The month of June every year is called Aquarium Month, and is dedicated to aquariums around the world. And while aquariums in the past were just places where one could see different varieties of fishes swimming around, the aquariums of recent years have more or less become educational and research oriented centers dedicated to preserving marine life. Here are some of those extraordinary museums that are known for much more than their larger than life exhibits.
The Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta
Considered to be one of the largest aquariums in the entire world, the Georgia aquarium in Atlanta houses over 120000 varieties of sea creatures in a gigantic tank holding nearly 8.5 million gallons of fresh and marine water. The aquarium is split into 6 galleries and houses over 60 different marine habitats for diverse animals.
The sheer size of the entire establishment would definitely thrill you, and it could easily take more than a single day to view all the creatures it houses. And in addition to collaborating with local universities for the conservation of endangered marine species and habitats, the aquarium offers sleepover programs (only for adults) which would include a gallery tour, a personalized behind the scenes tour, and a peaceful slumber (in a sleeping bag) as you watch the jaw dropping marine life around you.
The Dubai Aquarium, Dubai
Situated in the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium is said to cover an area equivalent to 50 soccer pitches (phew!), and is undoubtedly the biggest aquarium in the Middle East. Standing over 3 storeys tall, the aquarium houses unique acrylic glass walled walk through tunnels (the aquarium holds the Guinness World Record for the same) that lets visitors catch glimpses of exotic marine creatures and plants. The aquarium boasts of housing nearly 85 different species of marine creatures, and is home to more than 33000 fishes.
UShaka Marine World, Durban
Considered to be the largest aquarium in the entire southern hemisphere, the UShaka Marine World in Durban, South Africa is split into 4 different sections, and stretches over 16 hectares. As part of a larger theme park, the aquarium comprises of over 32 water tanks and is designed around a shipwreck theme which enables viewers to walk through creatively designed underground passages while watching different marine creatures swim through and live in these manmade wrecks. Be ready to catch glimpses of several varieties of sea animals, ranging from the tiny sea horse to the gigantic shark.
The AquaDom, Berlin
Situated in the world renowned Radisson Hotel in Berlin, the AquaDom is probably the world’s first and biggest cylindrical aquarium, and houses over 56 different species of fishes in over 260000 gallons of marine and fresh water. Towering over 25 meters high, the aquarium gives visitors the thrill of exploring it via a glass walled elevator that is encased within the aquarium itself. And at the top, guests can enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding regions along with a meal at the restaurant. A more befitting experience awaits those who wish to book a room under the aquarium and enjoy sweeping views of the underwater life as they rest in bed.
The S.E.A Aquarium, Singapore
The world’s largest aquarium, the S.E.A Aquarium opened in 2012 and houses over 800 different species of fishes contained in over 12 million gallons of water. The highlight of the aquarium however, is the single massive viewing panel that stretches for over 118 feet in length and 27 feet in height.
The entire aquarium is divided into 10 zones and houses over 49 varied habitats. And if just watching the fishes swim idly in their homes doesn’t satisfy you, wear a diving suit and helmet, and take a walk along the aquarium floor as fishes of all sizes swim past you. Your kids can also enjoy a fun game of ‘Finding Nemo’ where they need to spot ‘nemo’ from among several other colorful and bright fishes.
The L’Oceanografic, Spain
Located in the city of Valencia, the L’Oceanografic Aquarium is a part of the much larger City of Arts and Sciences. Covering a total area of over 110000 square meters, the aquarium is one of the largest in the world (the largest in Europe in fact).
Shaped like a lily flower on the outside, the L’Oceanografic houses more than 45,000 sea creatures from diverse underwater ecosystems, including the Mediterranean, Arctic and Antarctic systems.
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Japan
Situated on the Okinawa Island, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a part of the Ocean Expo Park, and houses one of the largest acrylic glass viewing panels in the world. And in addition to housing several thousand varieties of marine animals, the aquarium lets visitors witness the birth of several sea creatures, including manta rays, four of which have been witnessed since the aquarium opened in 2002.
Virtual Aquarium, Beijing
Although it is not natural, the Virtual Aquarium in Beijing definitely needs to be added to this list due to its sheer enormity and wonder. The aquarium is actually a 250 by 30 meters LED screen that is positioned between the rooftops of two shopping malls. Costing over 32 million dollars, the virtual aquarium is breathtaking, and has its steady stream of visitors every day.