Palma Aquarium: Complete Family Guide to Mallorca's Marine World 2026

Why Palma Aquarium Is Mallorca's Best Family Attraction

Whether it's a scorching summer afternoon, a rainy winter day, or you simply love marine life, Palma Aquarium delivers one of the best family experiences in the Balearic Islands. Located on the Playa de Palma seafront just 15 minutes from the city centre, this world-class aquarium houses over 8,000 marine creatures from 700 species across 55 tanks filled with 5 million litres of seawater.

The star attraction is the Big Blue — Europe's deepest shark tank at 8.5 metres, where you can watch sand tiger sharks, rays, and hundreds of fish glide past through a dramatic underwater viewing tunnel. But there's so much more: the world's largest living coral collection, an immersive 3D cinema, a tropical jungle zone, jellyfish galleries, touch pools, and even the chance to dive with sharks.

The Exhibits — Zone by Zone

1. Mediterranean Sea

Begin your journey in the waters closest to home. This zone recreates the marine habitats of the Mediterranean, from rocky coastlines to seagrass meadows (Posidonia). You'll see:

• Octopuses, moray eels, and groupers in their natural-looking habitats
• Seahorses — delicate and mesmerising
• Posidonia oceanica — the vital seagrass that makes the Mediterranean so special
• Local species that you might encounter while snorkelling in Mallorca's coves

2. Tropical Seas

Cross into warmer waters with 25 tanks showcasing the vibrant marine life of the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans:

• Clownfish (yes, Nemo!), surgeonfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish
• World's largest living coral exhibition — over 500 coral specimens in stunning colours, shapes, and formations
• Lionfish, pufferfish, and exotic species from coral reefs around the world
• Interactive displays explaining coral reef conservation

3. The Jungle

Step into a lush tropical rainforest environment complete with waterfalls, tropical plants, and humidity. This zone features freshwater species:

• Piranhas — watch the daily feeding show (check the schedule!)
• Arapaima — one of the world's largest freshwater fish
• Turtles and terrapins
• Exotic birds and tropical insects

4. Jellyfish Gallery

One of the most beautiful and relaxing areas in the aquarium. Ethereal jellyfish float through illuminated cylindrical tanks with changing coloured lights, creating an almost meditative atmosphere. A perfect spot to pause, breathe, and be mesmerised by these ancient, graceful creatures.

5. The Big Blue — Europe's Deepest Shark Tank

This is the moment everyone waits for. The Big Blue contains over 3.5 million litres of saltwater and reaches a depth of 8.5 metres — making it Europe's deepest shark tank. Inside you'll find:

• Sand tiger sharks — up to 3 metres long, with their distinctive jagged teeth
• Nurse sharks
• Massive stingrays gliding across the bottom
• Hundreds of fish of all sizes circling the tank

Walk through the underwater tunnel beneath the tank and look up as sharks swim directly over your head. There are also large viewing windows where you can press your face against the glass and watch the sharks at eye level. The daily shark feeding show is spectacular — check the schedule at the entrance.

6. Mediterranean Gardens

An outdoor area with open-air pools, gardens, and Mediterranean plants. In summer, this is where you'll find the stingray snorkelling experience (ages 8+). There are also areas to relax, picnic spots, and places for children to run around between the indoor exhibits.

Special Experiences and Activities

Diving with Sharks (from 175 EUR)

The ultimate experience: dive into the Big Blue tank and swim alongside 11 large sharks, rays, and hundreds of fish. No diving licence required — full training and equipment provided. You'll spend approximately 30 minutes in the water. Minimum age 10. An unforgettable bucket-list experience.

3D Aquadome Cinema (5 EUR add-on)

Europe's only fully immersive 360-degree 3D cinema. A spectacular film about humpback whales surrounds you on all sides — you feel like you're swimming with them. Approximately 15 minutes. Included in Silver and Gold ticket packages.

Shark Vision Boat (7 EUR)

A glass-bottom boat that glides across the top of the Big Blue shark tank. See the sharks from above through the transparent hull. Great for younger children who might find the underwater tunnel overwhelming.

Stingray Snorkelling (Summer only)

Swim in an open-air pool with friendly stingrays. Available in summer for visitors aged 8+. Equipment provided.

