Oceanopolis — Attraction in Brest

A Day at Oceanopolis: Marine Wonders and Family Fun

Nestled by the coast, Oceanopolis offers a captivating escape into the underwater world, where both children and adults can immerse themselves in the wonders of marine life.

Exquisite Exhibits and Care The first impression of Oceanopolis is one of meticulous care and attention. The exhibits are well-maintained, and the fish appear healthy and vibrant, a testament to the dedication of the staff. The variety of displays is impressive, and the layout is intuitively designed, making navigation through the aquatic corridors both easy and enjoyable.

Star Attractions: Otters and Seals Among the numerous attractions, the otters and seals stand out. These playful creatures drew large crowds, mesmerising onlookers with their antics. The otter exhibit, in particular, is a joy to behold, offering a glimpse into the lively and social nature of these animals.

A Haven for Children For families, Oceanopolis is a treasure trove of activities. Two outdoor play areas provide a perfect respite for young children. My three-year-old was enchanted, spending a good 90 minutes exploring the equipment and interacting with other children. These play areas are thoughtfully designed, offering safe and engaging environments for kids to burn off energy.

Dining: A Mixed Bag The dining experience at Oceanopolis is a tale of two extremes. The snack bar, despite its long queues, is the better option, offering a selection of tempting baguettes and snacks. In contrast, the restaurant falls short. The prices are steep, and the food quality leaves much to be desired. The fish and chips, encased in a spongy batter, were particularly disappointing. The service was inconsistent, with some staff members providing excellent assistance, while others, notably the cashier, were less helpful in navigating the menu.

The Bottom Line Despite its high costs, with our visit totalling over €120 for two adults and a three-year-old including food, Oceanopolis delivers a memorable experience. The well-cared-for exhibits and excellent play areas for children make it a worthwhile destination. However, potential visitors should be prepared for the steep restaurant prices and consider opting for the snack bar for a more satisfactory meal.

In essence, Oceanopolis is a gem for those interested in marine life and seeking a family-friendly outing, provided one navigates the dining...

Océanopolis is large aquarium complex with three zones, Tropical, Polar and Brittany. The tanks are amongst the best I have seen beautifully lit and maintained. The polar display was also spectacular with penguins and seals. The Brittany zone was the familiar sealife of the North Atlantic. What I liked about this aquarium was the unique presentation and points of view. You see the central large tank from four different vantage points above and below, descending in a huge lift with a view. Throughout the exhibition there were little side displays on scientific subjects. Unlike nearly all the other aquariums I have visited, all the glass was really clean and all the tanks were in use. The only minor gripes I had was the fact that there was not an obvious visitor track covering all the exhibits. For instance the otters (Sea & Eurasian) were off the main visit track and we had to double back to visit them and they were difficult to find. I am sure a lot of visitors miss them which is a pity because they are one of the highlights. As with all French attractions it has an excessively complex schedule of opening hours and is closed on Mondays. For visitors in a wheelchair there are ramps and lifts to...

My slightly low rating is due to a number of the major attractions being closed, which we knew about before our visit but it's definitely something to consider before making your way out. To be fair to the venue the ticket price is currently reduced to reflect the reduced offering but just something to be aware off. I would also score them lowly on the food offering. The restaurant looks cool but on the day we visited, there was a limited offering and the fish and chips was not good. Coffee from the smaller kiosk was also disappointing.

The main attractions open we're the Brittany exhibition which is a series of smaller tanks and can opportunity to see the seals swimming under water. You can also view the 4 seals above ground. There is also an otter exhibition with 2-3 otters. They're cute but it's a small exhibition.

There are some interactive\educational areas and an outdoor play area.

We visited as a family with a 6 and 9 year old and they enjoyed it and we did spend over 3 hours there.

It's also easy to get to Oceanopolis by bus from Brest. If you're driving there is plenty of parking including an area for...