Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo
Discover diverse marine life, from sharks to rare fish, and embark on a unique mini-submarine adventure at this engaging aquarium.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover diverse marine life, from sharks to rare fish, and embark on a unique mini-submarine adventure at this engaging aquarium.
"Fantastic selection of fish, crustaceans and turtles to see, some I've never seen before. "
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Consider booking tickets in advance to save time, especially during peak seasons.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Mini-Submarine Ride
Experience a simulated dive to the ocean floor in a mini-sub, offering a unique underwater perspective.
Diverse Marine Life Exhibits
Explore a wide array of fascinating sea creatures, from common fish to rare and obscure species.
Interactive Touch Pools
Get hands-on with sharks, rays, fish, and crabs in the large, engaging touch pool areas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Better Experience
Plan for the Submarine Ride
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Consider booking tickets in advance to save time, especially during peak seasons.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must.
🗣️ English Subtitles Needed
Some videos are in French; English subtitles would enhance understanding for international visitors.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking, including covered options, makes arrival and departure hassle-free.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Consider booking tickets in advance to save time, especially during peak seasons.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must.
🗣️ English Subtitles Needed
Some videos are in French; English subtitles would enhance understanding for international visitors.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking, including covered options, makes arrival and departure hassle-free.
🦈 Touch Pools Fun
The touch pools are a hit with kids and adults alike – don't miss this interactive experience!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo for its diverse and interesting marine life, particularly the unique mini-submarine ride and engaging touch pools. The reasonable pricing and good aquatic husbandry are also frequently highlighted positives. Some visitors noted that certain informational videos were only in French, and the submarine ride queue could be slow.
"Very nice aquarium, not only regular fish, but also a variety of more obscure, more interesting fish. The ride at the end is very entertaining and creative. Beware of loud children though, they’re not just shark bait unfortunately…"
Julian Kemmink
"Really lovely trip out. I think the price was reasonable considering it is similar to prices back in England and that doesn't even include a fantastic submarine ride, like here at the Grand Aquarium. Fantastic selection of fish, crustaceans and turtles to see, some I've never seen before. Lovely clean glass on the aquariums. Huge multiple touch pool area with sharks, rays, fish and crabs to touch. Animal welfare seems really good here too. Throughly enjoyed ourselves. The only thing I think they could improve on is having english subs or dub on some of the videos, so we can understand a little better. We entered at 12 noon and there was no queue, no rush to enter as open until 7pm. Spent a few hours walking around and then went on to Dinard close by for a seaside walk."
Kirsty Marie Phillips
"Excellent experience. Very good aquatic husbandry.
I really enjoyed the behind the scenes tour."
Jimretr0
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available, including covered options. It's also reachable by public transport within Saint-Malo.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo, with some spaces being covered to protect your car from the sun.
Saint-Malo is about a 2.5-hour train ride from Paris, making it a feasible day trip or weekend getaway.
The aquarium is generally open daily, often until 7 PM, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially during different seasons.
Yes, Dinard is located close to Saint-Malo, making it easy to combine a visit to the aquarium with a seaside walk in Dinard.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are considered reasonable, especially for families, and are comparable to similar attractions in the UK. The submarine ride is included in the admission price.
You can purchase tickets at the door, and there were no queues for entry when visitors arrived at noon. However, booking online in advance might save time during busier periods.
Yes, the mini-submarine ride is a fantastic addition included in your admission ticket, unlike some other attractions where it's an extra cost.
The entrance fee is described as reasonable for a family of four, suggesting good value for family visits.
Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon, particularly on weekdays outside of school holidays, can help you avoid the busiest times and queues.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You'll find a fantastic selection of fish, crustaceans, and turtles, including many species you might not have seen before. The exhibits feature both common and more obscure, interesting fish.
Absolutely! The mini-submarine ride is a highlight for many visitors, offering an entertaining and creative simulated dive to the ocean floor.
Yes, the aquarium boasts a huge, multiple touch pool area where you can safely interact with sharks, rays, fish, and crabs.
The aquarium is a great visit for kids who love fish and sea animals. However, be aware that it can get loud with children during peak times.
The 'behind the scenes' tour is highly recommended for an excellent experience, offering insights into the aquatic husbandry.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium, but be mindful of flash photography, especially around sensitive marine life.
The vibrant tanks with diverse marine life, the interactive touch pools, and the unique mini-submarine ride offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, you can take photos of the sharks and other creatures in the touch pools, but remember to be gentle if you are interacting with them.
While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to avoid using flash photography directly at the animals to prevent disturbing them.
A camera with good low-light performance and a fast autofocus is ideal for capturing clear shots in the dimly lit aquarium environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The mini-submarine ride is another key attraction that will captivate younger visitors with its simulated underwater journey. Ample parking and reasonable family ticket prices make it a practical choice. While the aquarium can get lively with children, the engaging exhibits and interactive elements ensure a fun and educational day out for the whole family.
🐠 Marine Life Enthusiasts
The variety of tanks and the clear presentation of information (though sometimes in French) allow for in-depth observation. The 'behind the scenes' tour is particularly recommended for a deeper understanding of the aquarium's operations and conservation efforts. The interactive touch pools provide a unique opportunity for close encounters, making it a rewarding visit for anyone interested in the underwater world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Pirate City of Saint-Malo
Despite being heavily destroyed in WWII, Saint-Malo was meticulously rebuilt stone by stone, preserving its historical charm. Visitors can explore landmarks like the Cathédrale Saint-Vincent, Place Chateaubriand, and the Demeure de Corsaire (Corsair's House). The city's unique tidal patterns create impressive 'Grandes Marées' (high tides), which are a spectacle to witness, especially from the ramparts near Fort à la Reine. The blend of history, maritime heritage, and stunning coastal scenery makes Saint-Malo a captivating destination.
Beyond the aquarium, exploring the charming streets, enjoying local Breton cuisine, and experiencing the powerful tides are key aspects of a visit. The city's resilience and enduring spirit are palpable, making it a truly memorable place to explore.
Aquatic Husbandry and Conservation
While the aquarium offers a fantastic opportunity to see diverse marine life up close, the importance of conservation is often implicitly highlighted through such well-maintained exhibits. Visitors can learn about different species and their habitats, fostering an appreciation for marine ecosystems. The interactive touch pools, where guests can gently interact with creatures like sharks and rays, provide an educational and engaging experience that can spark curiosity about ocean conservation.
For international visitors, a minor point of improvement mentioned is the availability of English subtitles on some informational videos. Enhancing multilingual content would further enrich the educational experience for a broader audience, reinforcing the aquarium's role in promoting awareness and understanding of marine life and conservation efforts.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit