Curacao Sea Aquarium, Willemstad: Hours, Address, Curacao Sea Aquarium Reviews: 4/5
Curacao Sea Aquarium
Curacao Sea Aquarium
4
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
About
The Curaçao Sea Aquarium belongs to one of the most unique aquaria in the world. The reason being that, from the very beginning of the aquarium in 1984, the Sea Aquarium managed to create natural habitats for all its marine creatures without using sophisticated technical equipment. Due to an open-watersystem all the aquaria are in immediate contact with the open sea. It is this advanced pump system that continuously pumps fresh seawater directly in all the aquaria. Openings in the roof allow natural sunlight to fall directly on the aquaria, so there is no need to use artificial light sources. The combination of the open-watersystem and the natural sunlight create the natural circumstances that are needed to replicate the underwater world outside the aquarium. Everything in the aquaria, from the fish and corals to the sand on the bottom of the exhibition tanks, originates from the seas surrounding the island of Curaçao. Nothing in the displays is artificial, everything is 100% real. The same conditions apply to the lagoons in which the dolphins, sealions, sharks, rays and turtles are kept. The only thing that separates these lagoons from the open ocean are breakwaters built out of big rock boulders and an occasional fence, allowing fresh seawater to freely flow through all the lagoons. The Curaçao Sea Aquarium operates according to the principle that all animals need to be kept in circumstances that as much as possible mimic their natural living conditions. This goal is accomplished by employing all the available natural sources and resources surrounding the aquarium.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Features animals
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,778 reviews
Excellent
709
Very good
522
Average
334
Poor
132
Terrible
81
txwanderer
Tyler, TX225 contributions
We took our family of 5 to this incredible aquarium and had a wonderful time! This Aquarium has so much to look at and do. the shows are included in the price and they are amazing! We saw a dolphin show that rivaled Sea Worlds and we would have had to pay 100's to get into that show. We loved this place. A must see when you are in Curacao.
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rogel S
Palm - Eagle Beach3 contributions
If you haven't seen dolphins, sting rays, pink flamingos and sharks in captivity then this is your place to be. i do recommend that you also try the ocean lens, you will go down a ladder 17 feet below and will be on tube enclosure, you will have to lie down on the floor to see the different fishes swimming on their natural habitat, a pre-recorded voice over will be heard from the background guiding you on the fishes that you will be seeing.
Staffs on this place are very polite and knowledgeable, you will learn a lot of facts on how the above-mentioned creatures behave and live their lives. Our most memorable moment was getting a picture with the dolphin kissing our cheek. Don't leave without it.
Staffs on this place are very polite and knowledgeable, you will learn a lot of facts on how the above-mentioned creatures behave and live their lives. Our most memorable moment was getting a picture with the dolphin kissing our cheek. Don't leave without it.
Written March 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Waheed Ahmad
Nuenen, The Netherlands3 contributions
Family
Dolphin show was very good. Dolphin kiss was also very remarkable. Good facilities inside the premises.
Finding parking was horrible. There is a paid parking outside (5 Guilders) but it was duly booked and maneuvering inside the parking was a nightmare.
Finding parking was horrible. There is a paid parking outside (5 Guilders) but it was duly booked and maneuvering inside the parking was a nightmare.
Written September 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sabria M
1 contribution
When buying the tickets for Sea Aquarium nothing was mentioned as to if everything were to go through as normal. When getting to the location it was said that there would not be a dolphin show as there were constructions going on further away and the dolphins were annoyed.
We brought tourists because they wanted to see dolphins. When bringing this up at the reception, the solution provided was a complementary ticket for another day. This had to be split for the group with whom we came as not everyone was able to switch to the same day. After having seen the other items we had left to come back on the other day.
When the first group came back the complimentary tickets all of a sudden were not available as we were faulted because we had left the park the other day. Apparently the last dolphin show did go through on the day we had originally visited. As the tourists wanted to see the dolphins we were forced to pay entrance one more time.
The second group didn't go back for the complimentary tickets as they did not want to pay entrance again.
In what world can a complimentary ticket be retracted? If you had wanted to retract the complimentary tickets because of this reason, you should have mentioned that to us before we left.
I will never again buy tickets in advance or even recommend the park. You were not even able to mention beforehand to us entering what was going on that day.
We brought tourists because they wanted to see dolphins. When bringing this up at the reception, the solution provided was a complementary ticket for another day. This had to be split for the group with whom we came as not everyone was able to switch to the same day. After having seen the other items we had left to come back on the other day.
When the first group came back the complimentary tickets all of a sudden were not available as we were faulted because we had left the park the other day. Apparently the last dolphin show did go through on the day we had originally visited. As the tourists wanted to see the dolphins we were forced to pay entrance one more time.
The second group didn't go back for the complimentary tickets as they did not want to pay entrance again.
In what world can a complimentary ticket be retracted? If you had wanted to retract the complimentary tickets because of this reason, you should have mentioned that to us before we left.
I will never again buy tickets in advance or even recommend the park. You were not even able to mention beforehand to us entering what was going on that day.
Written April 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kenneth K
42 contributions
Couples
A place were serious study is done to enhance the quality of sealife is worthwhile. Especially the study to how the coral reef can be protected on one hand and on the other how the reef can grow, should be applauded. The Ocean Lens tour was very informative and we also learned an thing or 2 (for instance to use reef-friendly sun screen). Thanks for everything.
Written January 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jason&Laureen
New York City, NY56 contributions
Loved being able to see all different sea creatures! Also seeing and swimming with dolphins is an option (the dolphins can easily swim out to the ocean but they always like to come back in this outside aquarium area/park. Great half day with family, kids, or significant other. Best time to avoid crowds would be as soon as they open in the am and expect to leave during or after lunchtime. Don’t miss any of their shows!
Written October 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sarajoecat
Rogers, AR99 contributions
This a privately built aquarium fill with sea creatures native to the area with the exception of a couple of sea lions. The aquarium is well taken care and is pretty innovated in it's approach of it's care of their sea animals. It isn't huge but a good quality of sea life to view. You can feed a variety of the sea animal for a fee or swim and interact with the dolphin and rays for a fee.They have free educational demonstrations and shows. I was very impressed with the people who work and love on these sea creatures. It was very evident that it was to make the islanders and visitors aware of the special type of life that share the sea with us humans. Very dedicated helping rebuilt the coral reefs and keeping their island beautiful for generations to come.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frank S
Framingham, MA352 contributions
Couples
The aquarium was a bit on the small side and the entry price was a bit steep for such a small aquarium. But the tanks looked well-maintained, the fish looked healthy and it was nice to see that the aquarium is participating in a coral conservation program, so the money appears to be put to good use. Lots of good information in the aquarium (in Dutch and English) and we also saw a cool dolphin training show.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
419lorik
Okmulgee, OK76 contributions
Aquarium is very small. Be warned if you are doing a dolphin encounter with a young child that they charge you as well. We had paid for 3 children then when we got there had to pay for 3 adults. So instead of a 300$ experience it was 600$ and not worth it. Photographer was marginal and missed some money shots.
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mike S
London, Ontario, Canada30 contributions
We walked here from Sunscape resort. Booked in and were offered an additional behind the scenes tour and a peek into the deep, view through the ocean lens which was worth the extra expense. After we watched the dolphin session we took the personal tour with our tour guide Stephanie. She was excellent, very knowledgeable and ininformative. She explained how they were getting away from captive sea turtles to rehabilitating injured sea turtles. How they were working with reasearch groups with underwater sealife. Stephanie took us to the sea lens peek into the deep and explained much about this feature and we even got to see the deep sea submergible pass by.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
imfortun8
Cuenca, Ecuador32 contributions
I’m interested in visiting this aquarium and taking part in more of the activities than what the Celebrity cruise ship excursion offers. How far from the dock is the aquarium and how would I get there?
amysmith03
Liverpool, UK14 contributions
Hi, can you still buy 2 or 3 weekly passes for the Aquarium? We are staying close by and my daughter will probably want to go every day
Denise T
Knoxville, TN73 contributions
We are doing the swim with the Rays and feeding the sharks . Are there lockers for our personal items and clothes while we are in the water?
Tripaholic
78 contributions
We didn’t use lockers, where they had us put our things is where know one goes. I left my purse there.
Upra5
14 contributions
Qué precio tiene el nado con delfines y también la opción del beso con el delfÃn para la fotografÃa. No es posible ver esta información en la web del acuario. Gracias.
Luis Carlos R
40 contributions
La foto del beso USD$20
El nado con delfines USD$180
Myrna B
New York City, NY188 contributions
Is there parking at the Curacao Sea Aquarium? If not where do I park?
Giovanna M
Bogota, Colombia33 contributions
Yes, is right next to it.
MitziW15
Lincoln, Nebraska, United States1 contribution
I saw that Royal Caribbean has an excursion with a sea lion encounter. It says you get approx 30 min interaction with the sea lion. What all is included with this? Is this something that can be purchased directly thru the aquarium?
Linda J
Livermore, CA39 contributions
I do not know the answer to this.
Meredith L
Phoenix46 contributions
Can I book the sea lion encounter in advance? I cannot seem to find any way to do so from the website. My sister and I are planning to visit end of June and would like to reserve this if possible.
Linda J
Livermore, CA39 contributions
I do not know.
Meredith L
Phoenix46 contributions
Can I book the sea lion encounter in advance? I cannot seem to find any way to do so from the website.
AnLil
801 contributions
We didn’t need to. There’s plenty of seating, and the entire walkway/enclosure gives an ideal view of the show from beginning to end.
Mindyt131
Lowell, MI34 contributions
Wondering how much a taxi ride from the port to the aquarium costs for 4 people?
SandFlogger
Santa Clara, UT311 contributions
For $50 the Taxi Driver will be waiting for you to exit immigration with a sign with your name on it.
I like to use Donald Martina - Taxi #96 (5999) 667-5214
Frequently Asked Questions about Curacao Sea Aquarium
- Curacao Sea Aquarium is open:
- Tue - Sat 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
- We recommend booking Curacao Sea Aquarium tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Curacao Sea Aquarium tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Curacao Sea Aquarium:
- (0.07 mi) Curacao Luxury Holiday Rentals
- (0.09 mi) The Royal Sea Aquarium Resort
- (0.14 mi) LionsDive Beach Resort
- (0.07 mi) Palms & Pools Luxury apartment at Curacao Ocean Resort 5*
- (0.13 mi) Dolphin Suites
- Restaurants near Curacao Sea Aquarium:
- (0.12 mi) Hemingway Beach Bar
- (0.08 mi) Laman
- (0.04 mi) The Don Street Restaurant
- (0.12 mi) Nemo Sushi & Wok
- (0.13 mi) Piazza
- Attractions near Curacao Sea Aquarium:
- (0.03 mi) Dolphin Academy Curacao
- (0.11 mi) Ocean Encounters Diving
- (0.14 mi) Substation Curacao
- (0.07 mi) Pelican Boat Trips
- (0.20 mi) Eric's ATV Adventures