Children usually enjoy getting to know wildlife. But if the animals in the zoo, even formidable lions or bears, seem to be close acquaintances, then the inhabitants of the seas and oceans arouse interest and surprise. Still: not every day there is a chance to see sharks or octopuses, and moonfish can not be found in any encyclopedia.
But the diversity of marine fauna can be seen at the Aquarium de Barcelona. This is always a top destination for family excursions in Barcelona. A trip here will enrich the children's knowledge of the underwater world and give them a lot of excitement.
The Barcelona Aquarium is considered one of the largest in Europe, housing more than 11,000 fish, arthropods, molluscs and sea polyps in 35 tanks. You can see 450 species of sea creatures. The whole exposition is divided into thematic zones. The biggest of them all is the Oceanarium.
The 4-million-litre aquarium is home to intimidating sharks, stingrays, giant tuna, Spain's favourite corifena (often seen on restaurant menus as 'dorada') and other large fish. Walking through the 80-metre tunnel through the aquarium, you can simultaneously feel the creepiness of being surrounded by such giants and the joy of having them behind the safety glass.
Divers descend into the aquarium three times a week to feed the sharks. It also offers extreme entertainment for brave people — diving with sharks.
No less exciting creatures live in the aquariums of the "Mediterranean Sea" and "Tropics". Here you can find out which fish keeps near the water's surface and which prefers to slide along the bottom. Some representatives of the marine fauna amaze with the ability to disguise themselves, while others are surprised by bright colours.
What do you expect to see in the hall of the Barcelona Aquarium called "Treasures of the Sea"? You are mistaken if you think that you'll see here the chests with gold fell to the bottom after a shipwreck. In this room, shells of molluscs are presented. And if adults are only sometimes ready to admire shells, then children consider even the clam houses found on the beach a treasure.
Another hall of the aquarium is called "Planet Water". Here you can look into the mouth of a sperm whale and make a "dive" in a submarine. Here, you can see how penguins bathe in cold water, and piranhas hunt in tropical rivers.
For children, the Barcelona Aquarium has created an interactive zone Explora!, where you can get to know life underwater better. Children will learn when and why to dig in the mud, feel like a rock against which waves break, and descend into an underwater cave.
No less attractive than getting to know the inhabitants of the Aquarium of Barcelona will be a visit to the souvenir shop. From the variety of souvenirs, toys and various accessories related to the marine theme, the eyes run-up in children and adults. So it is unlikely that you can avoid buying some souvenirs as a keepsake for visiting the aquarium.
