See best hours, closures, and late entry slots.
AquaRio is Latin America’s largest marine aquarium, home to over 10,000 aquatic animals across 28 themed tanks. The immersive exhibits range from shallow coastal species to deep-sea creatures, offering an educational and entertaining experience for all ages. With interactive displays, feeding shows, and touch pools, visitors can spend 2–4 hours exploring. Planning your route is key to seeing the highlights without missing the shows or marine zones.
AquaRio is spread over 6 floors, and proper sequencing saves time, ensuring you don’t miss key exhibits.
Navigating AquaRio can be tricky for first-timers, especially during peak hours. Guided tours highlight must-see tanks and explain things about marine ecology you’d miss otherwise.
| Visit type | Duration | What you get |
|---|---|---|
Snapshot visit | 1 hour | You’ll see the themed tanks without rushing, making it a perfect quick, fun experience. You won’t catch all the shows or the detailed exhibits, but you’ll get the “must-see” marine life. |
Balanced visit | 2-3 hours | A well-rounded experience where you’ll see more species, understand marine ecology better, and have time for interactive elements without feeling rushed. |
Immersive experience | 4-6 hours | You’ll learn insider insights about marine life, see exclusive areas, and enjoy all interactive zones. Ideal if you want the full educational and entertainment value of AquaRio. |
| Ticket type | What’s included | Best for | Starting from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timed entry ticket | Timed entry slot to AquaRio | Reliable entry without long ticketing queues | €25.52 |
| Guided walking tour | Guide, timed entry to AquaRio & Museum of Tomorrow, and walking tour of Olympic Boulevard | First-time visitors who want to learn more about the city | €62.21 |
| Combos | Timed entry slot to AquaRio and Maracana Stadium/ Christ the Redeemer | Maximizes time and value | €43.95-€54.41 |
| Hop-on hop-off buses | Unlimited access to double decker buses, that run between 29 stops every 45 minutes | Budget-friendly sightseeing | €32.62 |
| Day | Timings | Last entry |
|---|---|---|
Monday to Friday | 9am to 5pm | 4pm |
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays | 9am to 6pm | 5pm |
The Samba hop-on hop-off stops just steps from AquaRio and 28 other well placed stops. It gives you unlimited access for 24, 48, or 72 hours, making sightseeing in Rio budget-friendly and breezy.
Gamboa is part of Rio’s recently revitalized Port Zone (Zona Portuária)—an emerging cultural district near the Museum of Tomorrow and Olympic Boulevard. While the area is safe and scenic by day, it can feel quiet at night with limited dining and nightlife options. It’s convenient for sightseeing but not ideal as a base for overnight stays.
Instead, choose nearby areas like Centro or Lapa, both within 10–15 minutes by VLT or taxi.
Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring all exhibits.
Yes, the aquarium is fully accessible, with elevators, ramps, and wide pathways.
Outside food and drinks are not permitted, but cafés and food stalls are available on-site.
Take the VLT light rail to Utopia AquaRio Station, located right at the entrance.
Only certified guide dogs are permitted inside the aquarium.
Absolutely! AquaRio is one of Rio’s most family-friendly attractions, with interactive exhibits and safe play zones.
Information
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