Gdynia Oceanarium, also known as Gdynia MIR Aquarium

Do you know the Gdynia Oceanarium? It’s high time to visit it. Even those familiar with the Gdynia aquarium will discover something new. At the end of April 2024, a new exhibition called “Cold Seas” was opened, showcasing the environment of the cold seas of the northern hemisphere!

Gdynia Aquarium, which also operated as the Oceanographic Museum and Marine Aquarium of the Marine Institute from 1971 to 2003, is located in a modernist building from 1938 on Jana Pawła II Avenue in Gdynia. Walking along the pier, it’s impossible not to notice it. This zoological garden specializes in presenting the fauna and flora of aquatic and semi-aquatic environments. It houses seven thematic halls, home to over 1,500 living organisms from about 250 species. You will surely not miss the giant water turtle, sturgeon, coral reef, and crocodile Zuzia!
Gdynia Aquarium, visited by over 400,000 people annually, is one of the main tourist attractions in Gdynia.

Gdynia MIR Aquarium – Exhibitions and Attractions

During a visit to the Gdynia Aquarium, it is worth starting from the Zostera Hall. Here, in five tanks, the unique biology of the Puck Bay is presented. Next, entering the Hall of Aquatic World Animals, visitors can immerse themselves in the dark depths of the ocean. Here you will also find marble sharks, which are successfully bred in the Gdynia Aquarium.

Following the educational path, it is worth going to the first floor, where the Coral Reef Hall is located. Here, in the largest aquarium containing 3,000 liters of water, corals, fish, and other marine organisms living in the reef are presented. The Educational Hall on the second floor is equally interesting, where exhibits from the history of sea and ocean research by the Marine Institute are gathered, including the only specimen of the beluga sturgeon in Poland.

In the Amazonia Hall, visitors can experience the atmosphere of the humid equatorial forests and admire the life of the green anacondas, the largest snakes in the world.

The visit ends in the Baltic Hall, located on the top, third floor. Here, on a large, plastic map of the Baltic Sea, you can learn about its geography and ecology. In this hall, besides a rich biological exhibition, activities of Ghost Diving Poland are also presented, focusing on removing fishing nets lying at sea, which is crucial for the protection of marine fauna and flora.
However, you must also see the “Cold Seas” exhibition. In this unique space, containing 450,000 liters of water in 12 tanks, you can observe marine life from the Atlantic, the Danish Straits, and the Baltic Sea. Among the species presented are jellyfish, various crustaceans, as well as schooling fish and those hiding in the sand.

The “Cold Seas” hall not only enriches knowledge about the biodiversity of cold waters but also raises awareness of the significance of the oceans for humanity. It emphasizes how the sea shapes our life, climate, and economy, while also highlighting the need for the protection of marine ecosystems.

Gdynia Oceanarium – Sharks or Small Sharks?

Are there sharks in the Gdynia oceanarium? It’s a frequently asked question. Indeed, there are. However, if you expect to see large beasts, you will be disappointed. The sharks residing in the Gdynia Aquarium are much smaller and less dangerous than those in popular marine predator films. You can mainly find smaller species, such as marble sharks and bamboo sharks, which are excellent examples that not all sharks are gigantic creatures. These smaller species are equally fascinating and constitute an important part of the marine ecosystem, showcasing the diversity of life in the oceans.

Is Gdynia MIR Aquarium worth visiting?

Absolutely, it is worth visiting the Gdynia MIR Aquarium! It is one of the largest and most diverse marine attractions in Poland. Visitors can explore ecosystems from around the world, from Puck Bay through exotic coral reefs to the mysterious depths of the oceans.

Gdynia Aquarium offers not only the opportunity to admire unique species of fish, crustaceans, jellyfish, and other marine creatures but also educates about biodiversity and the importance of protecting the marine environment. It also offers numerous educational programs and workshops for children and adults, making it an ideal place for family trips and scientific discoveries for students.

Tickets to Gdynia Oceanarium and Opening Hours

Tickets for the Gdynia MIR Aquarium can be purchased online or directly at the ticket office. The visiting hours vary depending on the month, so it is advisable to check the current information on the official website of the Aquarium.

At the Gdynia MIR Aquarium, individual and family tickets are available. The price list is available online. Persons such as caregivers of people with disabilities, zoo employees, and PTTK guides have the right to free admission, but they must obtain a free entry card from the box office. The Aquarium can be reached using local public transportation stops, and parking is available in the paid parking zone along Kościuszko Square.

Summary

The Gdynia MIR Aquarium, also known as the Gdynia Oceanarium, is one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Poland, offering a rich variety of marine and freshwater ecosystems. From exotic coral reefs to the mysterious depths of the oceans, visitors can admire over 1,500 living organisms from approximately 250 species. While in Gdynia, be sure to spend a few hours strolling among the depths of seas and oceans.