Guide to visiting the Palma Aquarium
Zafiro Hotel would like to suggest an unforgettable adventure that you can enjoy as a family: spending a day at the Palma Aquarium, one of the largest and most spectacular aquariums in Europe, located just 30 minutes from our hotels in Palmanova. The perfect way to explore the world’s oceans — and witness marine conservation work up close.
And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, at Zafiro Hotels we bring you closer to experiences like Sea Explorers. An educational journey, created in collaboration with the Palma Aquarium Foundation, where you can discover, investigate and actively contribute to protecting our seas. Keep reading to learn more!
Index
[index]
Palma Aquarium: the aquarium of Palma de Mallorca
Palma Aquarium is a must if you are visiting Mallorca with children. You will find the large building near the beginning of the tourist stretch known as Playa de Palma. The aquarium itself is made up of three floors and offers a route filled with activities and other experiences: the Mediterranean, the Tropical Seas, the Medusarium, and the Big Blue, one of the most remarkable areas of this aquarium.
Main tour of the aquarium
The main tour of Palma Aquarium starts from a small square you will find as soon as you enter. This square is designed to let you organise your route in peace and quiet before jumping into the deep to experience the various tanks and gardens in the aquarium area.
- The Mediterranean
Naturally, the first part of the tour starts where it should: in the Mediterranean. Young and old can learn more about the most common species found in the sea that surrounds Mallorca: octopuses, anemones, seahorses... Next to each tank is an information screen or panel with the names of all the curiosities you can see inside. There are also interactive ponds here with starfish or small fish for children to approach and gently touch. You can always find experts near the tanks who provide information and help you with any questions you might have about the various inhabitants. Also, if your visit coincides with mealtimes, you’ll get an opportunity to watch as they feed the fish.
- Tropical Seas
This second part of the tour focuses on marine corals and Palma Aquarium actually houses the largest exhibition of corals in Europe. This area lets you immerse yourself in the marine ecosystems of the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific. It’s certainly one of the most eye-catching sections where you can find more than 70 different coral species and millions of colourful fish.
- Mediterranean Gardens
Pensada para que podáis hacer un alto en vuestro recorrido, la zona de jardines se abre justo en la mitad del camino. Aquí encontraréis también servicios prácticos como la zona de aseos y un área recreativa con parque infantil para los más pequeños. La oferta gastronómica incluye el restaurante Mediterra Buffet, el bar Mediterra, La Cantina y la pizzería Oasis, perfectos para hacer una pausa durante la visita.
- The Jungle
Keep enjoying the outdoors, as the route through Palma Aquarium leads you further into the heart of the Amazon jungle just by climbing to the roof of the building. This is a recreation of an authentic Amazon jungle with typical vegetation as well as a seven-metre-high waterfall.
- The Big Blue
Both young and old are amazed by the Big Blue. This immense tank holds 3,5 million litres of seawater and is home to a multitude of marine species, from tiny fish to tiger sharks. Its design allows visitors to pass through as if they were walking on the bottom of the sea.
- Medusarium
This is one of the most relaxing and beautiful parts of Palma Aquarium. It’s made up of a multitude of jellyfish floating around in a tank under the most perfect, dimmed light to highlight their colours and make them look like magical creatures.
- Corals
Over the years, since its inauguration, Palma Aquarium has developed new and fun attractions for you to enjoy as a family.
- Aquadome: One of the most popular ones is the 3D experience with whales, projected in the Aquadome to simulate a 360° immersion in the sea together with these impressive marine mammals.
- Snorkelling with rays: This activity is one of the most amazing ones the aquarium has to offer if you go there with young children. On offer is the possibility to go for a snorkelling session with rays, at all times watched and guided by the aquarium's experts, of course. *Available seasonally. Available from mid-June to October.
- Backstage tour: Perfect for the endlessly curious, this experience takes you beyond the tanks to explore the hidden workings of the park. Along the way, you’ll uncover the challenges sea turtles face as their habitats are increasingly affected by human activity.
- Shark Vision Boat: If you want to experience a real family adventure, you can get on a boat at the aquarium in Palma with a transparent bottom so you can float on top of the Big Blue tank and see the enormous sharks that live there up close.
- Diving with sharks: Would you dare to swim in the shark tank? This is certainly one of the most exciting adventures that Palma aquarium has to offer: diving at a depth of 8.5 metres in the huge tank, surrounded by fish and... a dozen sharks! This is only for the truly brave visitors!
