Top 20 Largest Aquariums in the World

Top 20 Largest Aquariums in the World

-Largest Aquariums in the World – Aquariums offer travelers a fascinating opportunity to explore the underwater world without having to dive into the ocean. From enormous whale sharks and manta rays to colorful coral reefs, penguins, dolphins and thousands of tropical fish, the world’s largest aquariums combine marine conservation, education and tourism on an impressive scale.

But which are the largest aquariums in the world?

-Aquarium size can be measured in different ways, including total water volume, the size of the largest individual tank or the overall size of the facility. For this article, the main comparison is total water volume, because it provides a useful way of comparing the scale of these enormous aquatic attractions. Published figures can differ depending on whether they include display tanks, support systems, holding tanks or other water facilities, so rankings should be treated as a guide rather than an absolute measurement.

Here are 20 of the world’s largest aquariums that deserve a place on the travel bucket list.

1. Chimelong Spaceship – Zhuhai, China

-Approximate water volume – 75.35 million litres – Chimelong Spaceship currently holds the Guinness World Records title for the largest aquarium, with a total aquarium volume of 75,350,969 litres. It is located in Hengqin, Zhuhai, China, and opened to visitors in 2023.

-The attraction consists of 38 aquarium tanks and showcases hundreds of types of fish, coral and aquatic plants. Its largest aquarium tank alone contains 56,450,136 litres, making it the world’s largest aquarium tank according to Guinness World Records.

-For travelers visiting Zhuhai, Chimelong Spaceship provides a futuristic take on marine tourism and is one of the most impressive modern attractions in China.

2. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

-Approximate water volume – 58 million litres – Located on Yas Island, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s largest marine-life attractions. Published figures put its water capacity at approximately 58 million litres, although figures can vary according to what facilities are included in the calculation.

-Opened in 2023, the attraction is organized around different marine environments or “realms,” taking visitors through a variety of ocean habitats.

-Travelers to Abu Dhabi can combine a visit here with other Yas Island attractions, making it an interesting addition to a UAE vacation.

3. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom – Zhuhai, China

-Approximate water volume – 48.75 million litres – Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is another enormous marine attraction in Zhuhai. It has a total water volume of approximately 48.75 million litres, placing it among the largest aquariums anywhere in the world.

-The attraction combines an aquarium with a major theme park, providing visitors with marine exhibits, entertainment and rides.

-The facility has also held several Guinness World Records related to aquarium displays, including records associated with its enormous tank and underwater viewing facilities.

4. Singapore Oceanarium – Singapore

-Approximate water volume – 45 million litres – Singapore’s huge marine attraction is another major highlight for travelers exploring Southeast Asia. The attraction formerly known as S.E.A. Aquarium has been developed into the Singapore Oceanarium.

-Published figures place its water volume at around 45.2 million litres. It was previously recognized as the world’s largest aquarium before newer facilities surpassed it.

-Its location on Sentosa Island makes it particularly convenient for tourists, as visitors can combine an aquarium experience with the island’s beaches, resorts and other attractions.

5. Oceanographic – Valencia, Spain

-Approximate water volume – 41.6–42 million litres –Located within Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences complex, Oceanographic is one of Europe’s most important marine attractions.

-The aquarium complex contains approximately 41.6 million litres of water, according to widely published figures.

-One of its major attractions is its impressive architecture, which was designed to represent different marine environments. Visitors can explore Mediterranean ecosystems, Arctic and Antarctic environments, tropical seas and other aquatic habitats.

-For travelers exploring Spain, Oceanographic can easily be included in a Valencia city itinerary.

6. Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta, United States

-Approximate water volume- 41.64 million litres –The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is one of the most famous aquariums in the world. It opened in 2005 and was once the world’s largest aquarium.

-The facility contains more than 41 million litres of water according to widely cited capacity figures.

-One of its most famous attractions is its enormous aquatic habitats, including exhibits featuring whale sharks and other large marine animals.

-Although it no longer holds the overall world record, Georgia Aquarium remains an important attraction for visitors to Atlanta and one of the most recognizable aquariums in North America.

7. Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium – Nagoya, Japan

-Approximate water volume – 27 million litres –Japan is home to several impressive aquariums, and the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium is among the largest.

