Large public aquariums offer very different visits: enormous open-water displays, regional habitats, underwater tunnels or detailed conservation exhibits. Compare what you want to see rather than treating total water volume as a measure of quality.
Which aquarium is the largest?
Total facility volume and the size of one display are different measurements. Older rankings also miss newer venues. Chimelong’s operator records that Chimelong Spaceship received records for the largest aquarium and aquarium tank in 2023. Spaceship and neighboring Ocean Kingdom are separate parks in Zhuhai, China.
The ten venues below are a starting list for comparing exhibits, rather than a current size ranking. Check official visitor information before booking: hours, exhibits, access requirements and separately ticketed experiences can change.
Ten public aquariums to compare
Georgia Aquarium — Atlanta, United States
Ocean Voyager holds more than 6.3 million US gallons and offers both an underwater tunnel and a large viewing window. It is one of the world’s largest individual aquatic exhibits. Check the current gallery information for animals on view; a past animal count is not a promise about your visit.
Singapore Oceanarium — Sentosa, Singapore
The former S.E.A. Aquarium was expanded and relaunched as Singapore Oceanarium, opening to public guests on July 24, 2025. Use current Oceanarium visitor information when planning. The photograph above shows the earlier S.E.A. Aquarium; old gallery counts and tickets should not be assumed to describe today’s venue.
AQWA — Perth, Australia
The Aquarium of Western Australia focuses on marine life native to Western Australia. Its Shipwreck Coast aquarium contains three million litres and an underwater tunnel nearly 100 metres long. This regional focus makes it useful for exploring a particular coastline rather than comparing worldwide species counts.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium — Okinawa, Japan
The Kuroshio Sea display contains 7,500 cubic metres of water—7.5 million litres. Its large viewing panel and Aqua Room provide different perspectives on the tank. The surrounding galleries explain sharks and the warm-water Kuroshio ecosystem.
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium — Shanghai, China
Operator Straco describes Shanghai Ocean Aquarium’s underwater viewing tunnel as 155 metres long, with 270-degree views. Use that documented measurement rather than an unsupported claim that it is currently the world’s longest. Check the aquarium’s current visitor notices when planning entry.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo — Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is in Dubai Mall. It combines an underwater tunnel with additional exhibits and separately offered experiences. It is a different attraction from the Atlantis resort’s aquarium, so confirm the venue and ticket inclusions before purchasing.
Acquario di Genova — Genoa, Italy
Genoa’s aquarium is in the Porto Antico area and presents habitats including coral reefs and polar environments. Check whether your ticket includes only the aquarium or a combination with other AcquarioVillage attractions. Calling it Italy’s largest does not establish a Europe-wide size record.
Monterey Bay Aquarium — Monterey, United States
Monterey’s Kelp Forest is particularly relevant if you enjoy temperate marine habitats. The aquarium’s official live cameras also offer views of kelp, jellyfish, sea otters and open-water animals from home. Historical shark projects should not be read as a current exhibit listing.
The Florida Aquarium — Tampa, United States
The Florida Aquarium includes Wetlands of Florida and coral reef exhibits, alongside conservation work. It is a useful option for a visit centered on Florida’s connected freshwater and marine environments. Check the current exhibit directory and event schedule before choosing a date.
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom — Zhuhai, China
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom combines aquatic exhibits with theme-park attractions. It is in Zhuhai, not Shanghai. Compare its park map and ticket with neighboring Chimelong Spaceship rather than combining their facilities or historical size records into one aquarium.
Plan around the exhibits you care about
Check transport, accessibility, timed entry and whether encounters require an extra booking. Avoid planning around an animal shown only in an old photograph. If reefs interest you, our guides to soft corals and large-polyp stony corals explain some of the groups you may encounter.
