Lisbon Oceanarium, Lisbon, Portugal

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Although it may resemble a docked oil rig from the outside, Lisbon Oceanarium, it is inside where the attractions lay, in 30 tanks which mimic the habitats of the fish, mammals and fauna on show.

Situated in the Parque de Nações, which was constructed for Expo '98, Lisbon Oceanarium provides an interesting as well as educational day out for all family members.

Just getting to the Oceanarium can be an adventure in itself. You can opt to drive to the

Oceanarium, parking at the nearby underground car park, or opt to take the train and cable car. If you do opt to travel by rail, then you will need to head for Oriente station. From there the Oceanarium is a relatively pleasant stroll along the landscaped promenade, though you can opt to catch a cable car to reach your destination.

The cable cars provide a great view of the Parque de Nações and the Rio Tejo, alongside which they are built and ensures your aren't tire out before you get to the Oceanarium.

Twisted Rope Scrolls

Cable Cars

Inside the Oceanarium there are five main tanks and a further 25 smaller tanks with a wide variety of fish, mammals, crustaceans, jelly fish and fauna on display. The Oceanarium is centred around a 5,000 cubic metre tank which houses a mixture of tropical and temperate aquatic life including sharks, manta-rays, tuna and unusual looking sunfish.

A further four tanks representing the North Atlantic, Antarctic, Pacific and Indian oceans are positioned around the main tank. Interspersed there are a further 25 smaller tanks with unusual species including 'glow in the dark' deep water fish.

Energetic Alaskan Sea Otters

Flying Turtles

Unusual Sunfish

Manta-Ray

There are interactive and educational displays and play areas for children (and adults). However perhaps the most entertaining exhibits are the energetic Alaskan Sea Otters which you can't help but to watch awhile as they chase each other around the tank, often resting on their backs, to bask in the attention.

In addition to the year round displays Lisbon Oceanarium also has a temporary exhibition which is separate and does have an additional entrance fee. At the date of writing (July 2011) is 'Sea Turtles - the Journey'.

Summer

10am - 8pm with last entry at 7pm

Winter

10am - 7pm with last entry at 6pm

The Oceanarium is open on both Christmas Day (25th December) and New Year's Day (31st December) from 1pm - 6pm and 12 noon - 6pm respectively

0-3 years - FREE

4-12 years 6€

13-65 years - 12€

66 + years 6.50€

Family Ticket (2 parents and 2 children up to 12 years) - 29€

*Prices are for permanent exhibition. There are additional fees for the Oceanarium's temporary exhibition. Discounts for group bookings are available when pre-booked.