More about: Paris Aquariums Tickets
Paris also has its underwater side. Beyond the museums and grand boulevards, the city is home to several venues dedicated to the aquatic world, though not all are suited to the same kind of visit: some are classic aquariums meant for a leisurely stroll, others work best as a half-day family outing, and still others are more focused on science outreach or specialized aquarium keeping than on being a typical tourist attraction.
To make the right choice, it’s important to distinguish between Paris’s major aquariums and other venues that, while related to the marine world or aquariums, don’t function as conventional tourist attractions. This guide lists the main ones so you know what to expect at each, how to visit them, and which one best fits your trip.
Paris Aquarium Tickets
Visit the Paris Aquarium next to the Trocadéro
Discover one of the city’s most famous aquariums with a general admission ticket and explore its large tanks, interactive areas, and activities designed for the whole family.
With these tickets to the Aquarium de Paris, you can explore one of the city’s most iconic aquatic attractions at your own pace. Its location next to the Trocadéro makes it a very easy stop to fit into a Paris itinerary, and inside you’ll find large tanks, a variety of marine species, and family-friendly experiences, such as the interactive fish tank, the underwater cinema, and the mermaid show.
Recommended if... you’re looking for a comprehensive, central attraction that’s easy to combine with other plans in Paris.
Paris Aquarium Annual Pass
Annual Pass for the Paris Aquarium
Get 12 months of access to the aquarium with a pass that’s perfect for returning at your leisure and taking advantage of discounts and special activities.
If you plan to visit again or want more flexible access, the Paris Aquarium annual pass offers unlimited access to the aquarium’s facilities for twelve months, plus discounts on the gift shop and dining, as well as access to special activities and events**.**
Recommended if... you travel to Paris frequently or want a very convenient option to return at your leisure.
Paris SEA LIFE Aquarium Tickets
Tickets for SEA LIFE Aquarium Paris Val d’Europe
Explore a family-friendly aquarium featuring themed tanks, a touch pool, and a spectacular 360-degree shark tunnel.
With these tickets to SEA LIFE Aquarium, you can explore on your own—one of the most convenient options if you’ll be spending time in the Val d’Europe or Disneyland Paris area. The tour is clearly geared toward families and combines themed tanks, a variety of species, a touch pool, and a 360-degree shark tunnel.
Recommended if... you’re looking for an aquarium designed with children in mind or want to add it to a visit to the Disneyland area.
Other Aquariums in Paris
There are other smaller aquariums in the city that you can also visit if you’re passionate about the subject. The visit is quicker, so you can always take advantage of some free time to pop in and enjoy watching the fish there.
Tropical Aquarium
The Aquarium Tropical at Porte Dorée has a different vibe: less spectacular from a tourist perspective but more interesting from a scientific, historical, and educational standpoint. Visits are typically self-guided, and the facility houses over 350 species spread across more than 80 habitats.
Its permanent exhibition features 84 aquariums with capacities ranging from 50 to 16,000 liters, and it’s a highly recommended spot if you’re interested in taking a more leisurely look at the aquatic world.
The City of Arts and Sciences Aquarium
The aquarium at the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie also does not fit the mold of a large standalone aquarium. It is part of the museum’s permanent collection, and admission is free.
The institution itself offers an audio guide in French, English, and Spanish, and estimates a brief visit of about 15 minutes. It’s a good addition if you’re already at La Villette, though it doesn’t replace a more extensive visit like the one to the Aquarium de Paris or SEA LIFE.
Are tickets to Paris aquariums included in any tourist pass?
Yes, at least in one clear case: the Aquarium de Paris is among the attractions included in the Paris Pass Plus. For the other venues mentioned here, inclusion in a general Paris tourist pass isn’t stated as explicitly.
If you plan to visit several paid attractions, this type of pass can help you better organize your trip and reduce costs depending on the number of visits you’ll make.
Which aquarium to choose depending on the type of visit you’re looking for
If you want a comprehensive, centrally located visit that’s easy to fit into a Paris itinerary, the Paris Aquarium is the best all-around option. If your trip takes you through Val d’Europe or you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, SEA LIFE is a better fit.
If you prefer a space with more educational focus and less of a show-like atmosphere, the Tropical Aquarium has a lot of character. And if you simply want a quick, free stop during another visit, the aquarium at the Cité des sciences fits the bill perfectly.