Our oceans are among our most valuable and endangered resources. It doesn’t matter if you’re a dive enthusiast, cruiser, or are interested in helping to protect the oceans; there’s plenty of amazing places to explore the underwater world, from renowned marine research facilities to underwater zoos and five amazing aquariums from around the globe. Scuba gear and certification are not required.
1- Oceanographic Museum, Monaco
The structure that houses the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco is worth visiting since the famous structure was constructed on the cliff’s edge. Le Rocher cliff. The old town is famous for its windy medieval lanes and spectacular views. It is characterized by a Baroque Revival architectural style, which took more than ten years to construct; it required 100,000 tonnes of stones. Prince Albert I, great-great-grandfather of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, was the museum’s founding father. The museum’s exterior, be sure to look for the names of 20 oceanographic research vessels of repute inscribed on the frieze.
People who visit the Oceanographic Museum can see over 6000 specimens displayed and get a better understanding of the world’s oceans by visiting its exhibits that focus on marine-related items like models of ships, tools, weapons, sea animal skulls, and much more. Jacques Cousteau served as the museum’s director for a little over 30 years.
2- Dubai Mall Aquarium, United Arab Emirates
It is located in the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo in an outlet mall and is one of the biggest suspended aquariums around the globe. More than 33,000 species in the exhibit from 140 sea life, including a staggering number of Sand tiger sharks. The aquarium is on the third floor of the mall. It includes a unique tunnel that visitors can stroll through to see enormous stingrays and sand tiger sharks in the air. Are you looking to see them closer? The Dubai Aquarium provides an immersive experience in this area, too. With your swimming equipment, you can go snorkeling or shark swimming excursions if you’re in good shape.
Dubai is a laid-over-friendly city, with many making long-distance connections and taking the chance to go on tours of the city for a couple of hours. Its Dubai Mall has a guided private tour for those who are short on time. In just one hour, you’ll be able to see all of the highlights, such as a glass-bottomed cruise as well as a submersible simulator. There is also feeding of fish and a behind-the-scenes look at the exhibits of crocodiles and sharks.
3- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Japan
In Okinawa, you’ll find the Churaumi Aquarium. The aquarium is located in Ocean Expo Park in Okinawa. Begin by exploring its Coral Sea tank, a naturally lit exhibit that shows the largest portion of Japanese corals. The stunning coral cultivation, which is about 700 colonies spread across 70 varieties, is achieved by open tanks that let in intense sunlight and the unique system that supplies fresh seawater.
Another of the most striking exhibitions is one of the most impressive exhibits is the Kuroshio sea tank. It is where many of the largest fish in the world are located, such as whale sharks and mantas rays. Make sure to visit this Deep Sea tank either. There you will find a wide array of marine life that you might not have the chance to observe because they are in depths that are far below the normal diving depths. There are many of these animals at a depth of 200 meters or less, which includes certain bioluminescent species that live in marine environments.
4- AquaDom, Germany
If you’re in Berlin this year, don’t miss the chance to sip drinks under the world’s biggest cylindrical aquarium. At the Radisson Blu Hotel, you’ll find an Atrium Bar where you can drink while looking out at the 82-foot-high AquaDom. It houses one million liters of seawater, a massive internal elevator, and over 1500 fish in the aquarium. It’s part of close-by SEA LIFE Berlin. It is important to note that you will have to wait for a few months before you can visit this stunning aquarium. AquaDom is currently under changes to modernize the aquarium and is scheduled to reopen at the end of the first quarter of 2020.
5- Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA
It is home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and is home to more than 35,000 sea animals that include over 500 species, mainly all local marine life types. Monterey Bay opened in 1984; it was the first aquarium to include an exhibit based on a living Kelp forest. Monterey Bay Aquarium prides itself in its marine research and conservation initiatives. The work they do includes its Seafood Watch, a sustainable seafood advisory list. With over 200 exhibits, there’s no reason to wonder why this aquarium is an absolute must for those visiting Northern California.
Suppose you’re a lover of Disney Pixar movies. In that case, you probably already know that the filmmakers made numerous research visits to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to gain ideas in their Marine Life Institute featured in the film “Finding Dory.’ The aquarium’s building is an old sardine cannery and has been praised for its architectural excellence. It also contributed to a rebirth of the cannery row and offered different things to do for those visiting Monterey Bay.