Top 10 Largest Aquariums in the World 2025

By ICON TEAM | Published on May 05, 2025

Top 10 Largest Aquariums in the World 2025

Showcasing many marine ecosystems and encouraging education and conservation, aquariums provide a captivating window into the aquatic world. By 2025, the biggest aquariums in the world will be notable not only for their size but also for their creative displays and dedication to marine life protection. Ranked by water volume and impact, the top 10 largest aquariums in the world are discussed below, so offering a glimpse into their unique offers and contributions to ocean awareness.


Top 10 Largest Aquariums in the World 2025:


1. S. E.A. Aquarium, Singapore:

Once the biggest oceanarium in the world by water volume when it first opened in 2012, the South East Asia (S.E.A.) Aquarium is a complex of aquatic attractions situated on Sentosa Island inside Resorts World Sentosa. Comprising more than 100,000 marine life across 1,000 species in 10 zones replicating environments from Southeast Asia to the Red Sea, it has more than 45 million gallons of water. Viewed via one of the biggest acrylic panels worldwide, the 18 million gallons Open Ocean tank boasts manta ray, leopard sharks, and giant groupers. Families and marine aficionados should definitely visit it because of its immersive events, which include interactive activities and the Ocean Restaurant. The aquarium's emphasis on conservation and education confirms its leadership worldwide even more.


2. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Japan:

Comprising a total capacity of 10.9 million liters, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is the biggest aquarium in Japan located in Tempozan Harbor Village in Osaka. Designed by eminent architect Peter Chermayeff, opened in 1990, it has 27 tanks spread over 16 exhibitions, simulating Pacific Rim environments. With its 30-foot depth, the 5.4 million liters central Pacific Ocean tank attracts visitors with whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, and manta rays. With its spiral form, which leads visitors from terrestrial to deep-sea habitats, the aquarium provides distinctive experiences including interactive touch zones and the Night Aquarium. Its Osaka Aquarium Biological Institute research division supports marine studies, so strengthening its conservation initiatives.


3. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, USA:

One of the first and biggest inland aquariums worldwide, Shedd Aquarium opened in 1930 on Chicago's Lake Michigan waterfront and boasts around 18.9 million gallons of water. With more than 32,000 animals spread over 1,500 species, it has displays including the Abbott Oceanarium, home of sea otters, beluga whales, and dolphins, and the Wild Reef, a vivid coral reef. Its 2-million-gallon Caribbean Reef tank has amazing underwater views. Seen in virtual tours and educational events like shark-feeding sessions, Shedd's dedication to conservation attracts around 2 million guests yearly, fusing history with contemporary marine activism.


4. The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Florida, USA:

One of the biggest single saltwater tanks worldwide, The Seas with Nemo and Friends is a distinctive aquarium housed at Epcot in Walt Disney World. Its Caribbean Coral Reef tank measures 5.7 million gallons. Housing more than 8,000 animals—including sharks, manatees, and dolphins—it combines interactive exhibits, "clamobiles," and a family-friendly Finding Nemo-inspired ride. Opening in 1986, the 21.6-million-liter pavilion provides Disney's storytelling with educational insights into aquatic life. Attracting 12.4 million visitors annually, the Coral Reef Restaurant offers eating with aquarium views, so combining entertainment and education.


5. Monterey Bay Aquarium, California, USA:

First of its kind when it opened in 1984, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is known for its 4.5-million-liter Outer Bay tank and 1.3-million-liter kelp forest exhibit on Monterey's Cannery Row. Emphasizing local marine life, the approximately 35,000 animals in 550 species—including sea otters, great white sharks, and jellyfish—showcase Globally, the aquarium's conservation initiatives—including sustainable seafood recommendations and sea otter research—set benchmarks. Leading in marine education, its live webcams and family-oriented events including sleepovers attract 1.8 million yearly guests.


6. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, China:

From China to the Antarctic, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, covering 20,500 square meters, boasts 15,000 marine life across 300 species in 9 exhibition zones. The longest underwater tunnel in the world, its 155 meters provides immersive views of sharks, rays, and arapaima. Four undersea tubes and a 10-million-liter minimum tank go over world aquatic environments. Comprising rare species like emperor penguins and leafy sea dragons, the aquarium draws tourists with its pyramid-shaped buildings and conservation-minded displays, therefore combining teaching with spectacle.


7. Atlantic Sea-Park, Norway:

With 11 big landscape tanks and a combined capacity of around 10 million gallons, the Atlantic Sea-Park in Ålesund, Norway, is Scandinavia's biggest saltwater aquarium. Constructed alongside indoor and outdoor environments, it highlights northern Atlantic marine species like cod, sea lions, and penguins right on the coast. While the penguin breeding effort emphasizes conservation, its two touch pools and activity pools permit hands-on contact. Floor to ceiling tanks and hand-feeding events in the park attract guests year-round and provide a special fusion of Nordic marine exploration and teaching.


8. Moscow Oceanarium, Russia:

Opening in 2015, the 25 million liters of water across 80 tanks of the Moscow Oceanarium, sometimes known as Moskvarium, house approximately 12,000 species. Including three zones—the Aquarium, Swimming with Dolphins Centre, and Aquatic Show Zone—it features killer whales, beluga whales, and the uncommon beluga sturgeon. While instructional seminars involve guests, its panoramic tanks show sharks, octopuses, and starfish. One distinctive element is the fish sold in the oceanarium for home aquariums. Comprising 17,000 animals, it is the biggest display in Europe combining education with grandeur.


9. Aquarium of Genoa, Italy:

Comprising 70 tanks totaling 1.6 million gallons of water, the Aquarium of Genoa, built in 1992 for Expo 92, is Italy's biggest Sharks, dolphins, and manatees among other 400 kinds of creatures call Porto Antico home. Exhibits replicate environments such as the Mediterranean and Red Sea; the Lagoon of the Sirens features herbivorous manatees. Drawing 1.2 million visitors a year, the aquarium stresses conservation from its basis, safeguarding animals such the bottlenose dolphin. It's a European jewel because of its mix of marine life and culture.


10. Lisbon Oceanarium, Portugal:

Comprising four habitat-specific tanks around its main tank of five million gallons, the Lisbon Oceanarium, the biggest indoor aquarium in Europe since 1998, Designed by Peter Chermayeff, it features rare ocean sunfish, sharks, and penguins among 16,000 animals spread across 450 species. Exhibits simulate Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Ocean habitats while the Giant Oceanic Tank generates an appearance of standing on the ocean floor. Nestled in Parque das Nações, its temporary exhibitions and conservation emphasis attract millions of visitors providing an informative trip across world marine biodiversity.

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