Show de delfines del Acuario Rodadero
1 / 10

Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum

4.4
·8k reviews·Gaira, Colombia

Explore vibrant marine life, witness thrilling dolphin shows, and discover ancient artifacts at this captivating aquarium and museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Show de delfines del Acuario Rodadero

Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore vibrant marine life, witness thrilling dolphin shows, and discover ancient artifacts at this captivating aquarium and museum.

4.4
(8k reviews)

"A MUST visit in Santa Marta! Great way to spend a nice day."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Packages for Value

Consider combo tickets for aquarium, Playa Blanca, and transport. Saves money and hassle!

🚤 Boat to Playa Blanca

Easy 10-20 min boat ride from Rodadero. Enjoy the beach before or after your aquarium visit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dolphin Show

Dolphin Show

Main Arena

Witness playful dolphins in an educational and entertaining show. A definite crowd-pleaser for all ages!

Underwater Tunnel

Underwater Tunnel

Aquarium Exhibits

Walk through a unique tunnel offering a 360-degree view of marine life. It's like being submerged in the ocean!

Marine Life Exhibits

Marine Life Exhibits

Various Tanks and Pools

Explore diverse species including sharks, turtles, and colorful fish. A fascinating glimpse into the underwater world.

Museums

Museums

Adjacent to Aquarium

Discover artifacts at the Tayrona and Sea Museums, offering a cultural and historical perspective.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

To avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy the dolphin show, aim for weekdays outside of peak holiday seasons. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer a more relaxed visit, especially if you're not part of a tour group.

Package Deals & Transportation

Consider package deals that often include aquarium entry, boat transport to nearby beaches like Playa Blanca, and sometimes even lunch. This can be more cost-effective than booking separately. Research taxi marino or boat options from Rodadero.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays, late afternoon
Why
Enjoy the dolphin show without peak crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends & Holidays
Why
Higher energy, more activities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Colombia tiene el primer túnel acuario y está en Santa Marta; con más de 800 especies 😍🐟🐠 #santamarta #rodadero
@santamartaiscrazy
208K likes • 2.6M views

🎟️ Book Packages for Value

Consider combo tickets for aquarium, Playa Blanca, and transport. Saves money and hassle! TikTokReddit

🚤 Boat to Playa Blanca

Easy 10-20 min boat ride from Rodadero. Enjoy the beach before or after your aquarium visit. Reddit+1

Una vista desde otra perspectiva de la muestra de Delfines del Acuario de Santa Marta, Colombia 🇨🇴 #dron #santamarta #rodadero #colombia #delfines #djiair3 #paratiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii #vacaciones #playa #acuario #atardecer
@smithmaderafotografia
177K likes • 1.6M views
Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum 📍
xavierssjb
0 likes • 196 views

🐬 Dolphin Show Timing

Check showtimes upon arrival; it's a highlight! Arrive early for good seats. Reddit

📸 Photo Ops

You can pay extra for dolphin interaction photos, but be aware of group sizes. Reddit

El Acuario más lindo de Colombia está en Santa Marta @Turist Ángel #viajaresvivir #viajarporcolombia
@byanabel
41.6K likes • 774.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Packages for Value

Consider combo tickets for aquarium, Playa Blanca, and transport. Saves money and hassle! TikTokReddit

🚤 Boat to Playa Blanca

Easy 10-20 min boat ride from Rodadero. Enjoy the beach before or after your aquarium visit. Reddit+1

🐬 Dolphin Show Timing

Check showtimes upon arrival; it's a highlight! Arrive early for good seats. Reddit

📸 Photo Ops

You can pay extra for dolphin interaction photos, but be aware of group sizes. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the exhibits and potentially on the beach. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.4
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find the Rodadero Sea Aquarium to be a worthwhile experience, especially for families, with the dolphin show being a consistent highlight. While some feel the exhibits could be more organized, the variety of marine life and the addition of the underwater tunnel are praised. The convenience of package deals and proximity to Playa Blanca add to its appeal.

"This acuario was awesome. I booked a package for 110,000 pesos from pick up from where I was staying with entry to the aquarium. Then from there to playa Blanca and back to rodadero and taxi back to my place. But the best part was the dolphin show. It's a out 30 minutes long and it was really nice to see them play. You can also take pics of them for a charge. They have all sorts of fish on display. So you can expect to spend about 2 hours here just walking around."

Kenny

"You can hustle a seat on a motor boat that takes about 10 to 20 minutes to arrive at Playa Blanca which is next to the aquarium. You can enjoy the white sand beach and go into the aquarium at any time. They have a dolphins show. There are restaurants next to the beach."

Reddot OnYaKnot

"The aquarium is ok if you have small children, but it is not very impressive or organized. You can see beautiful marine animals and there is a short and simple dolphin show.

You have to pay extra to swim with the dolphins. In our case we paid the highest fare to swim and be pulled by the dolphins but we were so unlucky that when we where there a Colombian vallenato celebrity arrived and they assigned two dolphins to him and his wife and instead left the 5 kids in our group with just one dolphin, so the experience was very short (vs what you pay).

In addition family members are positioned in a way that you can’t take good pictures of the dolphin experience so you have to buy their pictures."

Natalia Sguerra

What People Like

Dolphin show entertainment
Underwater tunnel experience
Variety of marine life

What People Dislike

Organization of exhibits
Cost of extras
Dolphin swim duration

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can take a taxi or a local bus to El Rodadero. From there, many visitors opt for a 'taxi marino' (motorboat) that takes you to the aquarium and nearby Playa Blanca. Some packages include this transport. TikTokReddit

Many travelers recommend taking a boat from El Rodadero. It's a scenic and quick ride, often included in tour packages. TikTokReddit

Yes, you can take a bus to El Rodadero, and then a short boat ride to the aquarium. Buses are very affordable. TikTok

Yes, boats are usually available to take you back to El Rodadero after your visit. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, parking in El Rodadero might be available, but using boat transport is more common and recommended for accessing the aquarium directly. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entrance fees can vary. Some sources mention around $65,000 COP for general admission, while others cite $55,000 COP or $45,000 COP. Children and seniors may have discounted rates. It's best to check current prices upon arrival or through official channels. TikTok+2

Yes, there are often discounted prices for children (e.g., 0-2 year olds pay a small insurance fee, 3-4 year olds have a reduced rate) and seniors. TikTok

Information on online ticket purchasing is limited. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets upon arrival or as part of a package tour. TikTok

Typically, the entrance fee includes a guided tour of the pools and tanks, access to the Tayrona and Sea Museums, and the educational dolphin exhibition. TikTok

The dolphin show is usually included with your aquarium admission. TikTok+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The aquarium features diverse marine life exhibits, including sharks, turtles, and various fish species. The highlight for many is the dolphin show and the new underwater tunnel. There are also two museums: the Tayrona Museum and the Sea Museum. TikTokReddit+1

Most visitors spend about 2 hours exploring the aquarium and its exhibits. If you plan to see the museums and the dolphin show, allow a bit more time. Reddit

Absolutely! The dolphin show is consistently praised as a highlight, described as entertaining and educational. TikTokReddit

Yes, swimming with dolphins is an option, but it comes at an additional cost. Some visitors have reported mixed experiences regarding the duration and organization of this activity. Reddit

The new tunnel offers a unique perspective, allowing visitors to be surrounded by marine life. It's a recent addition and a must-see experience. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the aquarium itself might have limited options, there are restaurants located near Playa Blanca, which is adjacent to the aquarium. You can also find lunch options in El Rodadero. Reddit

Lunch in El Rodadero can range from around $15,000 COP upwards. TikTok

Information on outside food and drinks is not readily available, but it's generally advisable to check their policy or opt for the dining facilities nearby. Reddit

Specific dietary options are not detailed, but local Colombian cuisine often includes rice, beans, and plantains, which can be adapted. It's best to inquire at the restaurants. Reddit

Many visitors combine their aquarium visit with lunch at the restaurants near Playa Blanca for convenience and variety. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed in most areas of the aquarium. However, be mindful of flash photography, especially around sensitive exhibits. TikTok

