Enjoy an unforgettable experience with your friends and family at the biggest aquarium in Europe.
Discover all of the ocean’s secrets, its treasures, as well as its fragility with three captivating tours: “In the Eye of the Climate” and its immersive 430 sq.m room, “Journey on the High Seas”, and “Mankind and Shores”. All the exhibitions have been designed to make you feel closer to the animals and enjoy a unique, fun-filled experience!
This year Nausicáa celebrates its 30th Anniversary. During this time, the centre has been dedicated to not only offering an exciting way to discover and learn about our oceans, but also to protecting them.
Over the past 30 years, 17 million visitors have been made aware of the fragility of the oceans. Since opening, Nausicaá has been committed to and participated in conservation programmes, research activities and breeding programmes: more than 2,000 animals are born at Nausicáa each year to contribute to biodiversity conservation.
Fun for all the family
New! In the Eye of the Climate Exhibition
The first immersive experience in the heart of the climate whirlwind at Nausicaá.
In the Eye of the Climate: hurricanes, melting ice caps, rising sea levels…
Get ready for a spectacular journey into the heart of the effects of global warming in a completely new experience at Nausicaá. Face the consequences of global warming in a 430m2 immersive space of floor-to-ceiling screens.
Plunge into a unique immersive experience and discover your power to act!
Sea lion training
Don’t mistake it for a seal, it might get upset! | © Philippe Turpin
Visitors have entered a world of marine parks and big open spaces. They discover the sea lions while inside a glass tunnel suspended in a million litres of water. At Nausicaá, every activity is designed to improve the daily lives of its resident animals. Nausicaá is at the cutting edge of medical training and has received several awards for its work.
Lagoon fish feeding
Watch the living fireworks! | © Louise Merlier
At the lagoon, join the feeding of the aquarium’s coral reef fish. The handlers will present you different species such as angelfish, surgeonfish, coalfish or batfish. They will explain some of their specificities including their diet. Come and see a ballet of 3,000 dancers!
The Touch Tank
Get hands-on at the Touch Tank | © Anne-Sophie Flament
The Touch Tank gives you the chance to get hands-on with some marine fauna. Ray, cod, turbot, and halibut gather in the pool, where they let you stroke them or swim to your hands for a caress!
The biggest new attractions
The Great Spectacle of the Ocean
Come face to face with Pacific marine life, including sharks! | © Louise Merlier
Discover the immense window and be immersed in the deep blue sea at the heart of the new exhibition. You are face to face with Pacific ocean species such as the sunfish, the manta ray and the grey shark. The collection of fauna seen through the immense window reproduces the seabed that man rarely gets to see up close.
Under the Ocean
Fully immerse yourself in the 18-metre long tunnel | © Anne-Sophie Flament
Cross the big tank in the 18-metre-long tunnel to get face to face with the species living in the Ocean. Take the immersive tunnel to Malpelo Island and wander around amongst the sea creatures. Stroll around among manta rays in the calm, soothing atmosphere…and duck when a grey shark skims over your head. A unique experience amongst the Ocean’s marvels.
Did you know?
- 58,000 animals
- 1,600 different species
- 17,000m3: the total volume of water at Nausicaá
- 10,000m3: the volume of water in the biggest tank of Europe
- 6 weeks to completely fill the big tank
- 2,000 births a year
Top tips!
Make more of your visit! Have you always dreamed of finding out what goes on behind the scenes? You can now enjoy a Backstage tour.
- Newly designed food service area in an exceptional setting
- Nausicaa has new mobile app: it will guide you through your visit and provide you with useful information
Rates
See our exclusive offers here.
Opening hours:
Nausicaá is temporarily closed
Open daily: 9:30am to 6:30pm
During French school holidays: 9:30pm to 7pm
During summer break (July and August): 9:30am to 8pm
Visit duration: about 4 hours (recommended)
Possibility to have lunch outside the site, at a downtown restaurant (with a stamp).
Nausicaá National Sealife Centre
An unforgettable deep sea adventure... Less than a 20-minute drive on the motorway from Eurotunnel Le Shuttle's Calais Terminal.
Nausicaá - Centre National de la Mer
Boulevard Sainte Beuve
62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer
www.nausicaa.co.uk