarium directly for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable, typically R$10 for full price and R$5 for meia-entrada (half-price). Children under 7 and seniors over 65 often get in for free.
Yes, a popular option is the combo ticket which includes entry to both the Aquário Municipal and the Orquidário Municipal for a discounted price of R$15 (full price).
The aquarium is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 AM to 6 PM, with the ticket office closing around 5:30 PM. It's typically closed on the last Monday of each month.
Information on online ticket purchasing is not widely available. It's best to purchase tickets directly at the aquarium entrance.
The aquarium has undergone renovations. It's crucial to check recent updates or contact the venue directly for the most current operational status, as it has been closed for extended periods for improvements.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of freshwater and marine species, with a notable focus on animals native to Brazil. Highlights include the marine life tunnel and the penguin exhibit.
Most visitors find that a tour of the aquarium takes about 30 minutes, making it a relatively quick but enjoyable visit.
Yes, the aquarium features an interactive touch tank where visitors can get hands-on with marine life.
The aquarium sometimes hosts special events, such as the 'Caramelo Day' for animal welfare. Keep an eye on local event listings for any upcoming activities.
The 'magical tunnel' refers to the immersive exhibit where visitors walk through a passage surrounded by aquatic life, creating the feeling of being at the bottom of the sea.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals.
The marine life tunnel offers spectacular photo opportunities with fish swimming all around you. The penguin exhibit and the colorful graffiti art on the exterior are also great for pictures.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography, especially near sensitive exhibits like the penguins. Always be mindful of other visitors and the animals.
Video recording is usually permitted, but be considerate of others and avoid blocking pathways.
The lighting inside can be dim in some areas to simulate the underwater environment, which can be challenging for photography. Experiment with your camera settings for the best results.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the aquarium is on the smaller side, making it ideal for younger children who might have shorter attention spans. The affordable ticket prices and the option of a combo ticket with the Orquidário make it a budget-friendly outing for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a walk along the beautiful Santos boardwalk and enjoy the free public spaces. This makes for a fulfilling and inexpensive day out, packed with sights and experiences without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Aquarium's Role and Recent Developments
Recently, the aquarium has been undergoing renovations to improve its facilities and exhibits. While this means temporary closures, it signals a commitment to enhancing the visitor experience. Discussions with local authorities aim to ensure the aquarium remains a vibrant part of Santos's tourism landscape.
Despite its smaller size, the aquarium has been a beloved spot for locals and tourists. The ongoing improvements are expected to further solidify its position as a key attraction, offering a glimpse into the underwater world.
Exploring the Surrounding Area and Combo Tickets
A highly recommended tip from visitors is to take advantage of the combo ticket that includes entry to the Orquidário Municipal. This offers a fantastic way to experience two distinct attractions for a combined, reduced price, making your visit more economical and diverse.
Combine your aquarium visit with a walk along the boardwalk, enjoying the sea breeze and ocean views. This makes for a well-rounded day trip, blending educational fun with the natural beauty of Santos.


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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit