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Biarritz Aquarium

Plateau de l'Atalaye, Biarritz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Description

Biarritz Aquarium, also known as le Musée de la Mer (Museum of the Sea), contains an extensive collection of marine life with a focus from species originating from the Bay of Biscay. There are octopus, seahorses, sharks, a coral reef as well as turtles and a seal tank with an outdoor area where visitors can witness the feeding session twice a day. This review is for the Aquarium only, but visitors can purchase combined ticket with the City of the Ocean Museum.

Access & Transport

The aquarium is on the Plateau de l'Atalaye, walking distance from the city centre, just before the Rocher de la Vierge. It is easy to get to Biarritz itself by car, plane (Biarritz has an airport) or train. The train station is 3km to the southeast of the city centre and connects the town with Bordeaux (and further on Paris) and Pau / Toulouse. By car one should take exit #4 on the A63 when coming from Biarritz/Bayonne. It is about 1h20' to Pau and 2h30 to Bordeaux using the expressways.

Instructions & Recommendations

We recommend combining this activity with a visit of the city and the Rocher de la Vierge next door.

Meta review

The aquarium is well known in Europe and mostly gets good reviews. Visitors enjoy the shark and jellyfish tanks the most as well as the Art Nouveau building. The fact that most info is available in English is regularly noted. For a significant minority though, the tanks and diversity of species is a little underwhelming and there are better aquariums elsewhere.

Environmental & Social

The water is directly drawn from the sea before being filtered and sterilised. There are marine biologists in charge of rescued sea life, conservation and reproduction efforts.

Conclusion

The Biarritz Aquarium is an excellent activity for family, in particular when the weather is not cooperative. It is not the latest in the arms race for the largest and most spectacular tanks but is still very much worth visit and it has good environmental and conservation pedigrees.

Key positive

Central location and housed in a nice building

Real conservation effort and no waste of water

Key negative

A little expensive

Crowded when there are school groups and in the summer months

Suitability

Suitable for all ages and particularly recommended for children Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, there is a dedicated circuit and a lift to the upper levels.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:2h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Aug, 26

Season 1

MONDAY09:30 - 19:00

TUESDAY09:30 - 19:00

WEDNESDAY09:30 - 19:00

THURSDAY09:30 - 19:00

FRIDAY09:30 - 19:00

SATURDAY09:30 - 19:00

SUNDAY09:30 - 19:00

Start of Season 2:Jul, 12

Season 2

MONDAY09:00 - 22:00

TUESDAY09:00 - 22:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 22:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 22:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 22:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 22:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 22:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Group price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€16.5
14
Adult
18 - 64
€16.5
14
Teen & Young
13 - 17
€14
11
Child
4 - 12
€12
7.5
Infant
0 - 3
€0
0

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