Opened in December 2017, Poema del Mar has rapidly become Las Palmas’ standout attraction—and topped Tripadvisor’s list of island activities with its breathtaking design and world-record aquarium window Tripadvisor. The building’s curved glass façade houses the world’s largest aquarium window (36 m long×7 m high), offering uninterrupted views into a massive 9 million-litre tank brimming with sharks, rays, and schools of tropical fish.
Inside, the journey is divided into three immersive zones:
- Jungle Zone features freshwater ecosystems and river species—from piranhas to pig-nosed turtles—set amid lush botanical backdrops that broaden the concept of an “aquarium” poema-del-mar.com.
- Tropical Zone transports you to coral reefs and mangrove atolls, where clownfish, colourful corals, and playful seahorses dart around transparent cylinders—perfect for family photo ops poema-del-mar.com.
- Deep Ocean Zone plunges you into the dark reaches of the sea, with glowing jellyfish, hammerhead sharks, and even an underwater tunnel that makes visitors feel as if they’re walking on the seabed itself Live it up, Las Palmas!.
Expertly narrated audio guides (available in English and Dutch) enrich each zone with conservation messages, while educational displays underline Poema del Mar’s status as a marine research hub. Interactive touchscreens let younger guests test their knowledge of oceanography, making the trip both fun and enlightening.
Most visitors spend around 2–3 hours here; ticket prices start at €15 (approx. £13) when booked in advance online headout.com. Weekday mornings just after opening (09:30 AM) tend to be quieter, and skip-the-line tickets are highly recommended in high season.
After exploring the tanks, refuel at Nemo Snack Bar, which overlooks the Tropical Zone, or enjoy a full meal at Néstor Restaurant, named for the Canary artist Néstor de la Torre, whose works adorn the venue.
Planner’s pointers:
- Combine your visit with an afternoon at Playa de Las Canteras—both sites are within a 10-minute cab ride.
- Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll easily clock 4–5 km of walking throughout the exhibits.
- Look out for feeding demonstrations (usually at 11:00 and 15:00), which draw crowds eager to see aquarists hand-feed sharks and turtles.