Aquarium La Rochelle A unique journey to dream and understand the sea

A dive into the heart of the oceans…

Located in the heart of La Rochelle, opposite the Old Port, the La Rochelle Aquarium is one of the largest private aquariums in Europe. Every year, 800,000 visitors, young and old, embark on a two-hour underwater journey to discover 12,000 marine animals and 600 marine species.

A visit designed for families and children

Aquarium La Rochelle offers families a fun and educational experience, perfect for sparking children's curiosity from an early age. 

Throughout the visit, younger visitors discover tanks designed at their eye level, making immersion accessible while raising awareness of the richness and fragility of marine ecosystems. An underwater cave also allows them to observe the intertidal aquarium from a unique angle, by passing underneath it. 

The circuit is brought to life by numerous age-appropriate educational displays and interactive games — challenges, quizzes, riddles — making the visit even more engaging. 

To enrich the experience, an audioguide specially designed for children accompanies their discovery through the adventures of Antioche, a young sea turtle. This narrative thread, both entertaining and informative, guides young visitors throughout the tour.

 The visit is accessible to standard-sized pushchairs, with a loan service available at reception. The Aquarium also offers a specific rate for large families, from two adults and three children aged 3 and over.

2026 highlights

To mark its 25th anniversary, Aquarium La Rochelle invites visitors to enjoy brand-new experiences. A captivating journey into the heart of the marine world awaits, with new universes to explore: coming face to face with the great species of the Atlantic through a sensory and immersive crossing, being mesmerised by the fluorescence of a coral reef, and going behind the scenes in a space dedicated to the work of keepers and biologists, where everyone becomes an actor in the preservation of the marine world.

A committed La Rochelle institution

The La Rochelle Aquarium is more than just an exhibition space. It plays a vital role in the protection of marine species and ecosystems. In particular, it houses a Sea Turtle Research and Care Center, the only one of its kind on the Atlantic coast. Since the center's creation, over 370 turtles have been treated and released back into the ocean. The aquarium also participates in numerous scientific projects in collaboration with national and international scientific communities to contribute to the advancement of knowledge about the marine environment. Finally, significant work on the reproduction of marine species is carried out at the Aquarium. Drawing on its expertise built up over the years, half of the 12,000 marine animals on display, such as jellyfish, corals, cuttlefish, and seahorses, have been bred on-site.

To extend the experience:

• The Mémoires d'Océans shop at the end of the visit.
• The Brasserie Là-Haut and its panoramic terrace on the second floor of the Aquarium.

Practical information

• Location: Quai Louis Prunier, La Rochelle.
• Visit duration: approximately 2 hours.
• It is strongly recommended to buy your tickets online, especially during school holidays.
• Accessible to people with reduced mobility.
• Animals are not allowed during visits.
• All exits are final.