Aquarium Donostia
Spain's oldest aquarium, blending fascinating marine life with centuries of naval history in a stunning harbor setting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer school groups
Aquarium Donostia
Best Time
Fewer school groups

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Spain's oldest aquarium, blending fascinating marine life with centuries of naval history in a stunning harbor setting.
"A fabulous museum and aquarium, so much more than we expected!"
🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Queues
Get in line before opening to avoid long waits, especially on busy days.
🚶♀️ Explore Naval History First
Start with the maritime museum exhibits before diving into the aquarium.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 360° Tunnel
Main Aquarium Tank
Walk through a glass tunnel as sharks and fish swim all around you. A truly immersive experience!

Maritime History Exhibits
Upper Floors
Explore centuries of naval history, from ancient seafaring to local fishing traditions.

Regional Marine Life
Various Tanks
Discover diverse species native to the Bay of Biscay and surrounding waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Combine with Harbor Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Queues
Get in line before opening to avoid long waits, especially on busy days.
🚶♀️ Explore Naval History First
Start with the maritime museum exhibits before diving into the aquarium.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Great for families; exhibits are multilingual and engaging for all ages.
📍 Convenient Harbor Location
Easy to combine with a walk along the bay or exploring the Old Town.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Queues
Get in line before opening to avoid long waits, especially on busy days.
🚶♀️ Explore Naval History First
Start with the maritime museum exhibits before diving into the aquarium.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Great for families; exhibits are multilingual and engaging for all ages.
📍 Convenient Harbor Location
Easy to combine with a walk along the bay or exploring the Old Town.
⏳ Allow 1-2 Hours
Sufficient time to see everything without feeling rushed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Aquarium Donostia for its engaging exhibits, particularly the immersive 360° tunnel and the informative maritime history section. It's considered a well-maintained, fairly priced attraction suitable for all ages, especially families. While not the largest aquarium, its unique blend of marine life and local history makes it a highly recommended stop in San Sebastián, especially for a rainy day.
"⸻
The Aquarium in San Sebastián is well worth a visit, especially if you’re with kids. The exhibits are informative and well laid out, with a mix of history and marine life. The highlight is the glass tunnel where fish and sharks swim around you, which keeps both children and adults impressed. It’s not a huge aquarium, but it’s well maintained and easy to walk through in about 1–2 hours. Ticket prices are fair for what you get, and the location by the harbor makes it convenient to include in a day of exploring the city."
M Shefketova
"I haven’t gone to an aquarium in forever— and this place makes me want to visit my local ones again. The sharks repeatedly swam over the tunnel they have here, allowing us the get a close up view of their fins,teeth,gills, and eyes! It was so cool. Definitely recommend visiting."
Smarty Pants
"We had a great visit here with the kids, the staff and displays are multilingual which makes it really accessible for all. I love that there is a maritime museum section at the start with local history and even pirate sections.
The aquarium is a good size with lots of variation, enough to keep the kids engaged for at least an hour. The gift shop was good not too overpriced and the staff are friendly.
All in all it is well worth adding this as a detour if visiting the local area, I will say we went for opening, by the time we finished there were big queues. Buying tickets in advance won't help as you still have to join the queue to validate them.
So to avoid disappointment I would recommend getting in early."
James Davis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aquarium Donostia is located in the port area of San Sebastián, easily accessible by foot from the city center and Old Town. Several bus lines also stop nearby. If driving, parking can be found in nearby public car parks, though it can be expensive.
Yes, the aquarium is generally accessible for wheelchairs, with ramps and elevators available. The naval museum section on the upper floors is also accessible.
Opening hours can vary seasonally, but it's typically open daily from morning to early evening. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the marine life.
There are several public parking garages near the aquarium, such as the Parking La Concha or Parking Kursaal. Be aware that parking in San Sebastián can be costly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are considered fair for the experience. While buying tickets in advance doesn't let you skip the queue to validate them, it can save time on the day.
While you can purchase tickets at the entrance, it's often recommended to check if online booking is available for convenience, though it may not allow you to bypass the validation queue.
Discounts are typically available for children and sometimes for seniors or groups. It's advisable to check the official website or inquire at the ticket counter for specific pricing details.
Booking in advance is not strictly necessary as you still need to queue to validate tickets. However, arriving early is the best strategy to avoid long lines.
To avoid crowds, aim to purchase your tickets right when the aquarium opens. This allows you to enter and explore before the peak visitor times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions include the impressive 360° glass tunnel with sharks and fish, diverse regional marine life exhibits, and the historical maritime museum.
Most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring the aquarium and the naval museum. It's a well-maintained and manageable size.
Yes, the exhibits are designed to be accessible and are often multilingual, making them understandable for a wide range of visitors.
You can see a variety of fish, sharks, and other marine creatures native to the Bay of Biscay, as well as some exotic species.
Yes, there is a gift shop at the end of the visit, offering souvenirs and marine-themed items. It's noted as not being overly overpriced.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't extensive dining within the aquarium itself, there are usually vending machines or a small snack area. However, the surrounding harbor and Old Town offer numerous restaurants and cafes.
Generally, bringing outside food and drinks might be restricted. It's best to consume your meals before entering or plan to dine at nearby establishments.
The area around the port and the nearby Old Town (Parte Vieja) are packed with excellent pintxos bars and restaurants, offering everything from fresh seafood to traditional Basque cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
The 360° tunnel offers incredible photo opportunities with sharks and fish swimming around you. The tanks with vibrant coral and diverse species are also great for capturing memorable shots.
Flash photography is often discouraged or prohibited in aquarium settings to avoid disturbing the marine life. It's best to rely on natural light or your camera's low-light settings.
A camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a capable night mode will be beneficial. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the tanks and the tunnel.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
🌧️ Rainy Day Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: The Oldest Aquarium
This blend of natural history and human history makes Aquarium Donostia more than just a place to see fish; it's a journey through the relationship between the Basque people and the sea. Visitors often remark on how well-integrated these historical elements are, providing context and depth to the marine exhibits. It's a unique approach that sets it apart from many modern aquariums, offering a comprehensive look at the region's maritime heritage.
The Star Attraction: The 360° Tunnel
Travelers consistently rave about the close-up views of sharks, noting their fins, teeth, and gills as they swim overhead. This feature is particularly captivating for children, keeping them engaged and amazed for a significant portion of the visit. It’s moments like these, where you feel so close to these magnificent creatures, that make the visit truly memorable and often inspire a renewed appreciation for marine conservation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit