Located at the Saint-Gilles-les-Bains marina, the Aquarium of Réunion presents the fauna and flora of the Réunion coral reef through 600,000 liters of seawater. With its 500 fish and 200 species distributed across around ten tanks, the facility serves as an educational gateway to the marine ecosystems of the Indian Ocean.

Why Visit the Aquarium of Réunion

The Aquarium brings together in a single location what the Réunion reef offers across several dozen kilometers of coastline. For travelers who don't dive, it's an opportunity to observe seahorses, groupers, and sharks in conditions close to their natural habitat. For families, the experience remains accessible: a visit takes about an hour and remains engaging for children. For marine biology enthusiasts, the regular presence of a diving biologist in the tanks who interacts with visitors from inside the water adds a scientific dimension rarely found elsewhere on the island.

History and Operations

The Aquarium has been open to the public since March 14, 2000. Its management is overseen by three oceanographers, who direct the project toward the promotion and study of Réunion's marine heritage.

The facility is located on the marina, whose operator is the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Île de La Réunion. The initial museum and aquarium equipment was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. Over the years, the establishment has evolved from a simple tourist attraction into a pedagogical and scientific center dedicated to the local marine environment.

What to See and Do

Five Thematic Areas

The journey is organized around five environments that recreate the major habitats of the Indian Ocean:

• Volcanic cliffs, evoking the island's steep coastline.
• Reef depths, where species from darker zones thrive.
• Marine biodiversity, an overview of Réunion's reef species.
• Coral gardens, dedicated to corals and their associated fauna.
• Open ocean, featuring pelagic species.

Each area combines visual scenery, ambient sound, and interactive platforms.

Species on Display

Around ten tanks, varying in capacity from 3,000 to 340,000 liters, house groupers, barracudas, stonefish, rays, sea urchins, mollusks, trevally, corals, seahorses, and sharks. Together they represent the diversity of the Réunion reef ecosystem.

Diving Biologist and Behind-the-Scenes Tours

At certain times of day, a diving biologist immersed in the tanks exchanges with visitors through an audio system: they comment on the species and answer questions from the water.

Guided behind-the-scenes tours are also offered during select hours. They provide access to laboratories, treatment areas, and the technical department—usually off-limits to the public.

Shops

Two retail spaces complement your visit: La Boutique de la Mer and la Boutique de la Nature. You'll find observation equipment, snorkeling gear, educational games, books, textiles, and postcards.

Practical Information

• Duration: Allow approximately 1 hour, slightly longer with the behind-the-scenes tour.
• Opening hours: Open daily, including public holidays. Exact times and the ticket office closing time should be verified on the official website before your visit.
• Admission: Moderate pricing with differentiated rates for adults, children, and seniors. Young children typically enter free. A modest surcharge applies for the behind-the-scenes tour.
• Audience: Suitable for families with children; the indoor circuit remains accessible regardless of weather, making it a helpful option during downpours.

Nearby Attractions

The Aquarium sits in the heart of the western beach zone around Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. Several sites easily complement a half-day or full-day visit:

• Hermitage Beach and its lagoon, a few minutes' drive away, for snorkeling and observing in their natural habitat the species you saw at the aquarium.
• The marina itself, animated by waterfront restaurants and bars.
• Boucan Canot and Roches Noires beaches, classic gathering points on the west coast.
• The Marine Nature Reserve of Réunion, which covers part of the western coast and for which the aquarium serves as an excellent introduction.

How to Get There

Saint-Gilles-les-Bains is served by the RN1, nicknamed the Coastal Route, which connects from Saint-Denis to the main coastal towns (Saint-Paul, La Possession, Saint-Leu, l'Étang-Salé, Saint-Louis, Saint-Pierre).

The aquarium is directly on the marina, clearly signposted from the town entrance. Parking is available nearby. A car is the most straightforward option, but intercity bus lines (Car Jaune) also connect Saint-Gilles to the island's main cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your Visit

The Aquarium of Réunion fits naturally into a stay on the west coast, between lagoons, beaches, and excursions to the cirques. To build a complete itinerary for Réunion, explore our customized journeys to Réunion and let our local specialists compose a program tailored to your pace.