Ubatuba Aquarium
Rua Guarani 859, Itaguá, Ubatuba, São Paulo, 11680-000
Founded by a group of oceanographers in 1994, Ubatuba Aquarium is hailed as one of the best in Brazil. The aquarium features 20 different enclosures—including the largest saltwater tank in Brazil—that house everything from crabs and octopuses to sharks and Magellianic penguins, which are native to Patagonia.
The Basics
Ubatuba Aquarium uses conservation projects and educational talks to further its mission to increase awareness of the damage we do to the sea. Highlights include enclosures dedicated to nativa fauna such as moray eels, seahorses, and reef sharks and the Contact Tank, where visitors can touch sea urchins, sea stars, and lobsters under supervision. To save time waiting in line on the day of your visit, consider booking your admission ticket in advance.
Things to Know Before You Go
Ubatuba Aquarium is a must-visit for families and travelers with an interest in marine life and conservation.
Most visitors find that 1–2 hours is ample time to enjoy the exhibits of Ubatuba Aquarium.
The aquarium is air-conditioned, making it a great place to explore during the hottest time of the day.
How to Get There
Ubatuba Aquarium is located on Rua Guarani, on the waterfront of Ubatuba. From São Paulo, Ubatuba is a 3.5-hour drive, so it’s worth staying over if you plan to visit the aquarium and the coastal city’s other attractions.
When to Get There
The aquarium is open daily from midmorning to night, with hours extended to quite late at night during the school summer holidays, which run from December to the end of January. Children can help feed the penguins at 11:30am and 5pm each day.
Ubatuba Attractions
The coastal resort of Ubatuba is a popular escape for residents of São Paulo, one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Must-see sights include Ilha das Couves, a popular beach destination that’s characterized by golden sands and lush rain forest, and the protected nature reserve on Ilha Anchieta, which was once a penal colony and prison.
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