Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum, Public aquarium in El Rodadero, Colombia.
The Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum is a marine facility with 13 pools connected to Caribbean waters and 15 glass tanks displaying over 800 regional marine animals. The collection shows the different habitats and species that live in these waters.
Captain Francisco Ospina Navia founded this marine education facility in 1965, establishing it as one of South America's oldest public aquariums. Its creation came from a desire to make Caribbean marine diversity accessible to the public.
The museum section shows exhibitions about the Tairona people and their connection to the sea through preserved objects and nautical tools. Visitors can see how this ancient culture shaped its identity around maritime life and coastal practices.
The visit requires a 10-minute boat ride from El Rodadero beach, with tours running daily between 9 AM and 4 PM. Wear comfortable shoes and expect some waves during windy conditions on the water.
The 13 pools connect directly to the Caribbean Sea, so the water rises and falls with the tide rather than being filtered and recirculated. Of the more than 805 animals kept here, 98% are native to the area, and the collection includes sea lions alongside sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, crustaceans, fish and seabirds.
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