San Sebastián Aquarium

Aquarium in San Sebastián

Aquarium of Donostia San Sebastian Spain
Aquarium of Donostia San Sebastian Spain
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Catatine

Set right on the harbour at the edge of the Old Town, the San Sebastián Aquarium is the kind of place that works for almost any itinerary: a weather-proof stop when the sky turns moody, and a genuinely memorable visit even on a perfect beach day. You move through two worlds in one building-first the city's deep relationship with the sea, then the living spectacle of the aquarium itself, where light, shadow, and swirling fish turn the experience into something surprisingly cinematic.

The headline moment is the 360º tunnel, where you walk through a clear passage as sharks and rays glide overhead, and it's easy to see why this is one of the top attractions in San Sebastián for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. It also slots neatly into a walking tour of San Sebastián because you can pair it with the Old Town lanes, the waterfront, and viewpoints like Monte Urgull without any complicated logistics.

History and Significance of the San Sebastián Aquarium

The aquarium’s story is tied to San Sebastián’s long maritime identity-fishing, sailing, and the Atlantic routes that shaped daily life along the Basque coast. Long before the modern oceanarium experience, the site and its collections helped document local seafaring culture, from boatbuilding traditions to the species that sustained the region’s port economy.

Today, that heritage still matters because the visit doesn’t start with “just tanks.” You begin with context: why the sea is so central here, and how people in Gipuzkoa have navigated, harvested, and studied it over time. That grounding makes the aquarium exhibits feel richer, because you’re not only watching marine life-you’re seeing how closely it connects to the city outside the doors.

Things to See and Do in the San Sebastián Aquarium

The 360º tunnel is the must-do: take it slowly, look up, and give yourself time to notice how different the scene feels depending on where the light falls. It’s also worth looping back for a second pass-your first walk-through is usually “wow,” and your second is when you start spotting details like the way rays move, or how sharks cut through the water with minimal effort.

Don’t rush the oceanarium-style viewing area, where the biggest species tend to gather and the scale of the tank changes your sense of space. If you time it well, you may catch diver activity or feeding moments that make the whole place feel more alive and less like a static display.

Finally, give the maritime section a real look rather than treating it as an “extra.” The models, tools, and historical framing add a Basque flavour you won't get from aquariums elsewhere, and it's often the part adults end up talking about afterward-especially if you've already spent time around the harbour and Old Town.

How to Get to the San Sebastián Aquarium

The aquarium sits on the harbourfront beside the Old Town, so if you're staying central you can usually reach it on foot via the waterfront or the Parte Vieja lanes in just a few minutes. Local buses also stop around the Boulevard area, which is a simple, flat walk to the entrance.

The nearest airports are San Sebastián Airport (EAS), Bilbao Airport (BIO), and Biarritz Airport (BIQ). For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to San Sebastián on Booking.com. From any of these, you can connect into central San Sebastián by bus or taxi and then continue on foot to the harbourfront.

If you arrive by train at San Sebastián-Donostia station, the easiest approach is a short taxi or bus ride to the centre, then a straightforward walk along the Boulevard toward the port. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you're driving, plan to park in a central underground car park and finish on foot, because the Old Town and harbour area are best enjoyed without trying to navigate the tight streets. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the San Sebastián Aquarium

  • Entrance fee: Adult/child €13/6.50
  • Opening hours: Easter – 30 June; September: Monday – Friday: 10:00–20:00. Saturday – Sunday & public holidays: 10:00–21:00.
    July – August: Daily: 10:00–21:00.
    1 October – Easter: Monday – Friday: 10:00–19:00. Saturday – Sunday & public holidays: 10:00–20:00.
    Closed on 25 December, 1 January & 20 January.
  • Official website: http://www.aquariumss.com/
  • Best time to visit: Go early for a calmer tunnel experience, or aim for late afternoon as a perfect indoor stop before your evening pintxos plans.
  • How long to spend: Plan 60-90 minutes for a satisfying visit, or up to 2 hours if you like reading exhibits and doing a slower second pass of the tunnel.
  • Accessibility: It’s generally a manageable indoor visit with lifts and structured routes, but low lighting in some areas can be challenging if you prefer brighter spaces.
  • Facilities: Expect a shop and practical visitor basics, and remember that last entry is typically earlier than closing time, so don’t arrive right at the end of the day.

Where to Stay Close to the San Sebastián Aquarium

For a culture-heavy itinerary, stay in Parte Vieja or Centro so you can walk to the main sights and food spots; if your trip is more beach-focused, base yourself along the La Concha side of Centro for an easy promenade routine with quick access back to the harbour.

For a location that’s practically made for harbour wandering and aquarium days, Lasala Plaza Hotel puts you right by the waterfront and within an easy stroll of the entrance. If you want classic five-star comfort in a central spot that still keeps the harbour walk simple, Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel is an elegant base. For a polished boutique feel in the centre, Hotel Arbaso works well if you want walkability without being right on the nightlife streets.

