Opened in 2006, Munich’s Sea Life Aquarium is home to more than 4,500 animals in 33 separate displays. The aquarium is located within the Olympic Park complex, which was built for the 1972 Olympic Games. The Sea Life collection is drawn from several habitats, including Munich’s own River Isar, the Danube and the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can follow a single drop of water on its voyage through these locales, and see a wide selection of aquatic life in the process.
The interactive rock pool is a fun way for both children and adults to get some hands-on experience with marine life. The pool contains a number of aquatic creatures that you can touch, including sea anemones and starfish. While you get your hands wet, listen to an informative talk about these interesting creatures. Be sure to see Gonzalez the sea turtle, a crowd favourite, having a meal. Sea Life also has over 20 different shark species on display, which is the largest variety of sharks in any German aquarium.
Sea Life is involved with a variety of conservation projects, with a particular emphasis on preserving seahorse populations. The nine different species of seahorses that are on display in the aquarium were all bred on-site, meaning that none of them were taken from the wild. Don’t miss the chance to see these fragile and beautiful creatures up close. Sea Life also offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium, which addresses essential aspects of the aquarium like the wave machines, the quarantine station and the filters. This 1.5-hour tour is pricey and reservations are required, but it is a unique chance to see the aquarium in action.
The Sea Life Aquarium is open every day, though hours of operation vary throughout the year, so call ahead or check online. To get there, take the subway to the Olympiazentrum stop, or drive and park for a small fee.
