AquaRio, Rio De Janeiro Travel Guide

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Discover over 5,000 marine animals at AquaRio, South America's largest aquarium, in Rio de Janeiro's Porto Maravilha. An unforgettable underwater adventure awaits!

Explore the wonders of the underwater world at AquaRio, South America's largest marine aquarium, located in Rio de Janeiro's revitalized Porto Maravilha district. With over 5,000 animals from 350 different species, AquaRio offers an immersive and educational experience for all ages.

A brief summary to AquaRio

Praça Muhammad Ali - Via Binário do Porto, s/n, Rio de Janeiro, Gamboa, State of Rio de Janeiro, 20220-360, BR
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Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-6 pm
Sunday 9 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring AquaRio.

Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season and weekends.
Visit during the week to avoid crowds. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore all the exhibits and tanks.
Check the AquaRio website for feeding times and special events to enhance your visit.
Combine your visit with other nearby attractions in the Porto Maravilha area, such as the Museu do Amanhã.

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Explore AquaRio on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near AquaRio, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

To reach AquaRio via public transport, take the Metro Rio to either Cinelândia or Carioca Station (Lines 1 and 2). Both stations connect to the VLT (Light Rail Vehicle). Take VLT Line 1 towards Rodoviária/Praia Formosa and disembark at the Utopia AquaRio station. Remember to purchase a VLT ticket, which costs R$3.80, and a card for R$3.00 at Metro Rio stations or VLT self-service machines.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Rio de Janeiro. A short taxi ride from Centro to AquaRio typically costs between R$19-R$24 and takes approximately 3 minutes. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
Driving

If driving, enter 'Rua do Aquário' or 'Via Binário 194 – Gamboa' into your GPS. Parking is available at AquaRio, with the entrance located on the service lane next to Muhammad Ali Square. Parking rates vary: R$38 for visitors with AquaRio tickets (up to 4 hours, plus R$10 for each additional 30 minutes) and R$70 for regular visitors (up to 4 hours, plus R$10 for each additional 30 minutes). Note that parking spaces are limited and subject to availability.

Discover more about AquaRio

AquaRio, officially known as the Marine Aquarium of Rio de Janeiro, is a sprawling five-story complex boasting 28 tanks filled with 4.5 million liters of saltwater. Opened in 2016, it quickly became one of Rio's most popular family attractions, offering a captivating glimpse into the diverse ecosystems of the ocean.The aquarium's main attraction is the Oceanic Enclosure, affectionately called 'Tancão,' holding 3.5 million liters of water. Visitors can walk through an underwater tunnel that cuts through the enclosure, providing an up-close view of sharks, rays, and other marine creatures. In addition to the main tank, AquaRio features over 27 secondary tanks and interactive exhibits, including a touch tank where visitors, especially children, can interact with some of the animals.AquaRio is committed to promoting environmental education and marine conservation. Through its exhibits and programs, the aquarium aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans and marine life. It also participates in captive breeding programs for endangered species, such as seahorses, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.Located in the revitalized Porto Maravilha (docks area), AquaRio has contributed to the area's transformation into a vibrant hub for tourism and recreation. The aquarium is near other attractions, such as the Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow), making it easy to combine visits.