The ocean is probably the most mysterious and awe inspiring place on the planet. Humanity has yet to plumb its depths and we likely won’t ever see all that there is below the sea in any of our lifetimes. Perhaps that is why we are so fascinating by aquariums, large and small. Today we are diving in, no pun intended, to 11 of the most extreme and incredible aquariums in the world. From elaborate designs to tanks filled with monstrous creatures of the sea, these aquariums will leave you with a white knuckle grip on your phone as you try to capture it all in images.
The AquaDom – Berlin, Germany.
For this aquarium we are going to have to assume that the Radisson Blu Hotel, located in Berlin, had to pull out some major insurance quotes in order to get be able to afford this. The AquaDom is a gigantic million gallon tank that rests in the middle of the hotel and it is one of the largest, most impressive hotel features that we have ever seen. The primary elevator to the upper floors runs right through the aquarium and this allows you to get a full 360′ look at every fish and critter that happens to swim by. We’re almost positive there is no such thing as cheap insurance when you are building one of these monstrosities.
The AquaDom – Berlin, Germany
Monterey Bay Aquarium – Monterey, California.
Whether you are in Monterey, California for some executive training or you just happen to be in the area you should definitely take some time out of your day to swing by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. While the Monterey Bay Aquarium is far from the largest and most wild aquarium on our list, it does have it’s own list of huge features. This aquarium has 35,000 animals of over 600 different species. The largest tank in the building contains over 1 million gallons of water and it expands across a gigantic wall face which makes it one of the biggest pieces of glass in an aquarium, anywhere. There’s plenty to do in sunny Monterey but take yourself and the family here for some time spent in wonder.
Monterey Bay Aquarium – Monterey, California
Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta, Georgia.
You don’t have to be in Texas to know that bigger can better and that’s what brings us to one of the most expensive, largest aquariums on the face of the planet. The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the world and it has ten million gallons of water behind its various glass dividers.
Inside of these gigantic walls you will find over 100,000 sea creatures in 500 different species, including the gigantic whale shark.
The whale shark is inside of an incredible 6.3 million gallon tank, one of the only places on Earth you can see one of these prestigious creatures. Other notable creatures include Nandi the Manta Ray and up to five beluga whales. If you ever find yourself in Atlanta you should know right where to go.
Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta, Georgia
Hotel Atlantis – Dubai, UAE.
If a sweaty guy in a track suit with a thick accent offers to let you sleep with the fishes then you should probably decline his offer. However, if you are taking a trip to Dubai then you can safely assume than a sleep with the fishes at the Hotel Atlantis is going to be quite the pleasant experience. If you are going to travel in luxury then there is absolutely no reason not to splurge and get yourself a great view inside of your room. At the Hotel Atlantis you can get a room with a giant fish tank full of all manner of creatures including stingray! This is a pretty cool sight to see as you follow asleep.
Hotel Atlantis – Dubai, UAE
The Reverse Aquarium – Fiji.
At the end of the day we just want to do something really cool and really out of the ordinary when we are out on vacation. That is why you should take yourself to the Reverse Aquarium at the Poseidon Resort located in Fiji. In this hotel YOU will be as much the viewer as the viewed due to the fact that your room is completely underwater with the fourth wall made completely out of glass. You’ll get a front row to all of nature’s wonderful sea creatures and they’ll stare right back as you watch them swim by. We’re not sure how easy it is to sleep down there, what with light coming through the giant windows, but the sight might be worth staying awake for.
The Reverse Aquarium – Fiji
New England Aquarium – Boston, Massachusetts.
Most aquariums do a great service to the nature by researching, taking care of, and rejuvenating marine animals. The New England Aquarium in Boston doubles up as both a conservatory and a popular spot for marine biologists to partake in animal rescue missions. You can visit the gigantic aquarium or head out to the adjoining harbor to do some natural whale watching.
New England Aquarium – Boston, Massachusetts
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom – Hengqin, China.
The Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is one of the greatest aquariums in Asia due to its size. In fact, when opened up it broke five different world records. There are multiple gorgeous, full tank rooms that envelop you in beautiful sights. There are some downsides, however, to this gorgeous zoo. Chimelong has come under fire of late thanks to their potential to include killer whales as part of their shows — something America’s SeaWorld had been under fire for the past decade over. If they do get things under wraps in a moral way then head out to Chimelong to enjoy a gigantic roller coaster, gigantic tanks, and the largest aquarium on the planet.
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom – Hengqin, China
Deep Aquarium – Hull, England.
This gorgeous aquarium looks like something out of a science fiction film. The building itself is modular and modern but inside you will find an array of beautiful tanks featuring over 3,500 different creatures. This public aquarium opened in 2002 and also serves as an important place for marine research. Did we mention that this aquarium is the world’s only ‘submarium’? Check it out!
Deep Aquarium – Hull, England
Shedd Aquarium – Chicago, Illinois.
If you want to see the beating heart of the Midwest then make your way to Chicago and head to the Shedd Aquarium. Shedd Aquarium hosts a block that includes the legendary Soldier Field, the Field Museum, and a planetarium — all with a view of Lake Michigan to your back. Shedd has been a Chicago mainstay since 1930 and there is plenty to do here so you need to devote at least a full day. You can see live shows consisting of whales, dolphins and seals or you can go to any of the numerous themed tank rooms.
Shedd Aquarium – Chicago, Illinois
L’Oceanografic – Valencia, Spain.
Valencia, Spain may not be at the top of your list of cities to visit in Europe but it very well should be. L’Oceanografic is one of the most striking and unique aquariums on the planet and the gorgeous building is itself a draw to tourists. Once inside you’ll be amazed by full room aquariums that encapsulate you, allowing you to be surrounded on all sounds by beautiful marine life. There is a total of 11 million gallons of water inside of the aquarium tanks.
L’Oceanografic – Valencia, Spain.
Okinawa Churaumi – Okinawa, Japan.
Japan is a vibrant place filled to the brim with kind people, exciting culture, and amazing things to do for visitors of the country. If you are in to extreme aquariums then you would be doing yourself a great disservice if you didn’t go visit the Okinawa Churaumi. This gigantic aquarium used to have the largest tank on the planet back in 2002 but they were eventually passed up by the next aquarium. We highly suggest tanking your time to visit the Kuroshio Sea, the largest tank and the main attraction.
Okinawa Churaumi – Okinawa, Japan
