São Paulo’s aquariums offer an incredible tour of the depths of the waters, both of the sea and of Brazil’s great rivers. For those who want to get up close to fish and other marine animals, there’s no better weekend trip! Here are some aquariums to visit, both in the capital and in the interior of São Paulo.
Aquariums in São Paulo and region
São Paulo Aquarium
Did you know that the São Paulo Aquarium is the largest in Latin America? The institution was born with the mission of conservation, education and environmental research. That’s why the main concern here is the welfare of the animals. With themed tanks that recreate marine ecosystems from all over the world, the public can come face to face with sharks, rays and other species. The space is also home to polar bears, penguins and even kangaroos.
📍Rua Huet Bacelar, 407 – Ipiranga
Santos Municipal Aquarium
The Santos Aquarium is the oldest in Brazil and a pioneer in projects to preserve the sea and its inhabitants. With more than 200 species of marine animals, the space has turtles, sharks and penguins in 32 saltwater and freshwater tanks. Discover the charms of the São Paulo coast ecosystem at this unmissable attraction.
📍Praça Vereador Luiz La Scala s/n – Santos
Acqua Mundo
Acqua Mundo is one of the largest aquariums in South America, with almost 6,000 m² and over 1 million liters of water. It combines environmental education and entertainment, with 49 enclosures that reproduce the natural habitats of almost 3,000 animals from 170 species, including penguins, turtles, reptiles and even sharks!
📍 Avenida Miguel Stéfano, 2001 – Enseada, Guarujá/SP
Piracicaba Municipal Aquarium
This small aquarium has free admission and is about 160 km from the capital. It is home to more than 2,000 fish of 70 native and foreign species , including the beautiful stingray! It also has an incredible view of the Piracicaba River.
📍 Avenida Doutor Maurice Allain, 454 – Vila Rezende, Piracicaba/SP
Aparecida Aquarium
The city of Aparecida also has its own municipal aquarium. Here you’ll find tanks with various marine and freshwater species and even an enclosure with sharks. Tickets start at R$5, so the aquarium is an economical and fun option for a family outing in the interior of São Paulo.
📍 Centro de Apoio aos Romeiros, Asa Oeste: Avenida Getúlio Vargas, s/n – Bairro Santa Rita, Aparecida/SP
Ubatuba Aquarium
Finally, in one of the most beautiful cities on the São Paulo coast, the Ubatuba Aquarium offers a unique experience of contact with the local marine life. It has more than 110 species and 430 rescued animals, an impressive selection in tanks that reproduce coastal and oceanic ecosystems. Highlights include sea turtles and even the mysterious hammerhead shark.
📍 Rua Guarani, 859 – Itaguá
