Embark on an undersea odyssey and observe a variety of aquatic species at the Donostia-San Sebastián Aquarium. This oceanographic museum has more than 30 aquariums that feature animals from the Cantabrian-Atlantic Sea. Visit its exhibition space dedicated to naval history and the local fishing industry.
The aquarium has about 5,000 fish covering more than 200 species. Stop at tanks filled with clownfish, jellyfish, cuttlefish, tropical moray eels, sardines, piranhas, balloon fish, scorpion fish and many more. Watch two bull sharks and a variety of Atlantic and Cantabrian species as you walk through the 360-degree tunnel toward the Oceanarium, the aquarium's largest tank. See sharks, rays and turtles being fed at noon on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Roll up your sleeves and dip your hand in the tactile aquarium to touch sea urchins, sea cucumbers and other species. See the tank that houses a 59-foot (18-meter) mangrove swamp.
Visit the exhibition dedicated to about 700 years of marine and maritime history of Gipuzkoa and San Sebastián. Browse displays and artifacts that cover such topics as Basque whalers, fishing and maritime commerce. Look at nautical instruments and learn about whale hunting in the Middle Ages as well as modern-day fishing techniques.
Peruse the collections of coral, crustaceans, seashells and fossils. Look closely at the small-scale reproductions of historical ships and study the skeleton of a huge North Atlantic right whale.
Stay overnight at one of the Sleeping with Fishes events. For details visit the aquarium's website.
This family-friendly attraction is located on San Sebastián Pier in one of the most picturesque parts of the city. Parking is available for a fee in nearby garages . It’s also possible to walk here in a few minutes from the city center.
Donostia-San Sebastián Aquarium is open every day except Christmas Day, New Year's Day and January 20. Ask for discounted admission for senior citizens, children between 4 and 12 years old, the unemployed and people with disabilities. Children under the age of 4 get in for free.