Gijón Aquarium

Gijón Aquarium sits on Poniente beach, a short walk from the city centre, and is the most popular indoor attraction in town – especially for families. It follows the water from the rivers and coast of Asturias out to seas and oceans around the world, in a route that takes a couple of hours.

What you will see

It opened in June 2006 and is now part of the BIOPARC network. The route follows the water from Asturian rivers out to distant seas; the official website lists these areas:

• Asturias: the Cantabrian river, the intertidal zone, the Cantabrian coast and the continental shelf, the starting point with the region’s wildlife.
• Oceans: the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, Macaronesia, the Indo-Pacific and the Gran Oceanario (the large ocean tank).
• Distant fresh waters: the American rainforest and the great African rivers and lakes.

Areas, activities and talks can change, so check the day’s programme when you arrive.

When to go

• Rainy days: the busiest time, as everyone has the same idea. If you can, go first thing.
• Summer: high season and big crowds; book ahead.
• Weekdays outside school holidays: the calmest visits.

Tip: if it is raining, pair it with the Asturias Railway Museum, which is very close by. More ideas in rainy day in Gijón.

Opening hours and tickets

According to the official website (in Spanish), general admission (ages 15 to 64) costs €21.50, children (3 to 14) €13 and seniors (65+) €14; under-3s go free. There are also rates for people with disabilities (€11.50) and for holders of a youth or student card (€15), plus reduced prices for holders of Gijón’s Tarjeta Ciudadana and for large families. The ticket office and entrance close one hour before the aquarium does, and booking online is cheaper. Prices can change.

Opening hours vary through the year, and the official site publishes them on its opening hours page as an image that includes last entry. Check it before you go.

Getting there

From the centre, walk west along the Poniente beach promenade: a flat, pleasant stroll beside the marina (the official site estimates about 17 minutes from Plaza Mayor). By city bus, lines 1, 4, 6, 12 and 16 stop at “Acuario”, according to its how to get there page. If you are driving, see our guide to parking in Gijón.

What to combine nearby

• Poniente beach: calm sand right outside the door.
• Asturias Railway Museum: historic locomotives and trains in the old Estación del Norte.
• Cimavilla and the marina: a short walk east; see our guide to Cimavilla.

Travelling with children? Find more ideas in Gijón with kids.