Oceano Monaco: Museum and Aquarium ~ The Aquarium
Oceano Monaco or Oceanographic museum was first opened by Prince Albert I in 1910. An institute is committed to sharing all knowledge of marine life. The museum is home of marine science, extensive marine species and hosts many exhibitions of marine life. Prior to visiting Monte Carlo, I had no idea such an awesome museum {+ aquarium} actually existed.
During my visit to Monaco, I was able to purchase a combined ticket to visit both the museum and aquarium. There was an option to either visit the aquarium then go tour Monaco or tour the museum then Monaco. I obviously opted to stay in one building knowing later I would explore Monaco. I had in my diary to explore two special places: Monte Carlo Casino and F1 track.
Oceano Monaco ~ Aquarium
When you enter the oceanographic museum and aquarium, you have a three choices: Aquarium, Museum or exhibition hall. I opted for the aquarium first as I was curious to visit for the first time ever. As a kid I saw a horror movie were the underground aquarium broke with all the sharks eat people. Honestly since then I never set foot in one and never even wanted to until Monaco. I have been missing out on a lot of things, definitely glad I finally overcame my fear and went.
What I fell in love with the moment I walked into the Aquarium, was all the different species they house. Each and every single one of the species has been identified and categorized accordingly. There are also educational tablets available on the walls next to the tanks to learn about them. I was so mesmerised next to the kids who were seeing it for the first time.
I have a fear of heights but I completely forgot that the Oceano Monaco is perched on a hill-top. Sitted next to the mediterranean sea makes this the best marine institute ever. What is even more impressive is that the construction of the building took 11 years to build.
oceanographic book guide
If you manage to visit #oceanomonaco, I would purchase the oceanographic book guide (8 euros, not cheap) but worth it. It is something which I found very educational and I am sure the kids would do too. Though not exactly the #oceanomonaco, the book does carry its essence plus learn about the species you saw.
I spent a good hour or more just checking out the many species in the three sections of the Aquarium.
Tropical Sea: With its huge 450,000 litre tank which faithfully recreates a living coral ecosystem. The tropical zone reveals the frenetic life of the reef and its inhabitants. Enchanting shapes and colours!
The Mediterranean Sea: The Mediterranean is a bright and colourful sea that is home to 7.5% of the world’s fauna and 18% of marine flora. The aquariums showcase this richness through an exceptional range of different species. Discover these splendours with an entertaining educational tour in aquariums, completely redesigned and modernised. An invitation to travel!
The Shark lagoon: Shark Lagoon is one of the highlights of the visit, enabling you to get up close and personal with these remarkable marine creatures. Guaranteed thrills!
For someone whose never been to an aquarium until Monaco I can’t seem to shut up about it. I feel like I have been missing out all this time when I avoided the aquariums like a plague. It’s funny what you miss out on due to fear and I am glad it’s one fear I overcame.
I hope you’ve enjoyed Oceano Monaco ~ The Aquarium recap of my recent tour of Oceanographic Museum in Monaco.
Anosa says
Awww I am glad to hear it and happy holidays to you too
Anosa says
You’re most welcome and she would really love this place then
Aziel Morte says
Such a good photos it really looks amazing and I bet my son would love to go there.
Anosa says
And if you did he would have an epic time
TheLocdBella says
I haven’t been to an aquarium in years. This look super super dope.
Anosa says
Oh right there with me, me more afraid than not actually not just visiting
Robin Rue says
Aquariums are one of our favorite places! This one looks like it was a lot of fun.
Anosa says
It sure is absolute fun
Mary Jane Tauyan Fitzsimmons says
the aquarium really looks pretty, there is really a lot of things that makes the aquarium so inviting. whenever we travel we always like to see things like this. you’re lucky to have both of the tickets!
Anosa says
I feel I was absolutely lucky to have bought the tickets and got to experience and explore Oceano Monaco
Valerie CottageMakingMommy says
I didn’t realize they had a museum. What a bonus. I love learning about marine life. If I get to go someday this is so on my list.
Anosa says
Yes they have three parts to this place; Exhibit, museum and aquarium
Coralie says
We love going to the Aquarium. We have been to this one before. If looks really amazing! Thanks for sharing the great pictures and info. We will have to visit it when we are in the area.
Anosa says
Oh how cool, definitely give it a visit
Krystal says
The Shark Lagoon would be my favorite thing to see in person. My husband is a “shark expert,” so that would be his favorite part too! I love seeing aquariums when I travel.
Anosa says
Oh wow how awesome, I would love to have a shark expert explain things to me as I was the shark lagoon
Aileen Adalid | iAmAileen.com says
I LOVE visiting aquariums! And it’s great to see that this is one great spot to visit. You also captured some really amazing photos.
