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Quick Information

ADDRESS

#Praça Muhammad Ali - Via Binário do Porto, s/n - Gamboa, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20220-360, Brazil

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

Timings

09:00–17:00

VISITORS PER YEAR

1000000

TICKETS

From $79.35

Plan your visit

Did you know?

AquaRio is the biggest marine aquarium in South America, with over 350 species from Brazil and around the world.

The aquarium is built inside a renovated 1900s warehouse that once served Rio’s port, blending heritage with modern design.

It doubles as a research and conservation center, studying Brazil’s coastal ecosystems and endangered marine life.

What is AquaRio Marinho do Rio?

Visitors observing fish through a glass tunnel at the Rio de Janeiro aquarium.

​AquaRio is South America’s largest marine aquarium, right in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. Imagine stepping into a world where neon fish, shimmering rays, and gentle sharks glide around you as if you’ve just wandered into an underwater dream. From massive tanks to interactive zones, it’s a playground for anyone curious about the ocean.

Why is AquaRio a must-visit

Child reaching towards fish in aquarium tunnel.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or dragging a hyperactive kid along, AquaRio delivers wow moments at every turn. Picture walking through a transparent tunnel as a school of manta rays swoops above your head or pausing to watch jellyfish pulse like living neon lights. It’s Instagram-worthy, educational, and yes, it’s that rare kind of place that makes you feel small, inspired, and ridiculously happy all at once.

Highlights of AquaRio Rio

Tourist walking through aquarium tunnel surrounded by sharks.

Oceanic Tunnel

Step into a 28-meter-long transparent tunnel that lets you walk under the ocean. Sharks glide overhead, rays pass gracefully by, and fish swirl around you in every color imaginable. It’s the kind of moment that makes even adults grin like kids.

Tropical fish swimming among lush plants at Amazonia Life Aquarium
Colorful coral reef with tropical fish at Sea Life London.
Jellyfish swimming in a tank at aquario
Hands of people touching a starfish during a marine life tour.

Marine animals of AquaRio

Sharks

Meet the sleek sand tiger, blacktip reef, and lemon sharks gliding through the tanks like underwater rock stars. Their power and elegance make the Oceanic Tunnel one of AquaRio’s biggest crowd-pleasers.

Rays

Watch giant rays and manta rays glide effortlessly through the water, their wings rippling like silk in motion. They often swim overhead in the tunnel, giving you that cinematic “under the sea” moment.

Sea turtles

Slow, curious, and photogenic, the green sea turtles at AquaRio are known to swim up close to the glass like they’re saying hi. They’re natural scene-stealers and a hit with kids.

Jellyfish

In their softly glowing tanks, moon jellyfish and lion’s mane jellyfish pulse gently, creating a mesmerizing, dreamlike scene. It’s less an exhibit and more an art installation made by nature.

Octopuses

You’ll find common octopuses curling and camouflaging their way through the rocks. Their intelligence and curiosity make them one of AquaRio’s most fascinating residents.

Tropical fish

Spot clownfish, angelfish, tangs, and parrotfish darting around bright coral reefs. Their colors and patterns create a vivid underwater mural, perfect for those Insta-perfect photos.

Seahorses

Delicate and elegant, seahorses curl their tails around seagrass and drift gracefully in pairs. They’re a quiet reminder that the ocean is full of gentle beauty, too.

Starfish

At the interactive zone, you can get hands-on with starfish, hermit crabs, and sea urchins—under supervision, of course. It’s fun, educational, and surprisingly relaxing.

Brief history of AquaRio

AquaRio opened its doors in 2016, part of a bigger effort to revitalize Rio’s Port area. Designed as a hub for marine education, conservation, and fun, it quickly became one of Rio’s top attractions, proving that aquariums can be thrilling, interactive, and a little bit magical all at once.

Who built AquaRio?

AquaRio was developed by a team of Brazilian architects, engineers, and marine experts, with contributions from international aquarium designers. The goal was to create a state-of-the-art facility that could hold tens of thousands of gallons of water, all while giving visitors a front-row seat to the ocean’s wonders.

Architecture of AquaRio

From the outside, AquaRio looks like a sleek, futuristic cruise ship docked at Rio’s port, but inside it’s pure underwater magic. The massive tanks are connected by transparent tunnels and elevated walkways, giving visitors the feeling of floating through the ocean. Every corner is designed to bring you closer to the marine life—from immersive viewing galleries to interactive touch pools. It’s both functional and photogenic, which is a rare combo.

Frequently asked questions about AquaRio Marinho do Rio

Anytime between 1 hour for highlights and 5–6 hours if you want the full experience.