Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo - a group of people standing in front of a large aquarium
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Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo

4.1
·20k reviews·Saint-Malo, France

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo - a group of people standing in front of a large aquarium

Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

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. Reddit

4.1
(20k reviews)

"Fantastic selection of fish, crustaceans and turtles to see, some I've never seen before. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Mini-Submarine Ride

The Mini-Submarine Ride

Experience a simulated dive to the ocean floor in a mini-sub, offering a unique underwater perspective.

Reddit
Diverse Marine Life Exhibits

Diverse Marine Life Exhibits

Explore a wide array of fascinating sea creatures, from common fish to rare and obscure species.

Reddit
Interactive Touch Pools

Interactive Touch Pools

Get hands-on with sharks, rays, fish, and crabs in the large, engaging touch pool areas.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for a Better Experience

To avoid the busiest times, aim for weekdays outside of school holidays. Arriving early or later in the afternoon can also help bypass peak crowds, especially if you're visiting with children who might get overwhelmed. Reddit

Plan for the Submarine Ride

The mini-submarine ride is a highlight for many, offering a unique perspective. While included in the ticket price, queues can form, so factor this into your visit timing. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Avoids midday rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Saint-Malo vibes: where history meets the sea 🌊🇫🇷 #BeachBliss #saintmalo
@ramyhajji95
33.5K likes • 973.6K views

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Consider booking tickets in advance to save time, especially during peak seasons. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must. Reddit

We’re absolutely in love with Bordier Butter that we went to the original shop in Saint-Malo, France (2.5h from Paris)! 🧈❤️ Made from the freshest organic milk from local farms in Brittany, Normandy, and Pays de la Loire, every block feels like a piece of art. Watching the artisans slap that block of butter into shape is a feast for the eyes is such a treat. Make sure to turn your sound on to hear...
@voyagewithmc
27.2K likes • 449.3K views
#thermesmarins #saintmalo #bretagne #éte2025
@cloclo_astmalo
23.5K likes • 438.2K views

🗣️ English Subtitles Needed

Some videos are in French; English subtitles would enhance understanding for international visitors. Reddit

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Plenty of parking, including covered options, makes arrival and departure hassle-free. Reddit

1 jour, 1 spot : Saint-Malo 📍 Tu connaissais ? 😎 #saintmalo #saintmalotourisme #bretagne #bretagnetourisme
@guillaumelechanu
15K likes • 193.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Consider booking tickets in advance to save time, especially during peak seasons. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must. Reddit

🗣️ English Subtitles Needed

Some videos are in French; English subtitles would enhance understanding for international visitors. Reddit

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Plenty of parking, including covered options, makes arrival and departure hassle-free. Reddit

🦈 Touch Pools Fun

The touch pools are a hit with kids and adults alike – don't miss this interactive experience! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(20k reviews)

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

Diverse and interesting fish
Unique submarine ride
Interactive touch pools

What People Dislike

French-only videos
Sub ride queues

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Saint-Malo is about a 2.5-hour train ride from Paris, making it a feasible day trip or weekend getaway. TikTok

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. Reddit

Yes, Dinard is located close to Saint-Malo, making it easy to combine a visit to the aquarium with a seaside walk in Dinard. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, the mini-submarine ride is a fantastic addition included in your admission ticket, unlike some other attractions where it's an extra cost. Reddit

The entrance fee is described as reasonable for a family of four, suggesting good value for family visits. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🐠 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. Reddit

Absolutely! The mini-submarine ride is a highlight for many visitors, offering an entertaining and creative simulated dive to the ocean floor. Reddit

Yes, the aquarium boasts a huge, multiple touch pool area where you can safely interact with sharks, rays, fish, and crabs. Reddit

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. Reddit

The 'behind the scenes' tour is highly recommended for an excellent experience, offering insights into the aquatic husbandry. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium, but be mindful of flash photography, especially around sensitive marine life. TikTok

The vibrant tanks with diverse marine life, the interactive touch pools, and the unique mini-submarine ride offer great photo opportunities. Reddit

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. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to avoid using flash photography directly at the animals to prevent disturbing them. TikTok

A camera with good low-light performance and a fast autofocus is ideal for capturing clear shots in the dimly lit aquarium environment. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo is a fantastic outing for families. Kids will be thrilled by the diverse array of sea creatures, from colorful fish to impressive turtles. Reddit The large touch pool area is a major highlight, allowing children to safely interact with sharks, rays, and crabs, making for an unforgettable hands-on experience. Reddit

The mini-submarine ride is another key attraction that will captivate younger visitors with its simulated underwater journey. Reddit 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. Reddit

🐠 Marine Life Enthusiasts

For those passionate about marine life, the Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo offers a compelling collection of both common and rare species. Reddit The aquarium's commitment to excellent aquatic husbandry ensures that the exhibits are well-maintained and the animals appear healthy and well-cared for. Reddit

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. Reddit The interactive touch pools provide a unique opportunity for close encounters, making it a rewarding visit for anyone interested in the underwater world. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Pirate City of Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo itself is a historic walled city with a rich maritime past, famously known as the 'Pirate City' or 'Corsair City'. It was once a stronghold for privateers who raided ships and even declared independence in the 1590s. TikTok The city's nearly 1,000-year-old ramparts still stand strong, offering breathtaking views of the English Channel. TikTok Walking along these ramparts is a must-do, with recommendations to start near La Porte Saint-Thomas for a scenic promenade. TikTok The city also has a significant connection to Jacques Cartier, the explorer who claimed Canada for France. TikTok

Despite being heavily destroyed in WWII, Saint-Malo was meticulously rebuilt stone by stone, preserving its historical charm. TikTok Visitors can explore landmarks like the Cathédrale Saint-Vincent, Place Chateaubriand, and the Demeure de Corsaire (Corsair's House). TikTok 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. TikTok The blend of history, maritime heritage, and stunning coastal scenery makes Saint-Malo a captivating destination. TikTok+1

Beyond the aquarium, exploring the charming streets, enjoying local Breton cuisine, and experiencing the powerful tides are key aspects of a visit. TikTok+1 The city's resilience and enduring spirit are palpable, making it a truly memorable place to explore. TikTok

Aquatic Husbandry and Conservation

The Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo is noted for its excellent aquatic husbandry, indicating a strong commitment to the well-being of its marine inhabitants. Reddit This focus on animal welfare is a significant positive aspect for visitors who are concerned about the ethical treatment of animals in captivity. The clean glass on the aquariums and the variety of species on display, including rare ones, suggest careful management and dedication to providing suitable environments. Reddit

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. Reddit

For international visitors, a minor point of improvement mentioned is the availability of English subtitles on some informational videos. Reddit 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. Reddit

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