Anosa says
Thanks Aileen, I was truly happy to have visited
Tami - This Mom's Delight says
I enjoy going to the aquarium over the zoo with my family. Watching the water and all that’s in it is fascinating. I especially like the shark tunnel at our local aquarium.
Anosa says
Now that I have been to one I can see the appeal and the fascination with sea life
Karlyn Cruz says
I’ve always loved aquatic life. This place really looks like an awesome travel destination for me. On top of that, The Mediterranean area is one of those historic places, so this one being close to it is a huge plus!
Anosa says
Oh absolutely, having the Mediterranean sea in the back of the aquarium definitely adds to the appeal and abundance of sea life creatures
Hey Sharonoox says
Thanks for sharing all these great pictures! We love to visit aquarium whenever we travel. Always fascinated with sea life. Bookmarked this for future reference.
Anosa says
Thanks luv and hope it comes in handy one day
Tiffany Hathorn says
My son and I would love to visit this place. Looks amazing!
Anosa says
It’s brilliant and hope you get to visit one day
Mai C. says
This is pretty awesome! I love aquariums and I haven’t been to one in a long time! I’d love to visit if only I lived nearer!
Anosa says
If only I did too I would be going every week
Kristy says
I have always been fascinated with sea life. So many unique animals live under the water. We love to visit aquariums and the beach. Definitely adding Oceano Monaco to our list of places to visit on family vacation!
Anosa says
Oh glad to hear it as it’s worth the visit and its a memory for a life time
Terri Ramsey Beavers says
It’s so much fun to take the grand kids to aquariums. The excitement on their faces are pure amazement when they see what lurks in our oceans. I need a guide book for them for our next trip.
Anosa says
I know right, it’s totally worth the visit to see the excitment plus they learn something too
Dawn Lopez says
I think aquarium trips make some of the best family adventures. The Oceano Monaco sounds like it’s one of the better ones to visit. I would really enjoy the Shark Lagoon and theTropical Sea. A 450,000 litre tank sounds HUGE!
Anosa says
Oceano Monaco I feel offers something that other aquariums don’t quite capture fully
Chloe says
I love aquariums! When I was in year five I actually slept in a tunnel underneath sharks, fish and stingray. I will never forget that experience!
Anosa says
For real? Chloe I would have been pertrified at that age (maybe even now lol) but I can also see the appeal
Joanna says
The aquarium looks amazing, they have so many different types of fish in there and it is so big. I haven’t been to an aquarium so big before.
Anosa says
This one was huge and since it’s part of such an important institute it has a lot of sea creatures
kristi dominguez says
What a really incredible aquarium. My children ALWAYS enjoy a trip to these kind of places…so much to see and learn! It sounds like the guide book would make it an even more enlightening experience. Thanks for sharing.
Anosa says
I can not stress enough how awesome the guide book made the entire experience. It was like seeing the creatures then checking them out in the book or even looking over them once you got home
Brandi says
Fantastic photos! I love going to Aquariums. The water animals are my favorite!
Anosa says
Thank you Brandi
Amber says
How cool! I love aquariums. This one looks pretty awesome. My daughter loves sharks so we love to go to them.
Anosa says
Yes its pretty awesome and I am warming up to sharks lol
Amy Jones says
Not a fan of aquariums but as you said, it’s funny what you miss out on due to fear. I might give them another try soon!
Anosa says
Hope you do hun as I truly believe I have been missing out on such an awesome experience
Censie 'Mumby' Sawyer says
We have a similar aquarium here in Denver. We love taking the kids to it. My favorite is when my kids find NEMO!! ha! They think that is the coolest thing ever!
Anosa says
Hahaha, you know what I saw Nemo and Dory too and I was just like a kid too happy
Lisa Favre says
Good for you for overcoming your fear! My best friend and I actually love visiting museums and aquariums. This place would be an ideal spot for us to spend the day together.
Anosa says
Thank you Lisa, it did take me a while but glad I conquered my fear and now can not wait to visit more aquariums
Melanie Smith says
Aww, my son would really enjoy that place. It looks so amazing!
Anosa says
I bet he would, it’s a lovely place to explore
tara pittman says
I could spend all day looking at these fish. This place looks so relaxing.
Anosa says
I can honestly say it was one of the most exciting but still relaxing environment I had been to in 2016
Sarah Bailey says
I have been in a lot of aquatic museum and never get tired of hunting the sea creatures especially when they are hiding on the sand, castle, and even do camouflage. One of my favorite if them was a fish called Stone Flounder.
Anosa says
I was like that too whilst visiting this aquarium, busy hunting the creatures and seeing where they were hiding
Kimberly Caines says
What a beautiful place to visit. Would be a great go-to spot for kids too. They’d have hours of fun.
Anosa says
I think it’s great for both curious adults and kids, it was very educational whilst maintaining the fun