The underwater tunnel offers unique photo opportunities. The dolphin show area and the various marine life tanks also provide excellent backdrops. Drone shots are also possible from certain vantage points. TikTok

You can take pictures during the dolphin show, but professional photography or close-up shots might be restricted or require special arrangements. TikTok

Yes, professional photographers are often available, especially during the dolphin show and interaction activities, though their services come at a cost. Reddit

Morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for photography, especially if you're capturing the marine life in the tanks. The underwater tunnel provides consistent lighting. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Rodadero Sea Aquarium is a fantastic destination for families. The diverse marine exhibits, including sharks and turtles, are captivating for children. The dolphin show is a definite highlight, guaranteed to entertain younger visitors. TikTok+1

Consider booking a package that includes transport and access to Playa Blanca, as this offers a great opportunity for kids to enjoy the beach after exploring the aquarium. The museums also provide an educational element that can be engaging for older children interested in history and culture. TikTokReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While some package deals can be pricey, budget travelers can find ways to enjoy the aquarium. Opting for local buses to El Rodadero and then a shared boat taxi ('taxi marino') can be more economical than private transport. TikTok Look for lunch deals in El Rodadero, which can be found for around $15,000 COP. TikTok

Focus on the core aquarium experience and the dolphin show, which are included in the general admission. While swimming with dolphins is an extra cost, enjoying the exhibits and the show offers great value. Reddit

couples

For couples, the Rodadero Sea Aquarium offers a blend of romantic scenery and engaging activities. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the marine exhibits, marveling at the underwater world together. The dolphin show provides a fun, shared experience. TikTok+1

Consider a package that includes a visit to Playa Blanca for a relaxing afternoon on the beach, or perhaps a sunset boat ride. The museums offer a chance to connect over shared interests in history and culture. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Marine Life

The Rodadero Sea Aquarium is home to a fascinating array of marine creatures. Visitors can marvel at sharks, turtles of all ages, and a vibrant collection of tropical fish in well-maintained tanks and pools. The recent addition of an underwater tunnel provides an immersive experience, allowing you to feel as though you're walking amongst the sea life. This feature is particularly popular and offers a unique perspective not found in traditional aquariums. TikTok+1

Beyond the fish, the aquarium also houses other sea creatures, offering a comprehensive look at the biodiversity of the region. The exhibits are designed to be both educational and engaging, making it a great learning opportunity for visitors of all ages. Many reviewers note that the animals appear well-cared for, contributing to a positive viewing experience. Reddit

For those interested in conservation and the local marine ecosystem, the aquarium provides valuable insights. It's a chance to appreciate the beauty and importance of marine conservation efforts in the Caribbean. TikTok

The Dolphin Show and Interactions

The dolphin show is a major draw at the Rodadero Sea Aquarium and is consistently highlighted as a must-see attraction. Described as both educational and entertaining, the show typically lasts around 30 minutes and showcases the dolphins' intelligence and agility. TikTokReddit

For an even more memorable experience, visitors can opt to swim with the dolphins, though this comes with an additional fee. While some find this interaction to be a highlight, others have noted that the experience can be short, especially if there are large groups or other special visitors. It's advisable to manage expectations regarding the duration and exclusivity of the swim. Reddit

It's worth noting that professional photos of the dolphin interactions are usually available for purchase, and sometimes family members may find their viewing angles limited, encouraging the purchase of official photos. Reddit

Beyond the Aquarium: Museums and Nearby Attractions

The Rodadero Sea Aquarium isn't just about marine life; it also boasts two interesting museums. The Tayrona Museum delves into the history and culture of the indigenous Tayrona people, offering a glimpse into the region's rich past. Complementing this is the Sea Museum, which provides further context and information about marine environments and conservation. TikTok

Many visitors combine their aquarium visit with a trip to the nearby Playa Blanca. This popular white-sand beach is just a short boat ride away and offers a perfect spot to relax, swim, and enjoy the Caribbean sun. Packages often include transport to and from Playa Blanca, making it a convenient addition to your day. TikTokReddit+1

For the adventurous, there's also the option of canopying over the sea near Playa Blanca, adding an element of thrill to your coastal excursion. Reddit

You may also like