Nicely situated, with a huge car park in a shade which was an amazing positive surprise, in an old fort which also added the climate but... Terribly crowded, which I guess I expected as its is a season, but at the same time it seemed there are no boundaries at all, the tickets literally flew.. this was not easy when You actually are interested and want to see something or learn, as the rooms although amazingly set are still in a fort, quite narrow with small spaces and the streaming and pushing crowd isn't best set to take your time, look & learn. Moreover, I guess I expected slightly more, especially with regards to the fact its's a rescue center and.. the dedicated exhibition is small, static, with one poor turtle in a tiny pool saying its currently being treated, but no one there to explain, teach, interest those people who often are only people I am afraid, poking the pool and if they only felt they are not watched by some other tourist I feel they would take the poor turtle out to take a selfie or give to screaming children. The bigger closed pool with a very sad looking turtle just lying there or slowly trying to move, like with no hope left.. I know he probably cannot be returned to the wild, but I really think some dedicated Staff, teaching, showing, engaging those visitors would make a difference. All the animals are amazing, they look like very well taken care off and I would not dream of saying otherwise, its just this place has so much potential that could be used, its an amazing place but it could be even more amazing if it takes the reigns and step in to make so much...
Read moreWe had a truly wonderful experience visiting Aquarium Pula with our children. It’s an ideal destination for families with kids of all ages. From the moment we entered, the staff were friendly and helpful, and the entire layout of the aquarium was clean, well-maintained, and easy to navigate.
There’s an impressive variety of marine life on display – everything from brightly colored tropical fish to seahorses, jellyfish, sea turtles, and even small sharks. Each section is beautifully presented with informative signs, and our kids were constantly engaged, asking questions and pointing out their favorite animals. The touch pool was a particular highlight, offering a hands-on experience that the little ones especially loved.
What makes the experience even more special is the unique setting inside the historical Austro-Hungarian fort. The combination of marine life with historical architecture is something you don’t see every day and adds an extra layer of interest for adults as well.
The only downside – and something to be aware of if you’re visiting with a baby or toddler in a stroller – is that the second exhibition area is not stroller-accessible. It can only be reached on foot via stairs, which made it a bit difficult for us to visit that part. It would be great if a solution could be found in the future to improve accessibility.
Overall, though, our visit was fantastic. There’s so much to explore and learn, and it’s both educational and fun. We would absolutely recommend Aquarium Pula to other families – it’s a memorable and enriching outing for children and...
Read moreAquarium Pula offers one of the most memorable and unique aquarium experiences I have ever been to with my family—spanning two historic fort buildings, it’s far more than just an Aquarium! Not only do you get Mediterranean and Tropical aquatic exhibits, but you’ll find a “zoo” aspect, with wildlife outside the water, a turtle sanctuary tied to active conservation, and a unique play on history through its fort setting, complete with tunnels, multiple levels, and panoramic rooftop views.
Highlights include: Loved the shark hall and meeting their lively octopuses. Plenty of kid-friendly features: a play area, multilingual info at every exhibit, frequent learning moments, and convenient rest areas for snacks and bathroom breaks. The whole experience feels packed with excitement and wonder, easily justifying the slightly higher entry prices, thanks to its unique setting and vast variety. The rooftop viewing platform offers some truly special panoramas of Verudela's coastline and neighbouring towns. For a smoother experience, start early and consider going on a weekday; weekends, especially in August, can get crowded due to longer queues. If you buy tickets online, although it's not any cheaper - you can join a shorter queue (on the left side).
Aquarium Pula stands out not just for its exhibits, but for its conservation work, historical character, and educational focus—the perfect blend of entertainment, learning, and local culture.
I would 100% recommend you visit when you are next in Pula, Croatia. Perfect for a...
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