AquaRio: Dive into South America's Largest Marine Aquarium
Explore South America's largest marine aquarium: Home to thousands of aquatic animals, offering an immersive and educational experience in Rio de Janeiro.
AquaRio, the Marine Aquarium of Rio de Janeiro, is South America's largest, home to over 3,000 animals from 350 different species. Explore diverse marine ecosystems and get up close with sharks, rays, and a variety of fish in this immersive underwater experience.
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
- +55213900-6670
- Visit website
- 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-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season and weekends.
- Arrive early in the morning to experience the aquarium with fewer crowds.
- Take the VLT (Light Rail) to the Utopia AquaRio station for convenient and affordable access.
- Check the AquaRio website for feeding times and special events, such as the mermaid presentation in the main tank.
- Consider visiting nearby attractions like the Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow) and the Olympic Boulevard to make the most of your trip.
Getting There
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Public Transport
To reach AquaRio via public transport, take the Metro to Cinelândia or Carioca Station (Lines 1 and 2). From either station, transfer to the VLT (Light Rail) Line 1, heading towards Rodoviária/Praia Formosa. Get off at the Utopia AquaRio station, which is right in front of the aquarium. A VLT ticket costs R$3.80, and a card costs R$3.00.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Rio de Janeiro. A taxi ride from Copacabana to AquaRio, for example, is approximately 11.8km and costs around R$19-R$24. Be sure to confirm the fare or use a ride-sharing app for an estimate before starting your journey.
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Driving
If driving, enter 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 for visitors with AquaRio tickets are R$38.00 for up to 4 hours, with an additional R$10.00 for every 30 minutes. Limited spaces are available.
Discover more about AquaRio
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