Sea Explorers Experience
If you want to take your visit to Palma Aquarium even further, the Sea Explorers experience — created by Zafiro Hotels — combines the Backstage Tour with an electric llaüt outing.
A unique adventure to discover Mediterranean biodiversity up close and play an active role in its conservation.
What does it include?
- Explore the Malgrats Islands Marine Reserve.
- Snorkel and take photos of underwater life and contribute your images to CSIC research projects.
- Learn about the key projects for the Palma Aquarium Foundation, including the Sea Turtle Rescue and Recovery Centre.
Information of interest:
- Departure aboard a traditional Mallorcan llaüt is from Port Adriano.
- The llaüt has space for up to 7 people.
- Tickets are purchased separately.
- Zafiro Hotels guests get a special price for Palma Aquarium admission with the Backstage Tour experience. You can book online using this link.
- Visitors aged 6 and above can take part in the activity, making it ideal for families.
Our advice:
Although Sea Explorers brings both activities together, we recommend dedicating one day to the llaüt outing and another to the Backstage Tour. You’ll enjoy each experience at a calmer pace — and get far more out of both.
Palma Aquarium pricing
The entrance fees vary according to age and can be found on the aquarium website. Special activities have an additional cost and must also be booked in advance.
As a guest of Zafiro Hotels, you’ll enjoy special benefitson selected Palma Aquarium experiences.
And there are a few you simply shouldn’t miss:
- The project to repopulate the Balearic Sea with the southern blue shark, the coral nursery, and the insights into the threats facing sea turtles — all part of the Backstage Tour.
- The immersive film Whales, the Giants of the Ocean, a spectacular journey into the world of humpback whales, shown in the 3D Cinema Aquadome.
Enjoy these experiences at a lower rate if you book your Palma Aquarium ticket with the Backstage Tour or the 3D Cinema Aquadome.
Palma Aquarium opening hours
Palma Aquarium is open every day from 9:30am to 6:30pm, from March 28 to October 31. The ticket office closes at 5pm.
From November 1 to December 31, opening hours are from 10am to 3:30pm on weekdays, and from 10am to 5:30pm on weekends and holidays.
How to get here
Palma Aquarium is located very near Palma airport, half an hour by car from our hotels in Palmanova: Zafiro Palace Palmanova and Zafiro Palmanova, and about 45 minutes from Zafiro Palace Andratx. To get there, all you have to do is take the main motorway from Palma to Llucmajor and get off at exit 10. The outdoor area at the aquarium includes a large outdoor car park, just in front of the beach and the promenade in Playa de Palma.
Three nature areas in Mallorca to explore as a family
Discover Mallorca’s essential parks and natural spaces for families — easy routes, local fauna and flora, and outdoor adventures that spark curiosity in every age.
The Plomer sisters’ best ways to say farewell to summer in Mallorca
Discover the favourite end‑of‑summer rituals of María and Antonia Plomer — a blend of beaches, mountains, fine dining and golden sunsets during one of the most magical moments to enjoy the island.
Traditional festivities in Santa Ponsa in Mallorca, fun guaranteed!
Thinking of visiting Mallorca at the beginning of September? If so, we recommend you don’t miss the Rei en Jaume Festival in Santa Ponsa. Guaranteed fun for all!
What to do in October? Great plans to do in Mallorca
Zafiro Hotels presents the best ideas for your October getaway break in Mallorca.
Guide to visiting Palma Aquarium
Discover the ultimate guide to visiting Palma Aquarium and enjoy an amazing family experience during your holidays on Mallorca.
When, where and how to see the solar eclipse in Mallorca & Menorca
Discover when the total solar eclipse will happen in 2026 and where the best places in Mallorca & Menorca are to see it. A historic moment in the Mediterranean.
Cala Galdana, Menorca’s best beach for children
Cala Galdana is the Menorca’s best beach for kids, a true paradise for families wishing to enjoy a safe and fun-filled holiday. Check all the details here.
4 excursions in Mallorca to make you feel free again
4 fantastic ideas to discover the essence of Mallorca. When all this is over, Zafiro Hotels will be here waiting for you with open arms, offering you the best possible experiences for your well-deserved holiday.
Balearic Islands Day: find out more about us to make you feel more like one of us
Get to know what makes us Balearic: our traditions, our flavours, our expressions and our intangible heritage. Everything you need to experience the islands the way we do.
The new luxury: effortless, authentic and wonderfully stress‑free
Discover the essence of contemporary comfort and luxury. A thoughtfully designed all‑inclusive experience — refined, unpretentious and free of complications. So you can enjoy unforgettable moments in Mallorca.