The aquarium was inaugurated in 1928, making it one of the pioneering oceanographic institutions in Spain.
The skeleton of a Southern Right Whale, stranded in the harbor in 1878, is a centerpiece of the museum's historical collection.
The building was designed by architects Juan Carlos Guerra and Luis Vallet de Montano to harmonize with the rocky cliffs of Mount Urgull.
The shark tunnel structure is constructed from 30-centimeter thick acrylic glass to withstand water pressure.
The facility contains a 'touch pool' specifically designed for educational interaction with non-hazardous marine invertebrates.
It holds a specialized library and archive focused on Basque maritime history and naval engineering.
The Donostia-San Sebastián Aquarium is one of the oldest oceanographic museums in Europe, located at the tip of the Paseo Nuevo breakwater. It is distinguished by its 360-degree acrylic tunnel that allows visitors to walk beneath a shark tank containing bull sharks and other Mediterranean species. The facility integrates marine biology with maritime history, housing a collection of ship models and nautical artifacts within its permanent exhibition galleries. The Oceanarium serves as the central feature, containing 1.8 million liters of saltwater. The museum building occupies a historic site overlooking the Bay of Biscay and the harbor entrance. It functions both as a public aquarium and a scientific research center focusing on marine conservation in the Cantabrian Sea.
Inside the 360-degree underwater tunnel when the sharks pass directly overhead.
Walk the entire length of the Paseo Nuevo breakwater for views of the aquarium's exterior before entering.
Check the daily scheduled feeding times posted at the entrance to see the sharks and rays when they are most active.
Use the upper-floor outdoor terrace for panoramic views of the La Concha bay.
Do not rush through the lower-level maritime history museum, as it contains unique local artifacts that are often overlooked in favor of the live animal exhibits.
Open daily throughout the year, including weekends and public holidays; check for occasional maintenance closures during the low season.
