Aquarium La Rochelle: a memorable dive to the bottom of the ocean

Who hasn't dreamed of rubbing shoulders with fish from all over the world? The Aquarium La Rochelle offers much more than a simple excursion; it's a true immersion into the heart of the oceans of planet Earth. Located in the Old Port of La Rochelle since 2000, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock each year to one of the largest private aquariums in Europe.

The Charente-Maritime Guide takes you to meet more than 12,000 animals living in 82 different aquariums. From room to room, with your eyes fixed on the tanks, the show only ends at the end of the visit. Follow us for an adventure that will leave unforgettable memories for young and old alike.

Progressive immersion: a journey along the water

From the moment you step foot inside the La Rochelle Aquarium, you're immediately enveloped by a unique ambiance. The subdued lighting creates a subdued, almost mystical atmosphere, and the constant lapping of the water, sometimes gentle, sometimes more pronounced, invites you to explore. It's the perfect prelude to an underwater adventure that promises to be unforgettable.

The Atlantic: Stars, Seahorses and Other Local Wonders

The journey begins gently with the jellyfish tunnel and a word from the founders of the La Rochelle Aquarium, Roselyne Coutant Bénier and Pascal Coutant. Let's go and discover coastal ecosystems!

We find ourselves facing the Atlantic basins, where starfish, seahorses and soles swim before our eyes among other fish. Cuttlefish swim with fascinating grace and crustaceans bustle about in their nooks and crannies.

Every detail is designed to immerse us in these aquatic worlds, as if we were explorers of the seabed ourselves. Moreover, elements of the Atlantic have been recreated so as not to disorient the fish, such as the mooring piles. These wooden structures, often covered with shells (mussels, oysters) and seaweed, are commonly used in coastal and estuarine areas for various reasons:

• Mooring : they allow boats to be tied up.
• Supporting structures : in ports or oyster farms, they can support pontoons or jetties.
• Protection : they can delimit navigation channels or protect banks.

The fish are not out of place at the La Rochelle Aquarium.

The Mediterranean between elegance and history

Then, head for the Mediterranean. The universe is different from the previous one. The layout recreates the atmosphere of an underwater caves, with textured walls and rock concretions on the ceiling. The colors, in earth and gray tones, with subdued lighting, accentuate the relief and the impression of immersion.

Oh! An octopus playing hide-and-seek in the cavities. Its dark color would almost make us walk right past it without even noticing it...

Our gaze is quickly drawn to these small, bright red fish. But what are they? They are barbels. They live in schools near caves and in the deep waters (between 15 and 200-300 meters) of the Mediterranean. Their bright color is an effective camouflage in the depths where the red is absorbed and makes them less visible to predators.

The Oceanic and the hypnotic ballet of jellyfish

As we continue, a vast immersive observatory lies before us. The lighting is lower to focus visitors' attention on the underwater spectacle. This is the perfect time to take a short break or stop at the restroom.

Behind you, discover the captivating dance of the jellyfish, true hypnotic acrobats, floating in plays of light.

Continue the visit, a surprise is hidden in the middle of the corridor...

First encounter with sharks

The excitement builds with our first encounter with sharks. Impressive and fascinating, they swim with quiet power, leaving us speechless at their presence.

The excursion continues, but this time, look up.

The Caribbean: an explosion of coral colors

We are then transported to the Caribbean, a veritable festival of colors in transparent waters. The flamboyant corals are home to a multitude of brightly colored fish, a spectacle of breathtaking beauty that testifies to the richness of the coral reefs.

A new space allows you to sit in front of a panoramic aquarium where fish swim with each other. But who are they?

• Angelfish ;
• Fusilier fish ;
• Butterfly fish ;
• Picasso ballistas ;
• Damselfish...

The layout of the pond with sand and numerous rock and coral formations is typical of tropical areas where these fish naturally live.

The Indo-Pacific: From familiar figures to immense lobsters

The Pacific takes over. Children will immediately recognize the next fish. It's orange and white and swims with a blue fish. Have you found it? You're now facing the pool of Nemo's close cousins, the clownfish, and Dory, the surgeonfish. These aquatic animals, made famous by the cartoon Nemo, rub shoulders with delightful lobsters and other rays gliding through the water.

An immersive show in the shark aquarium

The route now takes us to the shark aquarium, a space where we can take the time to observe these majestic animals from another angle, in a more contemplative setting.

The shark tank is one of the largest in the La Rochelle Aquarium, representing half of the 3 million liters of seawater in the facility, or around 1.5 million liters of water ! It's an impressive volume that allows these creatures to move around with ease.

Among the species that can be seen, we find in particular:

• The Bull Shark, recognizable by its mouth full of sharp teeth that remain visible even when it closes its mouth.
• The Grey Reef Shark, a common variety of coral reefs.
• The Whitetip Reef Shark, often seen at the bottom of the water or in caves.
• The Blacktip Reef Shark, characterized by the black tips of its fins.

An adjoining room also offers films about the aquarium's life, allowing for a more in-depth perspective on the species and conservation efforts. This space, moreover, can be privatized for events, with a breathtaking view of the tanks: a truly unique experience!

The sea turtle at the La Rochelle Aquarium

The section dedicated to sea turtles is both a fascinating and educational experience. It highlights the beauty and fragility of these majestic reptiles.

At the heart of this space, observe a green turtle moving gracefully in a rocky environment, alongside fish such as yellow king trevally. It is a soothing and colorful aquatic spectacle.

Beyond simple observation, this section reflects the Aquarium's commitment to the preservation of endangered species. The La Rochelle Aquarium houses a Sea Turtle Study and Care Center. It plays a crucial role in the rescue, care, and rehabilitation of injured or weakened sea turtles found along the French Atlantic coast. It is a place where science and conservation come together to give these animals a second chance at life.

Four species of sea turtles are regularly observed on the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and are therefore the focus of this care program:

• The leatherback turtle ;
• The green turtle (the one you can admire in the pool);
• The loggerhead turtle ;
• Kemp's ridley.

This immersion in the world of sea turtles is not only an opportunity to see these creatures, but also to become aware of the challenges they face and the importance of the preservation actions carried out by the Aquarium.

A humid interlude for the tropical greenhouse

Our exploration finally leads us to the tropical forest, a surprising and exotic transition. From the first seconds, we feel the humid heat of hot countries. This bubble of greenery and humidity contrasts with the blue atmosphere of the aquariums. Mists help to maintain this high humidity, while the discreet sounds of trickling water or birdsong (sometimes broadcast) reinforce this feeling of immersion.

Let's cross the suspension bridge in front of us. We don't know it yet, but underneath it swim fish we'd rather not encounter in the open sea: piranhas.

Keep your eyes peeled: small turtles roam the forest on both sides. Between the orchids and tropical plants, the ponds are home to colorful saltwater fish species.

After the visit, it continues

As soon as you finally leave the Aquarium, the shop awaits to prolong the wonder. Whether you're looking for a shark plush toy, a book about marine life, or a decorative object reminiscent of the ocean, you're sure to find the perfect souvenir. The selection, often focused on ethical and educational products, allows you to keep a piece of this aquatic adventure and support conservation.

For a well-deserved break, head to the Aquarium restaurant. Its main attraction? A breathtaking view of the Old Port of La Rochelle and its historic towers.

Find all the practical information on the Aquarium La Rochelle page and on their official website.

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