Journey through the world's oceans inside Aquarium La Rochelle's extraordinary collection of aquatic habitats.
From tropical coral reefs to deep cold-water abysses, the aquarium takes visitors on a complete global ocean voyage.
The magnificent centrepiece of the entire aquarium is the vast Grand Ocean Tank, a multi-storey structure housing thousands of tropical fish, graceful rays, and a rich diversity of reef-dwelling marine life. Viewing galleries on multiple floors allow visitors to observe the ecosystem from different heights and perspectives. The tank is designed to replicate the conditions of a living Indo-Pacific coral reef as closely as possible, with carefully calibrated water temperature, salinity and light levels. Feeding sessions take place at scheduled times throughout the day, drawing large and enthusiastic crowds.
One of the most popular and dramatic exhibits in the aquarium is the purpose-built shark tunnel, a fully enclosed underwater walkway through which visitors can observe sharks gliding silently overhead and alongside them at close range. Several shark species inhabit this spectacular tank, creating an immersive experience that gives visitors an genuine sense of what it means to share the water with these extraordinary animals. Informative panels alongside the tunnel explain the biology, behaviour and conservation status of each shark species on display.
The dedicated jellyfish pavilion is consistently among the most photographed and discussed spaces in the entire aquarium complex. Dozens of jellyfish species are displayed in specially designed, backlit cylindrical tanks that allow their translucent bodies to glow with extraordinary beauty. The gallery includes the familiar moon jellyfish as well as rarer and more exotic varieties, from the delicate compass jellyfish to the dramatic and enormous lion's mane. The carefully curated lighting and ambient sound create an atmosphere that is uniquely calming and contemplative among all the exhibits.
Beyond the Grand Ocean Tank, a dedicated tropical reef section showcases the extraordinary biodiversity of shallow-water coral reef ecosystems. Hundreds of species of brilliantly coloured fish dart among carefully maintained coral formations, while sea anemones, clownfish and a host of invertebrates occupy every available niche. This section vividly demonstrates both the beauty and the fragility of coral reef ecosystems worldwide, with educational panels explaining the threats posed by climate change, ocean acidification and human activity to these irreplaceable natural habitats.
The Mediterranean section of the aquarium focuses on the marine life of France's southern coast and the broader Mediterranean basin, offering visitors a fascinating window into the ecosystems that exist relatively close to home. Visitors can observe octopuses, moray eels, sea bream, grouper and many other characteristic Mediterranean species. The section also highlights the conservation challenges facing Mediterranean marine biodiversity, including overfishing, pollution and habitat degradation, providing important context for the aquarium's broader conservation mission.
The touch pool area is one of the most beloved spaces in the aquarium, particularly for families with younger children. Under the guidance of trained aquarium staff, visitors can gently touch and observe starfish, sea urchins, hermit crabs and other hardy intertidal species at close range. This hands-on element of the visit creates a genuinely memorable and educational experience. Alongside the touch pool, an interactive discovery zone features displays, activities and games designed to deepen visitors' understanding of marine biology and ocean conservation in an engaging and age-appropriate way.
The deep sea exhibit transports visitors into the mysterious, lightless world of the ocean's abyssal depths, a realm that remains largely unexplored even by modern science. The section features bioluminescent organisms, extraordinary deep-sea fish adapted to survive at extreme pressures, and scale models of deep-sea creatures that could not survive in a conventional aquarium setting. Interactive displays explain how scientists explore the deep sea and what they have discovered about these extraordinarily alien ecosystems, firing the imagination of visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
The aquarium extends its reach beyond the sea to the freshwater world of the Amazon Basin, showcasing the extraordinary diversity of tropical river fish and the aquatic ecosystems of South American rainforests. Giant arapaima, electric eels, piranhas, colourful discus fish and a host of other Amazonian species inhabit this lush, tropical section of the aquarium. The exhibit also highlights the environmental pressures facing the Amazon and its extraordinary biodiversity, drawing powerful connections between ocean and rainforest conservation as part of the same global challenge.
Aquarium La Rochelle is more than a visitor attraction. It is an active centre for marine research, education and conservation, working with scientific partners across France and internationally to contribute to the understanding and protection of marine ecosystems. Visits to the aquarium directly support these conservation efforts. Throughout your visit, you will find information about specific research programmes and conservation initiatives that the institution supports.
Learn About Our History