The aquarium features a 1.5-million-liter ocean tank that serves as the centerpiece of the facility.
It is home to Germany's only turtle sanctuary, focused on the rescue and rehabilitation of sea turtles.
The underwater tunnel is built from high-strength acrylic to withstand the pressure of the 1.5 million liters of saltwater.
The collection includes blacktip reef sharks, which are housed in the main oceanic exhibit.
The facility actively participates in the SEA LIFE Trust global breeding and protection programs for marine species.
The exhibit displays both freshwater species native to local German rivers and exotic saltwater marine life.
SEA LIFE Oberhausen is Germany's largest SEA LIFE aquarium, housing over 5,000 marine animals across more than 50 displays. The facility features a large oceanic tank with an acrylic underwater tunnel providing 360-degree views of sharks, rays, and sea turtles. A key highlight is the outdoor turtle sanctuary, which is the only one of its kind in Germany. The exhibits are organized by habitat, ranging from the Rhine River ecosystem to the tropical depths of the Caribbean. The aquarium emphasizes marine conservation and research, frequently hosting educational presentations on aquatic biology. Visitors walk through themed zones that mimic natural environments, including a mangrove swamp and a coral reef reconstruction. The site is part of the larger Centro district, integrated into a sprawling commercial and leisure hub.
The interior of the acrylic tunnel when sharks or rays swim directly overhead.
Book tickets online in advance to prioritize entry during peak weekend periods.
Check the daily schedule upon arrival for specific feeding times, as these are the most interactive moments.
Combine your visit with the neighboring attractions in the Centro district to make a full day trip.
Avoid visiting during the middle of the day on weekends, when wait times to enter the main tunnel are longest.
Open daily throughout the year, including weekends and public holidays; no scheduled seasonal closures.
No flash photography in designated sensitive marine zones; do not tap on glass tanks.
