Experience only the best of Nausicaá – National Sea Center

Skip the queues and head straight into Europe’s largest aquarium, home to 1,600 species across 85 aquariums and terrariums.

Your trip begins in the 18-meter-long submarine tunnel, where sharks and manta rays sweep past at eye level. Along the way, meet penguins in their icy enclosure and catch California sea lions during a lively training show, part of the aquarium’s long-running “Des rivages et des Hommes” (Seaside and Man) exhibit.

Step into the Voyage en Haute Mer exhibition, anchored by a spectacular 10-million-liter Malpelo coral-reef tank, the largest in Europe. Hammerhead sharks, manta rays, Caribbean corals, and shoals of tropical fish create an awe-inspiring seascape. This UNESCO-recognized habitat is so faithfully recreated that it functions as a breeding ground for endangered marine life.

Nausicaá blends spectacle with science. At the Touch Pool, you’ll gently interact with catsharks and thornback rays. Elsewhere, visit coral nurseries, jellyfish labs, and interactive marine science stations designed to connect guests with real-world conservation work. Families can also try the Grand Large augmented-reality experience (launched in 2022) to “dive” alongside ocean giants.

As Europe’s largest coral breeding center, Nausicaá offers something rare: the chance to see marine life reproducing in carefully maintained habitats. With a little luck, you might see the birth of fantail rays.

Walk through a 23-meter acrylic tunnel beneath the Malpelo tank, where sharks, rays, and other water creatures glide.  above and around you. This immersive 360° view is often described as the aquarium’s most special moment, and is meant to be a replica of the seabed of the Colombian island of Malpelo.

Step into a tropical underwater world with tanks designed to replicate a Caribbean reef. Live coral gardens host an array of colorful fish, while interactive touchscreens explain how reefs thrive and why they matter.

Watch African penguins waddle and dive in their walk-through gallery, then head next door to the amphitheater for the daily sea lion show. California sea lions show off their agility during feeding sessions led by their keepers.

Perfect for families, these areas include hands-on rockpool touch-tanks, glowing jellyfish pavilions, and a virtual reality corner for kids. Themed temporary exhibits highlight global ocean issues in fun and engaging ways.

Learn about the threats facing the world’s oceans through multimedia displays on pollution and climate change. You can also peek into the aquarium’s coral nursery, where baby corals are being carefully grown and studied.

More than 20 sharks and dozens of rays inhabit the Malpelo tank. From sleek sandbar sharks to graceful eagle rays, these giants are the stars of the tunnel experience.

The coral reef tanks are home to over 600 individual fish, including brightly patterned butterflyfish, parrotfish, and triggerfish. Each species plays a role in the reef ecosystem, making it as educational as it is eye-catching.

A colony of about 20 African penguins live at Nausicaá, easily spotted waddling on land or darting swiftly through the water. Their playful behavior makes them a favorite for families.

Nausicaá is home to California sea lions, all bred in captivity. Instead of doing circus-style tricks, their training focuses on health and welfare-learning to open their mouths for dental checks, hold still for x-rays, and cooperate with regular care. Watch them splash, dive, and showcase their natural agility during scheduled feeding sessions, while learning how these charismatic animals serve as ambassadors for marine conservation.

Several species of jellyfish are displayed in backlit tanks, creating a mesmerizing glow as they drift through the water. The coral nursery showcases fragile, newly growing coral colonies — a rare chance to see the ocean being rebuilt one polyp at a time.

Bright orange clownfish weave through the swaying tentacles of sea anemones, a classic reef partnership that fascinates kids and adults alike. Nearby, striking lionfish, with their bold stripes and long, spiny fins, glide gracefully through the water. Both species highlight the beauty and complexity of reef life, while also raising awareness about invasive species like lionfish in some oceans.

One of Nausicaá’s most beloved residents is its sea turtle, often seen cruising slowly through the water with effortless grace. Watching this ancient mariner swim among the schools of fish offers a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting endangered marine species and the habitats they depend on.