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Rodadero Aquarium

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Animal habitat
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Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)

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The Rodadero Aquarium and Museum of the Sea in Santa Marta was founded in 1965 by Captain Francisco Ospina Navia, making it one of Colombia's oldest marine institutions. Located in the Inca-Inca cove, the facility is uniquely accessible only by boat, adding to its charm as a maritime destination. The aquarium showcases a diverse array of species native to the Caribbean Sea, including nurse sharks, sea turtles, rays, and countless colorful reef fish. One of its main attractions is the dolphin presentation, designed to highlight the connection between humans and marine mammals. In addition to live exhibits, the Museum of the Sea features a historical section focusing on Colombian naval history and artifacts from the pre-Columbian Tayrona culture. The institution plays a vital role in the rescue and rehabilitation of sea turtles found along the Magdalena coast. By blending entertainment with marine biology education, the Rodadero Aquarium has contributed for decades to the protection of Caribbean ecosystems and the promotion of environmental stewardship among visitors.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212222232323232322222121
Rain mm3311341097863841101709729

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The aquarium is open year-round, but the best time to visit Santa Marta is the dry season from December to April, with less rainfall. In rainier months, short showers may occur, barely affecting the visit.
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Best time of day
The aquarium typically opens in the morning, and the morning hours are less crowded. Late afternoon light through the windows can create beautiful effects, but allow at least two hours for the visit.
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Etiquette
Please do not use flash when photographing the aquariums, as it can stress the animals. Do not touch the exhibits or tap on the glass; fish are sensitive to vibrations.
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What to bring
No special gear is required, as the aquarium is easily accessible and covered. A camera without flash or a smartphone with good low-light sensitivity is enough to capture the colorful marine life.
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Getting there
The Rodadero Aquarium is located in the El Rodadero neighborhood of Santa Marta, right on the coast. It is easily reached by taxi or local bus; parking in the area may be limited.
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What to expect
On weekends and holidays it can get very crowded, so be patient when viewing the tanks. The animals move at their own pace; let the quiet moments between visitors surprise you.

Geography

Coordinates
11.21730, -74.22850

Facts

  • Founded in 1965 by the explorer Captain Francisco Ospina Navia.
  • Accessible only by boat from Rodadero or Santa Marta beaches.
  • Features a maritime museum with Tayrona archaeological pieces.
  • A key center for the rehabilitation of sea turtles in the region.
  • Consists of 13 pools with continuous sea water circulation.
  • Houses a diverse collection of Caribbean nurse sharks and rays.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Port of Santa MartaPort of Santa Marta2 km · NEExplore →
Santa MartaSanta Marta3 km · NExplore →
Tayrona Free Trade ZoneTayrona Free Trade Zone4 km · NExplore →
Quinta de San Pedro AlejandrinoQuinta de San Pedro Alejandrino6 km · NExplore →
Puerto Nuevo (Coal Port)Puerto Nuevo (Coal Port)7 km · WExplore →
TayronaTayrona7 km · NExplore →
MincaMinca13 km · NExplore →
Tayrona National Natural ParkTayrona National Natural Park29 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Rodadero Aquarium (12)

Ziruma🌿 nature

This elevated roadside viewpoint provides a panoramic view of the coast and the El Rodadero skyline.

Parque público🌿 nature

A small seaside public park offering a relaxing view of the Caribbean Sea.

Reserva natural de iguanas📍 landmark

A protected urban green space where green iguanas can be observed in their natural habitat.

🕒 24/7

Centro Internacional del Rodadero🏛 museum

A cultural center in El Rodadero hosting exhibitions on local history and marine biology.

Playa Inca Inca🎡 recreation

A quiet sandy beach in a sheltered cove, accessible via a hiking trail over the Ziruma hill.

El Rodadero📍 landmark

Santa Marta's most famous tourist resort area, characterized by high-rise hotels and a wide sandy beach.

Playa Salguero📍 landmark

A long, quieter sandy beach south of the main El Rodadero strip, good for long walks.

Playa Blanca🎡 recreation

This white sand beach with calm waters is accessible only by boat from El Rodadero.

Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum🎡 recreation

Accessible by boat, this aquarium features dolphin shows and marine life in pools right on the coast.

Castillo de San Fernando🏰 castle

Built in 1725, this fortress was constructed to protect the bay from pirate attacks.

Salón del Reino de los Testigos de Jehová⛪ religious

A Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses used for worship and religious meetings near the coast.

Mercafruver🎭 culture

Lively local market specializing in fresh tropical fruits and vegetables.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do you reach the aquarium?
Only by boat from Rodadero beach in Santa Marta.
Are there dolphin shows?
Yes, there are regular shows with trained dolphins.
What can you see in the museum?
There are exhibits on maritime history and Tayrona culture.
Is swimming with dolphins possible?
Yes, this is offered as an additional paid experience.
Are there sharks there?
Yes, there are tanks with nurse sharks and other local species.
Rodadero Aquarium: where is it located?
Rodadero Aquarium is located in Colombia.
Rodadero Aquarium: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ziruma, Parque público, Reserva natural de iguanas.
Rodadero Aquarium: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Rodadero Aquarium: why is it worth visiting?
The Rodadero Aquarium and Museum of the Sea in Santa Marta was founded in 1965 by Captain Francisco Ospina Navia, making it one of Colombia's oldest marine institutions.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Santa Marta — Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)
Santa Marta
One of the oldest existing cities in South America.
Tayrona — Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)
Tayrona
Tayrona National Park enchants with palm-fringed Caribbean beaches that merge directly into the dense jungle.
Minca — Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)
Minca
A lush mountain village in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, famous for coffee farms and waterfalls.
Malambo — Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)
Malambo
Municipality near Barranquilla with indigenous historical roots.
Soledad — Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)
Soledad
Populous municipality closely linked to Barranquilla.
Barranquilla — Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)
Barranquilla
Major port city on the Caribbean coast.
Palomino — Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)
Palomino
Palomino is a laid-back coastal town where the Sierra Nevada mountains meet the Caribbean Sea.
Sabanalarga — Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)
Sabanalarga
One of the largest and oldest municipalities in the Atlántico department.

History & landmarks

Pumarejo Bridge — Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)
Pumarejo Bridge
The Pumarejo Bridge is a modern cable-stayed bridge in Barranquilla that spans the Magdalena River.
Window to the World — Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)
Window to the World
The Window to the World is a modern, colorful monument in Barranquilla.

Nature

Magdalena River — Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)
Magdalena River
The principal river of Colombia, crossing the country from south to north.

More places

Port of Santa Marta — Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)
Port of Santa Marta
A natural deep-water port, especially known for the export of agricultural products like bananas and coal.
Tayrona Free Trade Zone — Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)
Tayrona Free Trade Zone
A major industrial park in Santa Marta, serving companies in logistics and export.
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino — Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
A 17th-century hacienda where South American liberator Simón Bolívar spent his last days in 1830.
Puerto Nuevo (Coal Port) — Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)
Puerto Nuevo (Coal Port)
A modern hard coal export port with a direct loading system that minimizes environmental impact.
Tayrona National Natural Park — Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)
Tayrona National Natural Park
A protected area where dense tropical forest directly meets breathtaking Caribbean beaches.
Pueblito Chairama — Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)
Pueblito Chairama
Ruins of an ancient Tairona village in Tayrona National Park, showcasing the stone architecture of the indigenous culture.
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) — Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)
An ancient city in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, built by the Tairona culture around 800 AD.
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta — Rodadero Aquarium (Colombia)
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the highest coastal mountain range in the world, geologically isolated from the Andes.