Before planning your visit, explore these essential tips for visiting the Lisbon Oceanarium.
Learn how to beat the weekend crowds, dress comfortably and pack efficiently for your trip.
Do check the in-house restaurant’s offerings and use the family-friendly play area.
Consider combo tickets for added savings, and respect the marine environment.
Explore the Whole Aquarium
The most important Lisbon Oceanarium tip is to see all the fantastic exhibits.
The Oceanarium has 16,000 animals across 450 species. These include sharks, rays and penguins.
Its star attraction is the massive central tank. It teems with sharks, rays, turtles, and the rare sunfish.
The aquarium has four distinct sections. With its seamless acrylic panels, it immerses you in diverse marine habitats.
However, other wonders exist beyond the main tank—the outdoor enclosures!
These enclosures house playful penguins and adorable sea otters.
Don’t forget to explore the temporary exhibit, ‘Forests Underwater by Takashi Amano,’ featuring a 40-meter freshwater tank.
This long-running exhibition will transport you into a sensory-rich tropical forest experience.
It fuses Japanese gardening techniques and the wabi-sabi concept and connects with nature.
Capture Memories
With the breathtaking array of colorful fish, mesmerizing jellyfish and other captivating flora and fauna, you’ll want to capture those unforgettable moments.
However, here’s an essential tip for the Lisbon Oceanarium: please turn off your camera flash when taking pictures inside the aquarium.
Taking pictures without flash helps maintain a stress-free environment for marine animals.
Purchase Tickets Online
Skip the lines and save precious time by getting your Lisbon Oceanarium tickets online before your visit.
This tip is extra handy on weekends when the aquarium gets crowded.
The standard Lisbon Oceanarium entry ticket is the cheapest and most popular option.
Dress Comfortably
When visiting the Lisbon Oceanarium, there’s no need for fancy attire.
Opt for smart casual, comfortable clothing and comfy shoes because you’ll be walking.
Don’t worry; benches are conveniently placed before the exhibits if you need a breather.
You can sit, relax and immerse yourself in the aquatic wonders around you.
Reach Effectively
Using the Lisbon Metro is one of the most economical ways to reach Lisbon Oceanarium.
The nearest station, Oriente, is a bustling hub serving East Lisbon.
The Red Line will take you directly to Oriente Station, about a kilometer from the Oceanarium.
A single metro ride within the central tourist zones costs approximately €2.
If you plan to explore more, consider a 24-hour ticket for around €7, granting unlimited access to the metro, bus and tram services.
Rainy Day Retreat
The Oceanarium is a perfect indoor activity if you’re looking to escape the hot sun or heavy rain.
Whether seeking shelter on a rainy day or just a break from the sun, it will keep you entertained and dry.
It is a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours.
Choose Your Timing
Pick the best time to visit the Oceanarium, depending on your needs.
For a quieter experience, plan your visit for the morning or late afternoon.
While the aquarium is enjoyable throughout the day, these times offer a more serene exploration.
Travel light
Avoid the hassle of big bags and backpacks; they’re not allowed inside the aquarium, and lockers are limited.
One of the essential packing tips for Lisbon Oceanarium is to leave your belongings at your hotel or in your car for a smoother visit.
Facilities
You’ll find more than just fascinating marine life inside the Lisbon Oceanarium.
There’s a convenient in-house restaurant where you can grab a bite.
The friendly staff speaks English, and information about the exhibits is available in English, French and Portuguese.
Plus, a play area for children right by the cafe ensures a family-friendly experience.
Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with the aquarium’s map and explore its other facilities.
Fun fact: The Oceanarium is deeply committed to conservation efforts.
They’re involved in various projects worldwide, including some right in Portuguese waters, such as the conservation of manta rays in the Azores.
They also contribute to projects across the globe.
Opt for Combo Tickets
A friendly tip for your Lisbon Oceanarium adventure: consider combo tickets.
They’re a fantastic way to save money while exploring multiple attractions in Lisbon.
You have four great combo options:
- Oceanário de Lisboa + Lisbon Cable Car, perfect for a scenic adventure.
- Oceanário de Lisboa + Belém Tower, combines maritime history and marine life.
- Lisbon Zoo: Fast Track Ticket + Oceanário de Lisboa, perfect for animal lovers.
- Jerónimos Monastery + Oceanário de Lisboa, for a dose of culture and aquatic wonders.
These combos save you money and make your Lisbon experience even more exciting.
City Card
Another tip for a multi-day visit to Lisbon is the Lisbon Card: a flexible pass for 24, 48 or 72 hours.
It saves you money and time by offering free entry to top attractions, like the Oceanarium, Mafra National Palace and National Tile Museum
Unlimited access to public transportation and discounts at various landmarks are also included.
With this card, you can explore Lisbon’s best while enjoying special offers at restaurants and shops.
Respect the Environment
Lastly, consider the marine animals and their homes.
Remember, it’s a no-go to litter or toss objects into the aquarium.
Help keep their underwater world pristine.
Featured Image: Tripadvisor.com
