Visiting aquariums and oceanariums can enrich the vacation of those looking to combine knowledge and fun. Sharks, rays, penguins, and different species of fish make up the 40 Brazilian aquariums that, along with zoos, receive 30 million visitors per year.
In addition to providing moments of relaxation, aquariums are responsible for the conservation of species and raising visitor awareness about the importance of preserving aquatic fauna and flora. How about reserving a few days to visit some of them:
AquaRio (RJ)
In Rio de Janeiro is the attraction that holds the title of the largest marine aquarium in Brazil and South America. The giant AquaRio uses 4.5 million liters of water to house its eight thousand animals from 350 species. During the visit, tourists can enjoy educational and leisure activities at attractions such as the Virtual Marine Aquarium, the Science Museum, and the YFish Terminal, which allows viewing fish raised in the Virtual Aquarium.
Aquário do Rio São Francisco (MG)
Located in Belo Horizonte, the aquarium is filled with native and exotic fish from the waters of the São Francisco River. There are 21 tanks with three thousand typical species from the basin, some of which are endangered. There is also a second floor where visitors can observe the fish from above and feel the sensation of being on the banks of the river. The tour includes experiencing, through scenography, the river’s spring and traversing its 2,800 km length.
Aquário de São Paulo (SP)
São Paulo has a themed aquarium with about 300 species and three thousand animals. The scenography of the place allows visitors to immerse themselves in the presented environments. Replicas of Brazilian forests, life-size dinosaurs, and submerged ships bring adventures in the waters to life. In the marine sector, tourists board a sunken submarine surrounded by sharks and rays. Meeting the famous and rare albino alligator hatchlings is also part of the fun.
Oceanário de Aracaju (SE)
The Oceanário de Aracaju is located on Atalaia beach and enchants tourists with its giant turtle shape and the 70 species of animals displayed in the facility managed by the Pró-TAMAR Foundation. Lectures, video shows, and encounters with rays, sharks, morays, jacks, and caranhas make the visitor’s experience even more unforgettable. Some species of invertebrates, crustaceans, mollusks, and fish can be touched.
Aquário de Natal (RN)
The Aquário de Natal works with the rehabilitation of animals found on the shore and roads, providing care to return them to nature. But the aquarium also offers adventure and contact with animals such as hippos and penguins. There is an option for visitors to dive with sharks.
Aquário Paraíba (PB)
Sharks, rays, crustaceans, mollusks, and corals are some of the attractions of the place. At the Aquário Paraíba, visitors learn about the biomes existing in the state, represented by 120 specimens belonging to 80 species of animals. The decoration with diving and fishing gear is part of the attraction’s characterization to further engage tourists.
Aquário de Paranaguá (PR)
In the southern region is the aquarium with 26 exhibits and over 200 species. Most of them are from the Paraná coast, but the place includes exotic animals such as the bamboo shark and Magellanic penguins. The aquarium features exhibitions and a true lesson in biology, ecology, preservation, and conservation, taught by the technicians.
Aquário de Bonito (MS)
Bonito is known for its natural beauty and its aquarium full of diversity. The city, along with the Serra da Bodoquena and the Pantanal, has 269 types of fish, including rare albinos, Jaús (1.20m and an average of 30kg), pintados, cacharas, pacús, and dourados. In the city, tourists can venture into a dive in the Natural Aquarium, with clear waters filled with schools of fish.
By Nayara Oliveira/Embratur
Source: www.visitbrasil.com
For more information about tickets and packages, call BACC Travel at (212) 730-1010.