The 3 Aquarium Visits in Portugal That Earn Their Price

1.Lisbon Oceanario: Aquarium Entrance Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,454 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $30Our pick

Visit Lisbon Oceanarium at Parque das Nações with a mobile admission ticket. Spend about two to three hours viewing 8,000 animals across four ocean habitats, the 5-million-liter central aquarium, Takashi Amano’s Forests Underwater, and Submerged Universe. Food, parking, and transportation are not included.

“It’s small, but cute. I had a good time, I like how easy it was to navigate around. I like the no pressure of having to buy unwanted souvenirs.”

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2.Diving in the Madeira Aquarium

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $163Top rated

At Madeira Aquarium in Porto Moniz, you receive scuba instruction from guides such as Abílio, Manuel, or Michael before entering the natural pools and the aquarium’s 6-meter main tank. You need no prior experience. Equipment is supplied, groups are limited to four, and the session includes an aquarium and technical-area tour.

“Everything about our dive was as expected. Started on time, clean, safe environment, informative, and fun. Abilio was great, very patient and with a sense of humor.”

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3.Porto Moniz: Diving with Sharks and Rays in Madeira Aquarium

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 192 reviews · 3 hours · from $159

At Madeira Aquarium in Porto Moniz, instructor Abílio guides you through a scuba introduction, natural ocean pool practice, and a supervised swim in the main tank with sharks, rays, and mantas. The three-hour, small-group session includes equipment, an aquarium tour, and access to the technical zone. No certification is required.

“Amazing first diving experience with an amazing guide who comforts you very well. From te instruction of diving, to the tour through the aquarium, everything went perfect. We were just with the two of us so we had plenty of time which makes it even more nice. Petted two of the fishes during the dive. Couldn’t be more happy!”

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