L’Oceanogràfic is a public aquarium in Valencia, open since 2003 and part of the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences) complex. Félix Candela and Santiago Calatrava are credited as its architects; Candela designed the roofs of the Underwater Restaurant and the entrance building.
The one thing to plan around is that the visit is hard to break up. Re-entry to the Oceanogràfic is only allowed with a combined ticket that includes another venue on the same day, or for school groups in high season, and the complex’s rules do not allow food to be brought in. Meals are therefore eaten on site, for example at the Delfinario burger restaurant under the dolphinarium grandstands, which you pass before the dolphinarium exhibition.
A few rules apply across the whole complex rather than the aquarium alone: children under 12 must be accompanied by someone responsible for their safety, and tickets cannot be cancelled or refunded, although the date can be changed. The complex offers reduced online rates for children aged 4 to 12, with a supporting document shown at the ticket desk. Wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge against a deposit at the Oceanogràfic information point. The Umbracle car park serves the whole complex and has a reduced day rate when you show a ticket from any of its venues.
Family FAQ
How much does L’Oceanogràfic cost?
An Oceanogràfic ticket can be combined with the Museu de les Ciències (Science Museum) and/or the Hemisfèric at a saving.
Can you bring your own food to L’Oceanogràfic?
There is no gluten-free menu, but gluten-free food can be prepared on request.
