Diving into the depths of Nausicaá

Nausicaá is an aquarium like no other. It opened its doors in 1991 with one aim in mind: to raise public awareness of the issues surrounding the oceans and the profound links between them and humankind. Indeed, life on Earth would simply not be possible without the seas and oceans, and it is in all our interests to preserve them. The Centre National de la Mer not only demonstrates the fragility of the marine world, but also endeavours to propose solutions and actions that everyone can implement at their own level.

Nausicaá is also a biodiversity conservatory, with more than 2,000 births recorded every year, playing an active role in the preservation of marine species. For over 30 years, these issues have been shared with nearly 20 million visitors, including 5 million schoolchildren.

In the heart of a tropical forest, you'll find unique creatures such as caimans, piranhas and several species ofbirds resting near the waterholes. During your visit, it's not unusual to come face to face with a shark. In the large pool, manta rays, hammerheads and glittering fish promise a unique spectacle. In an 18-metre-long tunnel, visitors can watch the marine animals pass directly overhead.

Children especially love the touch pool, where the stingrays are just waiting to be cuddled by children and adults alike! The tour continues through the different oceans of the world: the North Sea, the Mediterranean, the Tropics... where several marine species such as sharks, reef fish and sea lions live.

A visit to Nausicaá is punctuated by a varied programme of activities. For example, visitors can watch the various fish and even sharks being fed! They can also watch the California sea lions being trained as real acrobats. Quizzes on the theme of the oceans are also on offer, with a real shark's tooth to be won.

For a small additional fee, you can go behind the scenes of the aquarium and visit the caretakers' beach, the fish kitchens, the aquariological reserves and the filtration cathedral in the Haute Mer basin. Children will love the Malpelo en fête activity: for an hour, they can discover splendid paintings of phosphorescent and bioluminescent animals that are invisible to the naked eye. Immersive exhibitions are also open to all.

As Europe's largest aquarium, Nausicaá is a must-see if you're planning a trip to Hauts-de-France! Allow around five hours for a visit to tour the aquariums, while still having time to take in some of the shows.

🚌 How do I get to Nausicaá?

Nausicaá is located in Boulogne-Sur-Mer, in the Pas-de-Calais department :

• The aquarium is just under three hours from Paris by car via the A16.
• You can also easily reach the city by train from the rest of the region.
• Readers from the south of France or elsewhere who wish to come by plane will have to land at Lille airport.

⏰ Nausicaá opening times

Nausicaá is open every day from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm. However, the aquarium is closed on 25 December and for a fortnight in January. For more information, visit the official Nausicaá website.

👛 Nausicaá prices

• Full price: €28.5
• Students: €25
• Under 13s: €21.5
• Backstage visit: €12.9
• Backstage visit under 13: €9.9

To find out all the prices and book your ticket online, go directly to the official Nausicaá website.