Grand Aquarium
Dive into an epic underwater adventure at the Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo, where 10,000 marine animals from 600 species swim through ten captivating universes. This giant aquarium, celebrated for its innovative spirit, plunges you into the depths with attractions like the 360-degree ring, where sharks and ancient loggerhead turtles glide around you, and the thrilling 'Abyssal Descender' simulator, which takes you on a high-pressure journey to 5,000 meters below the surface. More than just a collection of fish, it's an immersive experience designed to ignite your curiosity about the oceans' mysteries. It's a truly unforgettable visit that connects you with the vast, incredible life beneath the waves.
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History of Grand Aquarium
The Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo first opened its gates in 1996, a significant investment for the region that quickly established itself as a premier destination for marine discovery. Its founders envisioned a place where the wonders of the ocean could be brought closer to the public, fostering both education and awe. After a few years of independent operation, the aquarium was acquired in 1999 by the Compagnie des Alpes, a major player in the European leisure park industry. This acquisition marked a new chapter, integrating the aquarium into a larger network of attractions and potentially benefiting from increased resources and expertise. However, its journey continued when the Compagnie des Alpes divested several parks in 2010, leading to its eventual acquisition by the Looping Group in 2011. This change in ownership ensured the aquarium's ongoing commitment to innovation and expansion within a dedicated leisure and entertainment portfolio. Throughout its history, the Grand Aquarium has consistently sought to push boundaries, earning a prestigious Thea Award for its immersive experiences. It wasn't content with just static displays; it pioneered features like the 360-degree ring where visitors are encircled by marine life, and even offered unique overnight stays for a time. The introduction of the 'Abyssal Descender' simulation further demonstrated its dedication to virtual exploration, taking guests on a thrilling journey to extreme ocean depths. Looking ahead, the planned 'Emerald Submarine Base' for 2025 promises to continue this tradition of engaging, cutting-edge exhibits, solidifying the Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo's reputation as a dynamic and evolving centre for marine appreciation.
Events spanning 29 years
Fun Facts
- • Before being acquired by the Looping Group in 2011, the Grand Aquarium was owned by Compagnie des Alpes, the same French leisure company that operates Parc Astérix.
- • For a period, the aquarium offered the unique experience of spending an overnight stay in a hotel room directly within the 360-degree shark tunnel, allowing guests to sleep surrounded by marine predators.
- • In 2025, the Grand Aquarium is scheduled to unveil a new attraction called the 'Emerald Submarine Base', promising further innovations in immersive underwater exploration.
- • It is one of only a handful of European tourist attractions to be honoured with a Thea Award by the Themed Entertainment Association, a prestigious international recognition for excellence in themed entertainment.
- • Its 'Abyssal Descender' attraction simulates a deep-sea submarine expedition, taking guests on a virtual journey to depths of 3,000 to 5,000 metres, exploring the high-pressure environments of the ocean's abyssal plains.
- • The Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo, a monumental project, cost 50 million French francs to construct before its opening in 1996, a significant investment for a regional attraction.
- • The aquarium boasts a massive 360-degree ring-shaped tank holding 600,000 litres of water, where blacktip sharks and loggerhead turtles, including one over 30 years old, swim around visitors.
- • The aquarium consistently attracts about 360,000 visitors annually, cementing its status as one of Brittany's most popular tourist destinations, alongside Océanopolis in Brest.
- • With a total area of 4,000 square metres and 2.5 million litres of water, the Grand Aquarium is home to approximately 10,000 marine animals from around 600 different species, distributed across ten distinct aquatic environments.
RESOURCES
Official WebsiteGrand Aquarium FAQ
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Grand Aquarium Map & Neighborhood Explorer
This interactive map is centered on Grand Aquarium. Zoom in and move the map around to automatically discover Wikipedia photos and summaries of other nearby sights, monuments, and historical points of interest and stories in real-time!
Places near Grand Aquarium
Make the most of your trip. Check out these top-rated spots located nearby.
1344mGrand Park of La Briantais
Perched high above the Rance estuary in Saint-Malo, the Grand Park of La Briantais unfolds across 27 hectares, offering truly commanding views that sweep across Saint-Malo Bay, the historic Solidor Tower, and the distant shores of Dinard. This extensive green space, a masterwork of 18th-century landscape design later refined, invites exploration through its thoughtful arrangement of plateaus and meandering paths, each turn revealing a new perspective. At its heart lies a rebuilt 17th-century château, giving the park a deeply rooted sense of history and aristocratic charm. Visitors can lose themselves among ancient trees, discover quaint garden follies like the Temple of Love, and wander through varied landscapes from manicured lawns to wilder woodlands. It's a peaceful sanctuary that brilliantly combines natural beauty with centuries of Breton heritage, an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon.
park & nature view
1422mSaint-Servan Harbourside
Located south of the walled city around the base of the Solidor Tower, this area offers a more relaxed evening experience. The bars here face directly onto the Rance estuary, providing excellent views of the boats bobbing at anchor. Locals prefer this area for quiet sunset drinks away from the heavy tourist footfall. You will often see people sitting on the seawall with a glass of wine purchased from the nearby cafes.
nightlife view
1490mGeoffroy Dauvergne Frescoes
Located inside the somewhat austere Church of Saint-Jean-l'Évangéliste, these massive, brightly coloured murals offer a surprising burst of mid-20th century art. Painted by local artist Geoffroy Dauvergne, they depict religious scenes using strong, almost graphic lines and vibrant palettes that contrast heavily with traditional church art. For decades, some of his work in local schools was covered up or forgotten. A recent restoration effort brought this specific church fresco back to vivid life, showcasing a unique slice of post-war Breton culture.
hidden gem view
1524mWolf's Mouth Cave
Hidden along the rocky shoreline of the Aleth peninsula, this natural sea cave is entirely invisible from the main paths above. You can only access it by scrambling over the slippery, seaweed covered rocks during low tide. The entrance resembles a jagged jaw opening into the cliffside, hence the dramatic name. Standing inside, the acoustics amplify the sound of the ocean, creating a booming echo even when the water is calm. It is a completely raw, unmanaged natural feature.
hidden gem view
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Ancient Ramparts of Saint-Malo, Fort National, Saint-Vincent Cathedral of Saint-Malo, Grand Bé Island, Jacques Cartier Manor House and Museum, Rance Tidal Power Plant, Solidor Tower...
