More about: Paris Aquariums Tickets
Paris also has its underwater side. Beyond the museums and grand boulevards, the city is home to several venues dedicated to the aquatic world, though not all are suited to the same kind of visit: some are traditional aquariums to explore at a leisurely pace, others are best suited to a half-day family outing, and others are closer to science outreach or specialist aquarium keeping than to a typical tourist attraction.
If you want to make the right choice, it’s worth distinguishing between the major visitor-friendly aquariums in Paris and other venues which, although related to the marine world or aquariums, do not function as conventional tourist attractions. This guide brings together the main ones so you know what you can see at each, how to visit them, and which one best suits your trip.
Paris Aquarium Tickets
Visit the Paris Aquarium next to the Trocadéro
Discover one of the city’s most famous aquariums with a general admission ticket and explore its large tanks, interactive areas and activities designed for the whole family.
With these tickets to the Aquarium de Paris, you can explore one of the city’s most iconic aquatic attractions at your own pace. Its location next to the Trocadéro makes it very easy to fit into a tour of Paris, and inside you’ll find large tanks, a variety of marine species and family-friendly experiences, such as the interactive fish tank, the underwater cinema and the mermaid show.
Recommended if... you’re looking for a comprehensive, central visit that’s easy to combine with other plans in Paris.
Paris Aquarium Annual Pass
Annual pass for the Paris Aquarium
Get 12 months’ access to the aquarium with a pass that’s perfect for returning at your leisure and taking advantage of discounts and special activities.
If you plan to visit again or want more flexible access, the Paris Aquarium annual pass offers unlimited access to the aquarium’s facilities for twelve months, plus discounts in the shop and restaurants, as well as access to special activities and events.
Recommended if... you travel to Paris frequently or want a very convenient option to return at your leisure.
Paris SEA LIFE Aquarium Tickets
Tickets for SEA LIFE Aquarium Paris Val d’Europe
Explore a family-friendly aquarium featuring themed tanks, a touch pool and a spectacular 360-degree shark tunnel.
With these tickets to SEA LIFE Aquarium, you can explore at your own pace – one of the most convenient options if you’re planning to visit the Val d’Europe or Disneyland Paris area. The tour is clearly aimed at families and combines themed tanks, a variety of species, a touch pool and a 360-degree shark tunnel.
Recommended if... you’re looking for an aquarium designed with children in mind or want to add it to a visit to the Disneyland area.
Other aquariums in Paris
There are other smaller aquariums in the city that you can also visit if you’re a keen aquarist. The visit is quicker, so you can always make the most of some spare time to pop in and enjoy watching the fish on display.
Tropical Aquarium
The Aquarium Tropical at the Porte Dorée has a different character: less spectacular from a tourist perspective but more interesting from a scientific, historical and educational point of view. Visits are typically self-guided, and the venue is home to over 350 species spread across more than 80 habitats.
Its permanent exhibition features 84 aquariums with capacities ranging from 50 to 16,000 litres, and it is highly recommended if you’re interested in taking a more leisurely look at the aquatic world.
The City of Arts and Sciences Aquarium
The Cité des sciences et de l’industrie aquarium does not fit the mould of a large, independent aquarium either. It forms part of the museum’s permanent exhibition and admission is free.
The institution itself offers an audio guide in French, English and Spanish, and estimates a short visit of around 15 minutes. It’s a good addition if you’re already at La Villette, although it doesn’t replace a more extensive visit such as that to the Aquarium de Paris or SEA LIFE.
Are tickets for Paris’s aquariums included in any tourist pass?
Yes, at least in one clear case: the Aquarium de Paris is among the attractions included in the Paris Pass Plus. For the other venues mentioned here, inclusion in a general Paris tourist pass is not stated quite so explicitly.
If you plan to visit several paid attractions, this type of pass can help you organise your trip better and reduce costs depending on the number of visits you intend to make.
Which aquarium to choose depending on the type of visit you’re looking for
If you want a comprehensive, central visit that’s easy to fit into a Paris itinerary, the Paris Aquarium is the best all-round option. If your trip takes you to Val d’Europe or you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, SEA LIFE is a better fit.
If you prefer a venue with more of an educational focus and less of a show-based approach, the Tropical Aquarium has plenty of character. And if you simply fancy a quick, free stop-off during another visit, the aquarium at the Cité des sciences fulfils that role perfectly.