Oceanopolis
Oceanopolis things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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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 options wisely.
Martin Broadhurst
00
Finally close enough on a holiday in Brittany to consider a visit to Oceanopolis having seen the posters around for the last few years. This aquarium is made up of pavilions, each focusing on a different theme. The site is large and also has some very cute otters in a separate enclosure. There's plenty of walking involved, but ramps and lifts available to take you everywhere for those with buggies and wheelchairs. The exhibits were very well laid out and displays included plenty of English translation. The sheer scale of the main aquarium tanks was fascinating, and the whole day was one filled with wonder at the contents of the oceans. We found that, on the last Saturday in July it was busy but didn't feel overly full, and certainly not at capacity. There was no waiting time for the pavilions, nor for food in the reasonably priced creperie. We booked online in advance to save around 20% on entry, and arrived early to make the most of the day. Driving was simple and it was well signposted off the D165. A great family day out, and certainly worthy of 5 stars 😊
James Humbles
00
Absolutely no pre warning on their website that 90% of this aquarium would be shut for renovation - having aimed for this place as one of our driving holiday destinations and double checked it was open last week I was absolutely devastated to arrive today and uncover the closures for renovation - nothing was open bar some awfully small and by todays conservation standards totally shocking seal and otter enclosures. The seal enclosure is too small and animals were displaying classic boredom and stress by swimming round and round in tiny circles and the sea otter enclosure has no enrichment and a load of french school kids banging on the glass - just dreadfully sad and very very old fashioned. The only exhibit open is the Brittany ocean walk but it was not worth 14€ - no food - no coffee - nothing open bar the toilets - don’t waste your money and don’t support wildlife sanctuary’s that use cruel and old fashioned cages for entertainment
Gaynor Homer
00
Brilliant way to spend a damp Bretagne day! Took our 8, 7 and 4 year old, spent 6 hours exploring (including lunch...positively gourmet compared with the offerings at an English attraction!) Loads to see, with a nice spacious layout, not crowded on an August bank holiday. No stressful one-way system as we have at many aquariums in the UK - we could see the three main areas in whichever order we wished, and could return to bits we wanted to revisit. Most written info was in both French and English so the children could follow what we were looking at. Special thanks to David and Emanuelle from the first aid team who were extremely attentive and kind when the 4 year old bumped his head and bled a bit. We've never been so well looked after. Highly recommend.
Laura Buckley
00
The centre may not look much from the outside on arrival, could do with a wash and lick of paint! But once you enter the exhibitions you can tell this is where the effort has gone, 3 brilliant exhibitions between the local area, polar and tropical regions, each has their own distinctive style, was not expecting to attend an aquarium and walk through a rainforest! Lots of interactive displays throughout. There are large book and gift shops with a novel central boat lake to keep the kids amused whilst you shop. Cafes could offer a bit more selection of food outside of high season, would likely take a packed lunch next time. Overall, an aquarium well worth the entrance fee (just book in advance!)
Andy Walton
10
First, find it. Coming by bus or car drops you a minimum of 250m from the entrance on the far side of the complex with little signage to get you there. Inside, the contrast is extreme: some of the best exhibits of ocean wildlife I have ever seen worldwide coupled with some of the worst customer facilities that had about as much appeal as a North American shopping mall. The four feeding stations (I cannot call them restaurants) sold mostly packaged rubbish in single use containers.Not a good look for a place that should be at the forefront of preserving our seas. All the pricing, as was the entry cost, high. The exhibits are worth the pain but they shouldn't be that hard to enjoy.
Lee Shipley
10
Nearby Attractions Of Oceanopolis
Pavillon tropical

Pavillon tropical
4.2
(7)
Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Oceanopolis
Le Tour du Monde
Restaurant le Grand Pavois
Le Trimaran
MO CAFE Brest - Monument Café
PAUL Brest Moulin Blanc
Le Marie Louise
La Paillote
Terre d'Embruns - Colas
Le Bistrot du Marin
Le Rest'O

Le Tour du Monde
4.4
(2.4K)
Click for details

Restaurant le Grand Pavois
4.2
(757)
$$
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Le Trimaran
4.1
(693)
Click for details

MO CAFE Brest - Monument Café
4.3
(665)
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Basic Info
Address
Port de Plaisance du Moulin Blanc, 29200 Brest, France
Map
Phone
+33 2 98 34 40 40
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Website
oceanopolis.com
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Reviews
Overview
4.2
(7K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
entertainment
family friendly
attractions: Pavillon tropical, restaurants: Le Tour du Monde, Restaurant le Grand Pavois, Le Trimaran, MO CAFE Brest - Monument Café, PAUL Brest Moulin Blanc, Le Marie Louise, La Paillote, Terre d'Embruns - Colas, Le Bistrot du Marin, Le Rest'O

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