It is the oldest public aquarium in Brazil, having opened its doors in 1945.
The facility operates a permanent marine animal rescue and rehabilitation program.
The aquarium was recognized by the Guinness World Records in the 1990s as the most visited aquarium in the country.
It features a dedicated rehabilitation tank specifically for rescued sea turtles.
The building is a protected heritage site due to its historical and architectural significance in Santos.
Founded in 1945, the Aquário Municipal de Santos is the oldest aquarium in Brazil and serves as a major center for marine life conservation. The facility houses approximately 150 species, ranging from local coastal fish to exotic marine animals. It is particularly recognized for its dedicated rehabilitation efforts for sea turtles and penguins. The layout features 32 tanks arranged to simulate natural marine environments for the residents. A prominent touch tank offers educational engagement for visitors, allowing supervised interaction with specific marine creatures. The aquarium occupies a historic building situated directly along the oceanfront promenade in the Ponta da Praia district. It functions as a public research facility with a focus on environmental education and the preservation of the regional Atlantic ecosystem.
The main cylindrical tank that provides a wide-angle view of larger marine species.
Visit during feeding times to witness the most active behavior from the penguins and fish.
Check the official website for scheduled environmental workshops or temporary exhibition themes.
The facility is compact, making it an ideal mid-day stop while exploring the coast.
Do not attempt to feed or touch animals outside of the designated, supervised touch tank areas.
Closed on Mondays for maintenance and administrative tasks.
Maintain a quiet volume and do not use flash photography, as it distresses the animals in the exhibits.
