Aquario da Madeira

Aquarium in Porto Moniz (Madeira)

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Karelj

Nestled within the historic Forte de São João Baptista de Porto Moniz, the quaint Aquario da Madeira occupies the grounds of the old castle. This fort, dating back to 1730, is constructed from the locally sourced basalt stone and was originally erected to safeguard the town against pirates.

The aquarium itself, which opened its doors in 2005, features 12 tanks that showcase a variety of marine life native to the waters around Madeira. Among its most notable inhabitants are the small sharks and rays, which are particular highlights.

Visitors should note that the aquarium is relatively modest in size. While it may not be a large-scale facility, it still presents a fascinating experience, especially for children who are keen on marine life. The Aquario da Madeira welcomes visitors daily from 10 am to 6 pm.

Diving in the Aquarium

For those seeking an immersive experience, the aquarium offers the opportunity to dive into the tanks with an instructor, from the Turtle Diving Center, allowing for a closer interaction with the fish. It , allows diving even if you do not have a dive certificate.

The Aquario da Madeira appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Porto Moniz (Madeira)!

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