Shark Sleepover (Ages 6-16)

Children spend the night camping in front of the Big Blue shark tank. They fall asleep watching sharks swim past in the dark — an experience they'll never forget. Includes dinner, breakfast, activities, and a guided night tour. Booking essential.

Touch Pools

Kids (and adults!) can touch starfish, sea urchins, and other marine creatures in supervised shallow pools. A wonderful hands-on learning experience.

Birthday Parties

Themed pirate birthday parties for children, with games, activities, and exclusive areas. A unique alternative to a standard birthday venue.

Daily Feeding Shows

Don't miss the daily feeding times — the aquarium staff feed the animals throughout the day and explain their behaviour:

• Shark feeding — the highlight, watching the divers hand-feed the sharks in Big Blue
• Ray feeding
• Turtle feeding
• Piranha feeding — dramatic and fast!

Feeding times are posted at the entrance each day and vary seasonally. Ask at the ticket desk for the schedule when you arrive.

Family Tips — Making the Most of Your Visit

• Allow 3-4 hours for a full visit — don't rush it. The 900-metre route has plenty to see
• Arrive at opening (9:30) to beat the tour groups who arrive around 11:00
• Pushchair/stroller friendly — the whole route is accessible with wide paths and ramps
• Feeding shows are the highlight for kids — check times on arrival and plan your route around them
• The Jungle zone can be humid and warm — dress in layers
• Bring a change of clothes if your kids are doing the touch pools or stingray snorkelling
• The outdoor gardens are great for a break between exhibits — let the kids run around
• Rainy days are excellent — most of the aquarium is indoors, so it's the perfect wet-weather activity

Where to Eat

• Jellyfish Restaurant (inside the aquarium) — Full meals, children's menu, ocean-themed decor. Can be pricey but convenient.
• Cafe and snack bars — Coffee, sandwiches, ice cream throughout the aquarium
• Playa de Palma restaurants (5 min walk) — The beachfront strip has dozens of restaurants at all price levels
• Picnic option — You can bring your own food and eat in the Mediterranean Gardens outdoor area

Accessibility

Palma Aquarium was awarded the 2007 Accessibility Prize by the Consell de Mallorca and is one of the most accessible attractions on the island:

• Fully wheelchair accessible throughout — ramps, wide corridors, and adapted facilities
• Wheelchair rental available on request
• All exhibits at accessible viewing heights
• Accessible toilets throughout the building
• Pushchair/stroller friendly — the entire 900-metre route is smooth and level

Getting There and Parking

• By car: 15 minutes from Palma centre. Free outdoor parking plus paid underground parking (with 3 EUR discount on your ticket)
• By bus: Line 23 from Palma centre towards Playa de Palma
• By taxi: Approximately 15 EUR from Palma centre
• Hotel transfers: Many ticket packages include pickup from your hotel — check when booking online

Ticket Types Explained

• Basic ticket (30.50 EUR adult / 19.50 EUR child) — All exhibits including Big Blue, Jungle, Mediterranean, Tropical Seas, Jellyfish Gallery, touch pools, and daily feeding shows
• Silver ticket — Basic + 3D Aquadome immersive cinema experience
• Gold ticket — Silver + exclusive backstage tour (see how the aquarium runs behind the scenes)
• Shark diving (175 EUR) — Separate booking, includes full dive in the Big Blue tank
• Shark Vision Boat (7 EUR) — Glass-bottom boat ride over the shark tank

Tip: Buy tickets online at palmaaquarium.com for the best prices and to skip the queue.

Best Photo Spots

1. The underwater tunnel — Look up as sharks swim overhead. The ultimate shot.
2. Big Blue viewing windows — Get a shark at eye level. Amazing with phone or camera pressed against the glass.
3. Jellyfish gallery — The coloured lighting creates stunning, ethereal photos
4. Coral gardens — Vibrant colours of the living coral exhibits
5. The Jungle waterfall — Tropical atmosphere with the green foliage and water
6. Touch pools — Capture your kids' faces as they touch a starfish for the first time!

Nearby Attractions

• Playa de Palma beach (5 min walk) — 6km of sandy beach, perfect for combining a swim after the aquarium
• Aqualand Mallorca (20 min drive) — Water park for a full family day of water fun
• Palma city centre (15 min drive) — Explore the Old Town, visit La Seu Cathedral
• Bellver Castle (20 min drive) — The unique circular castle with panoramic views