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Nausicaá - National Sea Center

Glide past the queues and dive straight into France’s largest aquarium, Nausicaá Sea Center. Discover marine life, interactive exhibits, and unforgettable ocean adventures at your own pace.
Why head out with Headout
Nausicaá - National Sea Center
Children watching marine life at Nausicaá aquarium, France.
Visitors touching water at Nausicaá aquarium touch pool.
Child and adult touching a stingray at Nausicaá aquarium.
Visitors viewing marine life at Nausicaá aquarium, including a large manta ray.
Seals swimming underwater at Nausicaá Aquarium, France.
Clownfish swimming near sea anemone at Nausicaá aquarium.
Manta ray swimming at Nausicaá aquarium with fish in the background.
Underwater coral reef exhibit at Nausicaá Aquarium, France.
Three lizards on green leaves at Nausicaá aquarium.
Extended validity
Explore at your pace
  • Skip the lines at Nausicaá and dive straight into the action, meeting 1,600 species across 85 aquariums and terrariums.

  • Make the most of the exhibitions and live shows on site—like Sea Lion Training, Lagoon Feeding, and Meet the Penguins—available on select days of your visit.

  • Walk through an 18m long submarine tunnel — befriend penguins, admire hammerhead sharks, and watch sea lions getting trained.

  • Access perpetual exhibits like The Giants of the High Seas and follow a leatherback turtle to uncover secrets of Malpelo Island, home to endangered marines.

  • Pet a shark! At the Touch Pool, the likes of Catsharks and Thornback rays will swim to your hands.

More details

  • Skip the lines at Nausicaá and dive straight into the action, meeting 1,600 species across 85 aquariums and terrariums.

  • Make the most of the exhibitions and live shows on site—like Sea Lion Training, Lagoon Feeding, and Meet the Penguins—available on select days of your visit.

  • Walk through an 18m long submarine tunnel — befriend penguins, admire hammerhead sharks, and watch sea lions getting trained.

  • Access perpetual exhibits like The Giants of the High Seas and follow a leatherback turtle to uncover secrets of Malpelo Island, home to endangered marines.

  • Pet a shark! At the Touch Pool, the likes of Catsharks and Thornback rays will swim to your hands.

from
€30

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About Nausicaá

Nausicaá stands out in Headout’s collection of world-class zoos and aquariums, offering a unique blend of immersive marine habitats, interactive learning, and conservation leadership. It’s the perfect addition to any wildlife or family adventure itinerary, promising both spectacular sights and meaningful educational experiences.


AddressBd Sainte-Beuve, 62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
Also known asNausicaá
Year opened1991
Visitors per year800000
Expected wait time - Standard30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

Nausicaá’s Malpelo tank is the largest single aquarium tank in Europe, holding a staggering 10 million liters of water.

The aquarium is home to Europe’s largest coral breeding center, playing a key role in reef restoration and marine research.

A life-size whale skeleton greets visitors in the entrance hall, setting the stage for the oceanic adventure inside.

Nausicaá has welcomed over 20 million visitors since opening in 1991, making it the second-most-visited attraction north of Paris.

The Grand Large augmented reality experience, launched in 2022, lets guests virtually dive with whales and explore deep-sea environments.

Why visit Nausicaá?

Europe’s Largest Aquarium Tank

Step into the breathtaking Malpelo tank, holding 10 million liters of water, and walk through a 23-meter tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and swirling schools of fish. It’s an immersive experience unlike any other in Europe.

Diverse Marine Life Encounters

Meet a vibrant cast of ocean dwellers, from playful African penguins and majestic sea lions to colorful coral fish, jellyfish, and even caiman crocodiles. Every corner reveals a new aquatic wonder.

Interactive and Educational Exhibits

Get hands-on with touch pools, peek into coral nurseries, and explore the latest in marine science through augmented reality and behind-the-scenes tours. Learning here is as fun as it is fascinating.

Conservation Leadership

Discover how Nausicaá leads Europe in coral breeding and ocean conservation, with visible research labs and engaging displays on protecting marine biodiversity. Your visit supports vital environmental efforts.

Family-Friendly Facilities and Experiences

Enjoy a seamless visit with stroller access, bilingual signage, family workshops, and well-kept amenities. Nausicaá is designed for comfort and discovery, making it a top choice for visitors of all ages.

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