A harbourside aquarium with a long underwater tunnel through Bay of Biscay species and a maritime history exhibition.
The San Sebastian Aquarium stands at the port, at the foot of Monte Urgull, next to the Naval Museum. It displays marine life from the Bay of Biscay and beyond: sharks, rays, turtles and local fish, seen from a tunnel that runs through a large tank. The museum part tells the story of Basque fishermen, whalers and sailors. Divers feed the sharks and rays on selected days, reported as Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 12:00, so ask at the ticket desk. The aquarium is a good wet-weather option for families, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. Tickets can be bought online through the official San Sebastian tourism shop, which reports a higher price than older listings, so check at purchase. The ticket office closes an hour before the aquarium. Paid parking is near the port.
| Admission | Adult reported at EUR 16 (about USD 18.40) and child 4-12 at EUR 8 (about USD 9.20) on the official shop; older listings show EUR 13; confirm at purchase |
|---|---|
| Hours | Reported 10:00-19:00 weekdays and 10:00-20:00 weekends from October to March, daily to 20:00 in July and August; closed Mondays except long weekends and 25 December, 1 January and 20 January; confirm online |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time | Rainy days or midday; weekday mornings are quietest |
| Getting there | Walk 5 minutes from the Parte Vieja along the port; Dbus buses stop nearby |
| Address | Plaza Carlos Blasco de Imaz, 1, 20003 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain |
Location
Plaza Carlos Blasco de Imaz, 1, 20003 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
43.3239, -1.9890 View on map
Highlights
- Underwater tunnel through the shark and ray tank
- Basque maritime and whaling exhibition
- Diver feeding sessions
- Harbourside setting beside the Naval Museum
Tips for visiting
- Buy online to avoid queues in July and August.
- Ask about the feeding timetable when buying.
- Use it as a rainy-day option.
- The ticket office closes an hour before the aquarium.
- Combine with the port and the Urgull walk.
When to visit
Weekday mornings; rainy afternoons.
Accessibility
The aquarium is reported as step-free with lifts; confirm specifics with the aquarium.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
About 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes; children under 4 are free and ages 4-12 pay half price per the official shop.
Is it open on Mondays?
Usually closed, except on long weekends.