World Oceans Day: The World’s Most Ethical Aquariums
Learn about the ocean without harming it, at one of these brilliant ethical aquariums.
World Oceans Day is nearly upon us! Every June 8th, millions of people around the world get involved in this magic awareness event by cleaning beaches, teaching classes, throwing BBQ’s, supporting aquariums and raising money to help protect our seas. If you haven’t already got a plan, why not check out some of these amazing aquariums around the world and join in their celebrations? There are just five on this article — for the full guide, and to find and visit your nearest aquarium, check out the link below:
Georgia Aquarium, USA
The largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere with 10 million gallons of fresh and marine water and tens of thousands of animals, all of which are housed in state of the art environments. Highlights include the manta ray exhibit (the only one of it’s kind in the US) and the Georgia Aquarium’s Conservation Field Station. Facilities onsite include a restaurant and nearby public transport access. If you’re looking for a friendly, educational and inspirational aquarium you really can’t beat this magical facility. Modern, clean and thoughtfully designed.
The Deep, UK
A huge seaside aquarium in Hull, with over 3000 creatures housed in state-of-the-art tanks and pools, offering visitors the chance to watch feeding times and learn about the inhabitants through displays and talks. There’s a no-frills but perfectly decent onsite cafe serving sandwiches and cold drinks, as well as an award winning evening restaurant open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings — you can even book your wedding here, and enjoy a ceremony surrounded by colourful fish! For day-to-day visitors though, you can buy one ticket and that then gets you in for the rest of the year — so you can enjoy this expansive aquarium again and again.
L’Oceanogràfic, Spain
One of the most state-of-the-art facilities on this list, this vast aquarium is most known for their dolphinarium that puts on performances throughout day, and for their enclosures representing the world’s main marine ecosystems that house over 500 other species. Facilities include several restaurants and cafes, a gift shop and disabled and ramp access to all of the enclosures, meaning that this is one of the most accessible aquariums in the world. It’s conservation efforts are also second to none, and alongside the attractions and main facility they run several educational programs and workshops to help save our troubled oceans.
Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA
A truly beautiful space, this non-profit public aquarium is located on the site of a former sardine cannery, right on the edge of the sea. Highlights here include a huge variety of diverse habitats and conservation opportunities, a range of events including sleepovers, talks and a lot of interactive displays and exhibits. There are discounts for military, state employees and students, and children under 3 go free. At Monterey Bay, the emphasis is on generating enthusiasm and empathy for preserving the world’s oceans — and in such amazing surroundings, it’s not hard to pick up on.
Baltimore National Aquarium, USA
This non-profit public aquarium is in an iconic landmark building on the Baltimore Inner Harbour, and is known for their huge range of aquatic life including sharks, dolphins, alligators, turtles and frogs amongst a whole host of other underwater creatures. Their onsite facilities include a cafe, a gift shop and parking is available at numerous downtown garages within walking distance. Don’t leave yourself short for time! You’ll need a full afternoon — maybe even a full day. There’s so much to see and do, and all of it so beautifully presented.
For the full list of these incredible aquariums, and to find your nearest one, check out the guide on Pearlshare:
