Come face-to-face with hundreds of exotic sea creatures at this educational wildlife center set inside landmark buildings that resemble a naval fleet.
Journey into the world’s fascinating marine life at Le Navi Aquarium (Acquario di Cattolica). From caiman to penguins and jellyfish, there are thousands of animals and hundreds of species to discover. Four trails lined with informative and interactive panels guide you through Le Navi Aquarium. The exhibits sit within a series of architecturally impressive 1930s buildings, which evoke the image of a naval fleet about to enter the Adriatic Sea.
The Blue Path takes you past recreations of the natural habitats of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans and Mediterranean and Red seas. Learn about the evolution of these water bodies via multimedia displays and see aquatic plants, corals and fossils of all shapes and sizes. Watch playful Humboldt penguins and get up-close to huge bull sharks. On the Yellow Path, observe caiman native to the Amazon River and otters that inhabit Asian wetlands.
Some of the planet’s strangest looking animals, such as the giant squid, are on display in the tanks of the Purple Path. Listen to authentic sounds of the sea. Multicolored chameleons, frogs, lizards and snakes await on the Green Path.
Unusual activities available include family sleepovers in front of tanks filled with fearsome sharks. Time your visit according to otter, penguin and shark feeding times. Join a behind-the-scenes tour to experience a day in the life of a marine biologist. Children will enjoy reenacting the common tasks of a veterinary surgeon.
The aquarium stands on the seafront at the northern end of Cattolica’s beach. Access to the beach is possible via an underpass. There’s a metered car park at the rear of the attraction.
Le Navi Aquarium is open daily from late March until late September. Opening times vary for the rest of the year so check the attraction’s official website before visiting. Purchase tickets online to benefit from discounted prices. Combined tickets include admission to the aquarium and either Oltremare waterpark or Italy in Miniature, two popular attractions in the Province of Rimini.
