Have you ever envisioned exploring the ocean’s depths, surrounded by stunning and exotic marine life? If so, you need to visit a hidden treasure along Italy’s renowned coastline — the Aquarium Cattolica.
This remarkable aquarium is sure to spark your imagination and leave you in awe of the underwater wonders it showcases.
Picture yourself wandering through captivating exhibition spaces filled with over 3,000 marine creatures from 400 different species. That’s exactly what awaits you at Aquarium Cattolica.
I had the pleasure of visiting this aquatic paradise a few months ago, and I’m excited to share my experience with you.
Discover the Secrets of the Sea at Aquarium Cattolica
Know Before You Go
Before we dive in, let’s go over some essential tips to help you plan your visit.
- Suggested Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or early summer
- Cattolica Aquarium Ticket Price: €22.26
The aquarium is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from April to December, and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from January to March.
These hours make it easy to include this tourist attraction in Italy into your Italy travel plans, whether you’re on a short trip or an extended vacation.
History of the Cattolica Aquarium in Italy
The Cattolica Aquarium’s history is as captivating as the marine life it showcases. In the early 1930s, a visionary group named “Figli del Littorio” teamed up with architect Clemente Busiri Vici to establish a marine colony in Cattolica.
They accomplished this in just 9 months, demonstrating the developers’ determination and efficiency. The complex, known as “Le Navi,” has experienced many changes over the years.
Initially serving as a naval academy, it later transformed into a military hospital during World War II. In the post-war years, it reclaimed its identity as a holiday center before becoming the “Le Navi International Youth Centre” in the 1980s.
In 1997, with the municipality’s assistance, “Parconavi SpA” was established with the vision of creating a marine park. This dream materialized in 2000 with the park’s inauguration.
Today, the reimagined “Le Navi” complex stands as a captivating fusion of history, culture, and marine education, making it one of the top attractions in Italy.
When is the best time to visit this aquarium?
Timing is crucial for planning your aquatic adventure. In my opinion, the best time to visit the Aquarium of Cattolica is during the spring or early summer months.
The weather is pleasant, and you’ll be able to avoid the summer crowds. This leads to a more enjoyable and relaxed exploration of the underwater world.
If you’d like to avoid the crowds, consider visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours. Early mornings or late afternoons provide a quieter and more intimate experience with the marine life.
Opening Hours
Planning your visit is straightforward with the following opening hours:
| April-December | January-March |
|---|---|
| Aquarium Cattolica Ticket Office: 10 AM to 4:30 PM | Aquarium Cattolica Ticket Office: 10 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Closing Time: 6:30 PM | Closing Time: 7:30 PM |
| Last Entrance to the Blue Route: 5 PM | Last Entrance to the Blue Route: 6 PM |
| Last Entrance to Yellow, Green, and Purple Routes: 6 PM | Last Entrance to Yellow, Green, and Purple Routes: 7 PM |
How to reach Cattolica Aquarium?
Are you ready to embark on this aquatic adventure? Here’s how you can reach Cattolica.
By Bus: If you’re coming from Rimini, take line 11 to Riccione (P.le Curiel). Then, switch to line 125 heading to Cattolica (get off at stop number 71 “Acquario di Cattolica”).
By Train: Arrive at the Cattolica railway station and catch bus number 125, disembarking at stop number 71 “Cattolica Aquarium.”
By Car: Take the A14 motorway and exit at Cattolica. The aquarium is about 4 km from the motorway exit, located along Cattolica’s seafront.
The aquarium is situated just near Portoverde di Misano Adriatico. For accurate directions, use “Via Francia” in Google Maps or any other navigation app.
What to Expect
Now that you’re familiar with how to get there, the hours of operation, and ticket prices, let’s explore what you can look forward to at Italy’s second-largest aquarium.
As you enter, you’ll be greeted by 100 display tanks and pools teeming with fascinating marine life. From sharks to penguins, pelagic stingrays to jellyfish, this underwater journey promises unforgettable encounters.
Your adventure will begin on the Yellow Trail, where you’ll discover the intriguing world of freshwater ecosystems. Observe fearsome alligators, playful otters, and appreciate the essential role of water in our planet’s life cycle.
Next, immerse yourself in the enchanting Green Trail, where exotic creatures take center stage. Marvel at chameleons, frogs, insects, and snakes that will captivate your senses.
If you’re intrigued by nature’s small marvels, the Purple Trail reveals their hidden wonders.
You’ll learn how their tiny size allows them to thrive in diverse habitats — from icy poles to scorching deserts, lush forests, bustling cities, and even our own crops and freshwater environments.
One of the highlights of your visit will be the mesmerizing feeding sessions featuring sharks, penguins, otters, and stingrays. Rest assured, these sessions are conducted under expert guidance, revealing fascinating facts about these amazing animals.
If you’re visiting Italy with children, like I did last June, this place is definitely one of the finest things to do in Cattolica!