Is the San Sebastián Aquarium Worth Visiting?

Yes, particularly if you want one experience that combines local context with a true “wow” moment. The tunnel and oceanarium deliver that big, memorable visual payoff, while the maritime exhibits make it feel rooted in San Sebastián rather than interchangeable with any other city aquarium.

It’s also a strong choice if you’re trying to balance your trip: beach walks and viewpoints outside, then an indoor stop that still keeps you connected to the sea. Even travellers who normally skip museums tend to enjoy this one because it’s immersive, fast to navigate, and easy to fit between other plans.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This is a reliable family win because the route has clear “chapters,” with the tunnel acting as a built-in highlight that keeps attention high. It’s also a good option when you want something exciting that doesn’t depend on perfect weather.

To keep the visit smooth, treat it as a focused 60-90 minute activity and save longer meals for after, when everyone’s energy is higher. If you’re travelling with very young kids, the harbourfront location is handy because you can step outside quickly for air, snacks, or a reset.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

The aquarium is surprisingly good for couples because it's atmospheric-dim lighting, slow movement, and that shared “look at that” energy in the tunnel. It also makes an easy, low-effort daytime date that pairs well with a harbour walk and an evening out in the Old Town.

If you want it to feel more special, time it as a bridge between a coastal stroll and your dinner plans rather than as a standalone “museum day.” It’s one of those places where you can be playful for an hour, then step straight back into the city’s best food scene.

Budget Travelers

While it’s a paid attraction, it can be good value if you use it strategically: one solid indoor highlight that anchors a day otherwise built around free walks, beaches, viewpoints, and neighbourhood wandering. It’s also a practical pick on rainy days, when you might otherwise spend money bouncing between cafés.

To stay on budget, skip add-ons and keep your timing efficient-go when you're likely to avoid queues so you don't feel pressured to spend extra time or money nearby. Pair it with the harbourfront and Old Town exploration, which give you plenty of atmosphere at no cost.

History Buffs

The maritime section is the reason history-minded travellers tend to rate this higher than a typical aquarium visit. It adds a Basque coastal lens-how the sea shaped livelihoods, technology, and daily life-so you leave with more than just memories of sharks.

If you enjoy connecting dots, visit after you've already walked the port area, because you'll recognise details and the storyline lands better. It's a strong “context stop” that makes the harbour and Old Town feel more meaningful afterward.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (15,103)

Aquarium, located at 1 Plaza de Carlos Blasco Imaz in Donostia / San Sebastián, sits by the harbour and combines regional marine life with an extensive nautical and fishing-focused museum; visitors highlight well-presented displays and tanks, a standout glass tunnel where sharks and fish swim overhead, and an experience that's compact enough to see in about one to two hours but satisfying for families and adults alike, though it can be busy so those with sensory sensitivities should plan accordingly.

M Shefketova
3 months ago
"⸻ The Aquarium in San Sebastián is well worth a visit, especially if you’re with kids. The exhibits are informative and well laid out, with a mix ofhistory and marine life. The highlight is the glass tu el where fish and sharks swim around you, which keeps both children and adults impressed. It’s not a huge aquarium, but it’s well maintained and easy to walk through in about 1–2 hours. Ticket prices are fair for what you get, and the location by the harbor makes it convenient to include in a day of exploring the city...."
A a Nelson
3 weeks ago
"fun way to spend an hour or two before starting my pintxos crawl in Old Town. They have an extensive section on Maritime history for the area andfish from local and Amazonian waters. Well done displays and tanks..."
Smarty Pants
5 months ago
"I haven’t gone to an aquarium in forever— and this place makes me want to visit my local ones again. The sharks repeatedly swam over the tu el theyhave here, allowing us the get a close up view of their fins,teeth,gills, and eyes! It was so cool. Definitely recommend visiting...."

FAQs for Visiting the San Sebastián Aquarium

Getting There

It’s on the harbourfront right beside the Old Town, making it easy to reach on foot from central areas. Think of it as part of the port-side loop that naturally links the waterfront to Parte Vieja.
Head toward the Boulevard and follow the edge of the Old Town down to the port. Once you’re on the harbourfront, the aquarium is clearly signposted and hard to miss.
A short taxi or local bus ride gets you to the city centre quickly, then it’s an easy walk to the harbour. If you’re travelling light, you can also walk the whole way as part of a first “arrive and explore” route.
Parking is generally easier in central underground car parks than trying to get close to the harbour entrance. Driving can work, but it’s usually simpler to park once and then do the Old Town and harbour area on foot.

Tickets & Entry

Your ticket covers the full visitor route through the aquarium areas and the maritime-focused exhibits. It’s designed as one continuous visit, so you can move at your own pace rather than rushing between timed rooms.
Most travellers can buy tickets on the day, especially outside peak summer hours. If you’re visiting on a weekend or holiday in high season, booking ahead can save time and reduce queue stress.
Expect standard museum-style rules around keeping to marked areas and not touching exhibits except where explicitly allowed. The main thing people miss is timing-arriving too close to closing can mean you don’t get a relaxed visit because last entry is earlier than closing.
Yes, it operates year-round, but opening hours shift depending on the season and whether it’s a weekend or holiday. If your schedule is tight, check the day’s closing time first so you can plan your arrival window confidently.

