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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore vibrant marine life, witness thrilling dolphin shows, and discover ancient artifacts at this captivating aquarium and museum.
"A MUST visit in Santa Marta! Great way to spend a nice day."

🎟️ 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

Museums
Adjacent to Aquarium
Discover artifacts at the Tayrona and Sea Museums, offering a cultural and historical perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Package Deals & Transportation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ 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.
🐬 Dolphin Show Timing
Check showtimes upon arrival; it's a highlight! Arrive early for good seats.
📸 Photo Ops
You can pay extra for dolphin interaction photos, but be aware of group sizes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ 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.
🐬 Dolphin Show Timing
Check showtimes upon arrival; it's a highlight! Arrive early for good seats.
📸 Photo Ops
You can pay extra for dolphin interaction photos, but be aware of group sizes.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the exhibits and potentially on the beach.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Many travelers recommend taking a boat from El Rodadero. It's a scenic and quick ride, often included in tour packages.
Yes, you can take a bus to El Rodadero, and then a short boat ride to the aquarium. Buses are very affordable.
Yes, boats are usually available to take you back to El Rodadero after your visit.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Information on online ticket purchasing is limited. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets upon arrival or as part of a package tour.
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.
The dolphin show is usually included with your aquarium admission.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
Absolutely! The dolphin show is consistently praised as a highlight, described as entertaining and educational.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Lunch in El Rodadero can range from around $15,000 COP upwards.
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.
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.
Many visitors combine their aquarium visit with lunch at the restaurants near Playa Blanca for convenience and variety.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed in most areas of the aquarium. However, be mindful of flash photography, especially around sensitive exhibits.
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.
You can take pictures during the dolphin show, but professional photography or close-up shots might be restricted or require special arrangements.
Yes, professional photographers are often available, especially during the dolphin show and interaction activities, though their services come at a cost.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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.
couples
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Marine Life
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.
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.
The Dolphin Show and Interactions
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.
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.
Beyond the Aquarium: Museums and Nearby Attractions
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit