Poema del Mar Aquarium in Las Palmas (visit + photos)

Are you on vacation in Gran Canaria? Visit the Poema del Mar Aquarium, one of the island’s must-see attractions! We were transported by the poetry of the ocean and the diversity of aquatic life. A colorful show that will take you on a voyage through the seas of the world.

In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!

This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

Content

Why visit the Poema del Mar Aquarium?

Is the aquarium worth it? Our opinion:

Yes, the aquarium is well worth a visit. It’s one of the best things to do in Las Palmas and even Gran Canaria! Located in the town of Las Palmas, the site revealed a spectacular world. We discovered species we’d never seen before! Immerse yourself in the ocean and marvel at the colors and shapes of underwater life.

>> Book your ticket now!

Why is the Poema del Mar Aquarium famous?

The Aquarium is said to be one of the finest in Europe, along with the La Rochelle and Barcelona aquariums! It boasts one of the world’s largest saltwater aquatic areas. Almost 4000m3 of water!

The site also owes its fame to its name, in Spanish “Poema del Mar“, given in honor of the great Canary Island artist Néstor Martín-Fernández de la Torre.

Our favorite moments

There are many wonders to admire at the aquarium. We particularly liked it:

The huge aquariums, a veritable plunge into the poetic world of the sea.
The colorful little frogs of South America and the slow dance of scorpionfish wings.
The aquarium’s vocation of preserving vulnerable local species.

>> Book your ticket now and avoid the queue!

WHERE TO STAY IN Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels

In the old town, surrounded by charming alleyways.
Hotel Cordial Plaza Mayor de Santa Ana – see photos and availability

On the Playa de las Canteras side, a long sandy beach.
Hotel Maresía Canteras Urban – view photos and availability

Near Playa de la Alcaravaneras, a less touristy area.
Hotel Santa Catalina, historic – see photos and availability

See our selection of the best hotels in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

See all available accommodation >>

History in brief

The aquarium was opened in 2018 in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, with the aim of showing the public the unique biodiversity of the Canary Islands’ waters and the richness of their marine life. Since its creation, the site has attracted more and more visitors every year. Today, it’s one of the island’s biggest attractions!

Access: Aquarium Poema del Mar, Las Palmas

Where is the aquarium?

In Las Palmas, in the north-east
10 minutes by car from the historic center of Vegueta
Los Consignatarios Avenue

OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria

Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.

See available cars >>

Read our tips

How to get there?

You can walk to the aquarium. But even though it’s located in Las Palmas, it’s quite isolated from the center. More than half an hour’s walk. If you’re coming from Playa de las Canteras, it’s not possible to cross the expressway on foot. Check your route carefully.

Buses 12, 21, 45, 47 and 60 will drop you off near the aquarium. You can also come by car, as we did. The site is then a 10-minute drive from the heart of the city.

Parking

You can park opposite the aquarium in the large del Puerto parking lot.

DISCOVER Las Palmas

Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…

Best time to visit

The aquarium attracts crowds. Come in the morning and try to avoid the world. It’s not always easy to spot the fish when there are too many people around. It’s an ideal outing when it’s raining or in the off-season!

Length of visit and main difficulties

Allow at least 2 hours to explore the entire aquarium. When the site is crowded, it’s harder to enjoy the visit. We sometimes had trouble capturing the poetry of the place, so crowded was the audience.

Access to the aquarium is possible for people with reduced mobility.

Advice on how to visit

There’s a set visiting direction. Follow the path and delve into the mysteries of the ocean! First we crossed a tropical jungle and ponds filled with exotic species. The tour continues with the coral reef environment and a very large aquarium spanning 3 floors. Finally, we admired the gigantic deep-sea reservoir, home to sea creatures such as sharks!

A LITTLE MORE patience

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Visiting with children

An ideal place for a family outing. Young and old alike will enjoy discovering some amazing species. The transparent tunnels through the reservoir are sure to please the kids! We thought we were under the sea. Workshops and activities are dedicated to the very young. Along the way, they can also touch screens providing information on marine species.

Schedules and rates

The aquarium is open Monday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Prices are as follows:

Children: €18.50
Adult: €27
Children under 2 free of charge

More info on the official website here.

Guided tour

As soon as you enter the aquarium, you can choose to be guided by a “videoguide”, downloadable via a QR code. Free wifi in the aquarium!

Catering

Diving into the marine world can make you hungry! The aquarium is home to 3 food and beverage outlets:

Le Snack Nemo
Restaurant Néstor
Le Café Lobby

You can also choose to eat in town after your visit. Here’s our article on the best restaurants in Las Palmas (coming soon).

A lush jungle

Amphibians and reptiles from all over the world

Next to the entrance is a teeming jungle! Here we admired species typical of tropical forests. Foliage-coloured chameleons and tortoises blend into the lush scenery!

The tropical zone is also home to some dangerous animals… But no risk! Crocodiles and scorpions stay behind nets and glass. We would have liked to stroke the beautiful yellow and blue Amazonian frogs, even though they are so poisonous!

Mangrove and rainforest fish

Looking at the famous piranhas of the Amazon River, as well as mangrove and cenote fish, we were transported to the Tropics!

Amazing specimens also populate this part of the aquarium. The jumping gobies and the long-beaked paddlefish were a particular surprise!

Reef treasures

A gigantic aquarium

The journey under the sea continues with the site’s first large basin. Spread over 3 floors, it’s a real immersion in the coral reefs. Néstor de la Torre’s “poetry of the sea” has taken on a whole new meaning for us!

Reconstructing part of the Canary Islands’ marine world, the veril en Canarien also aims to preserve vulnerable local species such as the pejeperro.

A myriad of species

The colors of the reef struck us! Hundreds of blue, yellow, pink and geometrically patterned fish as well as brightly colored corals and anemones captivate the eye. We were hypnotized.

Amongst this colourful fauna are some surprising species! Delicate seahorses, light fluorescent shrimps and scorpionfish flying on their wing-fin piqued our curiosity.

The mysteries of the deep

A spectacular dive into the ocean

The highlight of the show is the site’s second large tank, a giant screen showing the ocean floor! Through a series of tunnels, portholes and glass openings, we were overwhelmed by the splendor and calm of the sea.

Large specimens hover overhead. Huge sharks and superb rays skim the glass walls. We also enjoyed watching the octopuses and large sea turtles unfurl.

Pedagogy and natural sciences

Fossils, models of prehistoric animals and skeletons punctuate the tour. Echoing the biodiversity we have in front of us, reminding us of the past of life on Earth.

The aquarium also promotes responsible behavior and informs visitors about the importance of protecting the oceans. We appreciated this educational aspect of the visit. The aquarium’s website is also working in this direction, providing an online encyclopedia of all the species housed at the aquarium.

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Frequently asked questions

Is admission to the Poema del Mar Aquarium expensive?

Visiting the aquarium is not cheap (€18 for children, €27 for adults). But we think this can be justified. The site is renowned as one of the most beautiful aquariums in Europe, along with La Rochelle in France and Barcelona in Spain! Buy your tickets now here.

Does the Poema del Mar Aquarium have parking?

Directly opposite the aquarium, you’ll find the del Puerto parking lot, which can accommodate a large number of vehicles. We parked there!

What tourist attractions are close to the aquarium?

Although located close to downtown Las Palmas and the beaches, the aquarium is somewhat isolated as it is surrounded by an expressway. However, Gran Canaria’s capital is not short of exciting activities. Find our list of the best things to do in Las Palmas here.