There’s something surreal about standing in front of a tank bigger than your house, watching sharks, rays, and jellyfish drift by like they own the place. These aren’t your neighborhood fishbowls these are full-scale marine worlds built for immersion, education, and awe. If you’re a fan of the ocean or just looking to lose yourself in something spectacular, here are the 10 biggest aquariums in the world that are absolutely worth the trip.
- Chimelong Spaceship, China- 75.35 million liters
This one’s a game-changer. The largest aquarium on Earth, located in Guangzhou, is shaped like a spaceship and filled with more than 30,000 marine animals. From whale sharks to rare Chinese sturgeons, it’s like walking into a sci-fi ocean. Don’t miss the dome tank it’s cinematic. - SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, UAE- 58 million liters
Yes, a desert city hosts one of the world’s most advanced aquariums. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi spans five levels and holds over 100,000 marine creatures. Each section is themed like a different ocean realm, with stunning visuals and interactive storytelling that makes conservation feel like an adventure. - Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, China- 48.75 million liters
Located in Zhuhai, this aquariums doubles as a theme park. It’s wild. Think whale sharks, beluga whales, and parades. It once held the Guinness World Record for largest aquarium and still feels like an underwater festival that never ends. - S.E.A. Aquarium, Singapore- 45.2 million liters
Right inside Resorts World Sentosa, this place is sleek, massive, and packed with life over 1,000 species. The centerpiece? A 36-meter-wide viewing panel in the Open Ocean Habitat that makes you feel like you’re diving without getting wet. - L’Oceanogràfic, Spain- 41.6 million liters
Europe’s largest aquarium is in Valencia and looks like a floating sculpture. It covers ecosystems from the Arctic to the tropics and has a restaurant where you dine while surrounded by sea life. Belugas and paella in one afternoon? Sold. - Georgia Aquarium, USA- 41.6 million liters
Atlanta’s pride, this aquarium was once the biggest in the world and is still the only place outside Asia where you can see whale sharks. Their Ocean Voyager exhibit is massive, and the conservation efforts here are just as big. - Moscow Oceanarium, Russia- 25 million liters
Cold outside, coral reefs inside. The Moscow Oceanarium delivers a surprising mix of global marine species with bold design and strong educational programming. Arctic chic meets tropical fish? Somehow, it works. - The Seas with Nemo & Friends, USA- 21.58 million liters
Located inside EPCOT at Disney World, this one mixes Pixar charm with actual marine science. Ride a clam-mobile into the exhibits, then hang with dolphins, manatees, and rays in one of the world’s largest saltwater tanks. - Aqua Planet Jeju, South Korea- 20 million liters
Jeju Island’s crown jewel, this aquarium is futuristic in design and heavy on tech. Expect AR-enhanced exhibits, rare native species like the Korean sturgeon, and incredible sea views just outside the building. - Shedd Aquarium, USA- 18.9 million liters
Smallest on the list, but still a giant in character. Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium blends 1930s architecture with high-end marine education. It’s elegant, thoughtful, and surprisingly modern, especially their jellyfish gallery.