-The aquarium contains approximately 27 million litres of water, with its largest tank holding around 13.4 million litres.

-The facility is particularly known for its large marine mammals and extensive aquatic exhibits. Its location near Nagoya’s port also makes it a convenient attraction for visitors exploring the city.

8. Moskvarium – Moscow, Russia

-Approximate water volume – 25 million litres – Moskvarium, also known as the Moscow Oceanarium, is one of the largest aquatic attractions in Europe.

-Its published total water volume is approximately 25 million litres.

-The attraction gives visitors an opportunity to see marine species in a city far from the ocean. Its exhibitions cover aquatic environments and marine life from different parts of the world.

-Moskvarium demonstrates how large-scale aquariums can bring the ocean experience to inland destinations.

9. Primorsky Aquarium – Vladivostok, Russia

-Approximate water volume – 25 million litres –Located on Russky Island near Vladivostok, Primorsky Aquarium is another enormous Russian aquarium.

-Current published lists place its water volume at around 25 million litres.

-The aquarium focuses heavily on marine biodiversity from the Pacific region while also presenting aquatic environments from other parts of the world.

-Its location makes it particularly interesting for travelers exploring Russia’s Pacific coast.

10. National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium – Taiwan

-Approximate water volume – 24 million litres or more, depending on the measurement

-Taiwan’s National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, located near Hengchun and Kenting National Park, is one of Asia’s major marine attractions.

-Different sources report different capacity figures depending on whether support and non-display water systems are included. One current compilation estimates approximately 24.1 million litres for the site, while another uses approximately 15.53 million litres for visitor-facing exhibit water.

-The museum is divided into major sections focusing on Taiwan’s waters, coral reefs and aquatic environments around the world.

11. The Seas with Nemo & Friends – Florida, United States

-Approximate water volume: 21.58 million litres –Located at EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, The Seas with Nemo & Friends is one of the world’s largest aquarium attractions.

-Its total water volume is approximately 21.58 million litres.

-The attraction combines Disney storytelling with a huge marine habitat. Visitors can encounter sharks, rays, sea turtles and numerous fish species.

-For families traveling to Orlando, the attraction provides an opportunity to combine a theme-park holiday with an educational marine experience.

12. Aqua Planet Jeju – Jeju Island, South Korea

-Approximate water volume -20 million litres –South Korea’s Jeju Island is famous for its volcanic landscapes, beaches and coastal scenery, but it is also home to Aqua Planet Jeju.

-The aquarium contains approximately 20 million litres of water, with its largest tank holding around 10.8 million litres.

-Aqua Planet provides visitors with an opportunity to discover marine life from Korean waters alongside species from other regions.

-It is an excellent attraction to add to a Jeju Island itinerary, particularly for families and travelers interested in marine biodiversity.

13. Atlanterhavsparken – Ålesund, Norway

-Approximate water volume – 19 million litres – Located in Ålesund, Norway, Atlanterhavsparken is one of Europe’s major public aquariums.

-Its total water volume is approximately 19 million litres, with the figure calculated from major aquatic habitats including its Atlantic Tank and Seal Bay.

-Unlike some enormous entertainment-focused aquarium complexes, Atlanterhavsparken places strong emphasis on the marine environment of the Norwegian coast and the North Atlantic.

-Visitors can learn about cold-water marine ecosystems while enjoying Ålesund’s dramatic coastal setting.

14. Shedd Aquarium – Chicago, United States

Approximate water volume- 18.9 million litres

-Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium is one of the most historic names on this list. Opened in 1930, it has welcomed generations of visitors and remains a major attraction on the city’s lakefront.

-The aquarium contains approximately 18.9 million litres of water.

-Its exhibits cover freshwater and marine ecosystems, allowing visitors to explore aquatic life from around the world.

-A visit to Shedd Aquarium can easily be combined with other Chicago attractions, making it a popular stop for travelers planning a city vacation.

15. Nausicaá – Boulogne-sur-Mer, France

Approximate water volume – 17 million litres – Nausicaá, officially the Centre National de la Mer, is located in Boulogne-sur-Mer in northern France.

-The aquarium contains approximately 17 million litres of water, including a huge tank holding about 10 million litres.