Things to Do
Aquarium Cattolica offers a plethora of experiences and attractions. Here are some must-see highlights during your visit:
Meet the Majestic Bull Sharks
These impressive creatures, featuring a grey-beige hue with brown spots, can grow up to 3.2 meters long. Watch them elegantly glide through the water, showcasing their distinct, sandpaper-like skin.
Don’t miss the feeding sessions on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 3:15 PM.
Waddle with the Humboldt Penguins
These adorable medium-sized birds stand at a height of only 60 cm and weigh 5 kg as adults. They reside along the coastlines of Peru and Chile. Catch them diving for prey and interacting during feeding sessions, held daily at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM.
Marvel at the Stingrays
Meet the Trigoni or Dasyatis violacea. These stingrays can reach widths of up to 80 cm and lengths of 190 cm.
With their deep brown-violet hue, these aquatic beauties resemble shadowy gems of the sea. Witness their feeding session on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 12:15 PM.
Encounter the Alligator Family
Discover the Crocodilia group, which includes alligators and caimans.
In this enclosure, you’ll learn about their distinctive features, such as shorter, wider heads and less webbing in their legs compared to crocodiles.
Discover the Four Leaf Clover Jellyfish
These unique underwater creatures, composed of 90% water, display a gelatinous, frayed-edge bell with a distinctive four-leaf clover pattern. They can grow up to 40 cm in diameter.
You will be captivated as you watch them gracefully glide through the water, capturing tiny organisms with their short tentacles.
Find Nemo’s Friends
Step into the world of clownfish and their unique partnership with anemones. If you’re traveling with kids, they will have a fantastic time observing these playful fish dance through the stinging tentacles.
Spot the Mystical Moray Eels
Get ready to meet the enchanting Murenidi family, a group of diverse eels. These tropical wonders thrive in shallow, colorful coral reefs and can display various shades, from brown to bright blue.
Keep an eye out for the Mediterranean’s Muraena helena and the rare Gymnothorax unicolor.
Meet the Aussie Giant Tree Frog
Hop into the rainforests of Australia and New Guinea to find the Australian Giant Tree Frog, also known as the Caerulea. With its vibrant green color and plump shape, it’s famous for its excellent climbing abilities.
Watch the Constricting Boa
This may not be the largest snake, but it possesses a unique elegance of its own. At this enclosure, you’ll learn about the Constricting Boa, its distinct hunting techniques, and its natural habitats.
Expert Insider Tips
- Having visited recently, I’d like to share a few tips to enhance your experience at this top aquarium in Italy.
- Take your time observing the marine creatures and reading the informative panels. Engaging with each exhibit will deepen your understanding of the underwater world.
- Don’t miss the interactive feeding times for the sharks, penguins, otters, and stingrays. These sessions are entertaining and educational, providing insights into their diets and behaviors.
- If possible, visit during weekdays or off-peak hours for a more tranquil experience. Early mornings or late afternoons often provide a quieter atmosphere, allowing for a closer encounter with the marine life.
- Be sure to follow eco-friendly practices during your visit.
- For photography enthusiasts, while photos and videos are allowed, remember that flash photography is prohibited for the animals’ well-being.
- For families with young children, it’s a good idea to bring snacks and water. While there are dining options available, having refreshments on hand is always helpful.
FAQs About Cattolica Aquarium
How long does a visit to Cattolica Aquarium usually take?
Most visitors take about 2-3 hours, although you can spend longer if you wish. The duration will depend on your pace and interest in each exhibit.
Is the Cattolica Aquarium open during rainy weather?
Yes, the aquarium is open rain or shine. In fact, it’s an excellent indoor activity on a rainy day, allowing you to explore the underwater wonders no matter the weather.
What animals can be seen at Cattolica Aquarium?
You will encounter a diverse range of marine life, including sharks, penguins, stingrays, jellyfish, and many fish species. The aquarium also features reptiles, amphibians, and insects, providing a broad learning experience.
Can I bring dogs or other animals to Cattolica Aquarium?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed inside the aquarium to ensure the safety and comfort of the marine life. However, service animals may be permitted with proper documentation.
Is swimming with sharks allowed at Cattolica Aquarium?
You cannot swim with the sharks, but you can get a close-up view of them in the shark tunnel. This offers a thrilling and safe way to observe these magnificent creatures in their environment.
Are there animals on the Viola route of Cattolica Aquarium?
The Viola (Purple) route mainly focuses on insects and their extraordinary adaptations. Here, you’ll learn about how these small creatures navigate various environments and their vital roles in different ecosystems.
Can I feed animals at Cattolica Aquarium?
No, visitors are not permitted to feed the animals. However, you can observe professional feeding sessions for various species. These sessions are both entertaining and educational, offering insights into each animal’s diet and behavior.
Conclusion
So, are you ready to dive in and uncover the wonders of the deep? The Aquarium of Cattolica awaits your visit for an unforgettable underwater adventure.
Don’t forget to share your experiences and perhaps inspire others to embark on this magical journey!