Visiting Experience

About an hour is enough to see the highlights, including the tunnel and main tanks. If you want to read displays and do a slower second pass, plan closer to 90 minutes.
Yes, because it delivers a distinct experience that complements the city’s outdoor highlights without demanding a huge time block. It’s especially useful if you want one indoor stop that still feels tied to San Sebastián’s identity.
Pair it with a harbourfront wander and a pintxos session in the Old Town, since they’re immediately next door. If you want a viewpoint add-on, link it with a walk up Monte Urgull for a sea-and-city loop.
It’s one of the best rainy-day choices in the city because it’s fully indoors and still feels connected to the coastline. On a perfect day, it remains worthwhile, but you might schedule it for midday when you’d rather avoid the strongest sun or crowds outside.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Many self-guided routes pass by it because the harbourfront is a natural part of exploring the Old Town edge. Guided tours may point it out as a highlight, but most visitors do the aquarium independently due to ticketing and pacing.
Independent visits work very well because the route is clear and the experience is visual. A guide only adds real value if you specifically want deeper context on local maritime history and conservation themes.
Start at the Old Town, walk the harbourfront to the aquarium area, then continue along the waterfront before circling back for pintxos. It’s compact, intuitive, and keeps the scenery changing without long distances.

Photography

Yes, especially for atmospheric shots in the tunnel and big-tank areas. Just be ready for low light and reflections, which can make phone photos tricky without a steady hand.
Earlier visits usually mean fewer people in the tunnel, which helps for clean shots. If you’re aiming for mood rather than emptiness, later in the day can look great because the lighting feels more dramatic.
Casual photography is typically fine, but flash can be discouraged because it’s stressful for marine life. If you plan to film extensively or use special equipment, check current policies before you go.
The tunnel is the signature frame-position yourself slightly off-centre so the curve leads the eye and sharks pass overhead. In the oceanarium area, shooting slightly upward often reduces glare and captures the scale better.

Accessibility & Facilities

It’s generally set up as an accessible indoor visit with lifts and adapted routes, though some ramps can be steep. If mobility is a key concern, it’s worth checking the latest accessibility notes before you visit.
Yes, you can expect standard visitor facilities, plus practical extras like lockers. It’s designed to handle high visitor volumes, so it functions smoothly as a mainstream attraction.
The harbourfront area around the aquarium has plenty of natural pause points. If you want a longer rest, the Old Town and Boulevard edge nearby offer many café options within a short walk.
Yes, it’s very family-oriented and the route is easy to follow with children. For strollers, quieter times help, since tight spots can feel more crowded when the aquarium is busy.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Parte Vieja is the easiest choice, since it’s right beside the harbourfront and packed with options. If you want something calmer, look toward the Boulevard area where it’s a little less dense than the narrowest Old Town lanes.
A pintxos hop in the Old Town is the classic pairing, especially if you’re building a harbour-to-Old Town mini-route. It’s easy to keep it flexible: a quick bite after your visit or a longer crawl later in the evening.

Safety & Timing

Yes, the harbourfront and Old Town edge are lively and well-used, especially around dinner hours. Standard city awareness is enough, with extra attention mainly needed when crowds are dense.
Early is best for a calmer, less crowded tunnel experience. Later can feel more atmospheric inside, but it’s smart to avoid arriving too close to closing so you don’t feel rushed. (Basque Country Tourism)

Nearby Attractions to the San Sebastián Aquarium

  • Parte Vieja (Old Town): The city's pintxos heartland, ideal for turning an aquarium visit into a full food-and-stroll mini-route.
  • Monte Urgull: A green hill with paths and viewpoints that add a “best views” chapter to your harbourfront day.
  • La Concha Promenade: The iconic bayfront walk that gives you instant San Sebastián atmosphere with minimal effort.
  • Peine del Viento: Chillida's dramatic seafront sculptures where wind and waves create a constantly changing scene.
  • San Telmo Museoa: A strong cultural stop in the Old Town edge, perfect if you want to keep your day history-forward.

The San Sebastián Aquarium appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting San Sebastián!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Easter - 30 June; September: Monday - Friday: 10:00-20:00. Saturday - Sunday & public holidays: 10:00-21:00.

July - August: Daily: 10:00-21:00.

1 October - Easter: Monday - Friday: 10:00-19:00. Saturday - Sunday & public holidays: 10:00-20:00.

Closed on 25 December, 1 January & 20 January.

Price:

Adult/child €13/6.50

Address: Aquarium de San Sebastián 1 Plaza de Carlos Blasco Imaz 20003 Donostia Gipuzkoa Spain
San Sebastián: 1 km
Telephone: +34 943 440 099
Official Website

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