-Nausicaá presents marine life alongside educational information about the relationship between humans and the ocean.

-It is particularly appealing to travelers interested in marine conservation, ocean ecosystems and environmental education.

16. uShaka Marine World – Durban, South Africa

Approximate water volume – 17 million litres

-Africa also has a place among the world’s giant aquarium attractions. uShaka Marine World in Durban, South Africa, is a major marine-themed attraction with approximately 17 million litres of water, according to current comparative listings.

-Its location on Durban’s Golden Mile makes it easy to combine a visit with a beach holiday.

-For travelers visiting South Africa, uShaka offers a combination of marine exhibits, entertainment and coastal tourism.

17. Afrykarium – Wrocław, Poland

-Approximate water volume: 15 million litres

-The Afrykarium in Wrocław is a distinctive aquarium complex dedicated primarily to aquatic ecosystems associated with Africa.

-Current comparative lists place its water volume at approximately 15 million litres.

-Visitors can explore representations of African rivers, lakes, coral reefs and other aquatic environments.

-For travelers interested in Africa but unable to visit the continent’s diverse ecosystems in person, the attraction provides an interesting interpretation of African aquatic biodiversity.

18. Cube Oceanarium – Chengdu, China

-Approximate water volume – 11 million litres

-Chengdu’s Cube Oceanarium is another Chinese attraction that demonstrates the country’s growing collection of large-scale aquariums.

-It contains approximately 11 million litres of water, with its largest tank holding about 10 million litres.

-The aquarium features marine environments and species from different parts of the world, making it an interesting family attraction in Chengdu.

19. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo – Dubai, UAE

-Approximate water volume – 10.5 million litres

-Located inside Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the world’s most recognizable urban aquarium attractions.

-It contains approximately 10.5 million litres of water, while its enormous main tank holds around 10 million litres.

-The aquarium is particularly convenient for tourists because it forms part of a major shopping and entertainment destination in central Dubai.

-Visitors can view thousands of aquatic animals while also exploring Dubai Mall and nearby attractions such as Burj Khalifa.

20. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan – Osaka, Japan

-Approximate water volume – 10–11 million litres

-Rounding out our list is Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of Japan’s most famous aquariums.

-Published figures place its total capacity at around 10 million litres or slightly more, depending on the source and measurement methodology. Its largest tank is approximately 7.5 million litres.

-The aquarium is particularly famous for its enormous Pacific Ocean tank and its immersive approach to aquatic ecosystems.

-For tourists visiting Osaka, Kaiyukan can be combined with nearby attractions in the Osaka Bay area.

Top 20 Largest Aquariums at a Glance

-Capacity figures for some facilities vary because sources use different definitions of total water volume.

Why Visit the World’s Largest Aquariums?

-The largest aquariums in the world are more than places to see fish behind glass. Many combine entertainment with education, research and conservation.

For travelers, they can provide an opportunity to-

• See enormous marine animals up close.
• Discover ecosystems from different parts of the world.
• Learn about coral reefs and ocean conservation.
• Enjoy family-friendly educational experiences.
• Explore underwater tunnels and giant viewing windows.
• Add unique attractions to city vacations.
• Learn about marine species that may be difficult to encounter in the wild.

-Some facilities are also important research and conservation centers, while others are integrated into larger tourism and entertainment complexes.

What Is the Largest Aquarium in the World?

-According to Guinness World Records, the current record holder is Chimelong Spaceship in Zhuhai, China, with 75,350,969 litres of aquarium water. Its largest individual tank contains 56,450,136 litres.

-However, travelers should remember that “largest aquarium” can mean different things. Some rankings use total water volume, while others compare the largest single tank, exhibition area or entire attraction. This explains why different websites sometimes publish different rankings.

-From China’s futuristic Chimelong Spaceship to the historic Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and the spectacular Dubai Aquarium, the world’s biggest aquariums demonstrate just how far marine tourism has developed.

-For travelers, these attractions offer much more than impressive numbers. They provide opportunities to discover marine ecosystems, encounter extraordinary animals and learn about the importance of protecting the world’s oceans.

-Whether you are planning a family vacation, a city break or a global travel adventure, adding one of these 20 largest aquariums in the world to your itinerary can create an unforgettable underwater experience.