CUR: Curaçao Sea Aquarium

Bapor Kibra, Curaçao

Daily: 8.00am - 5.00pm

The vision of a marine scientist that goes by the name Adriaan Schrier led to the opening of Curaçao Sea Aquarium in 1984. Located next to the sea, it employs the use of a simple, yet friendly technology to continuously pump fresh seawater into all its tanks and lagoons.

The aquarium is situated at the eastern end of Mambo Beach. At the point of writing, the entrance fee is US$21.00 (~S$29.05) per adult and US$11.00 (~S$15.20) per child aged 5-12 or elderly aged 60+.

To the west of the aquarium is Royal Sea Aquarium Resort (4*).

There's a reason why eac visitor is issued with a paper wristband.

Before getting up close and personal with the marine creatures, you'll get to see some cacti.

Is that cactus wearing a winter cap?

Before seeing the fishes, yet another thing that'll probably catch your attention is a group of flamingos.

It happened to be one of the feeding times of the day when my BFF and I entered the aquarium.

It's said that there are over 400 species on display in 46 tanks.

Is that supposed to be an octopus on vacation or something?

Too big to play hide-and-seek?

It's predicted that more than 90% of the world's coral reefs will die by 2050. Sigh...

Goliath grouper, the largest member of the sea bass family, can weigh as much as 360 kg.

Some of you may be interested in petting and feeding sharks and stingrays under supervision of trained. You can also touch some creatures on your own, such as the numerous sea stars.

Dear little sharks, please don't ostracise the stingray.

Touch those fanciful sea stars, but don't lift them above water.

Sea urchin: a thorn among the roses... I mean stars!

I love eating sea cucumbers. Haha!

The aquarium has attempted to cultivate its own corals.

Such lovely colours, don't you think?

Those look pretty bizarre.

As with many aquariums across the globe, Curaçao Sea Aquarium aims to educate, apart from entertain, visitors about marine life. In tthe future, it's looking at creating exhibitions that'll allow visitors to catch a glimpse of the deep reefs.

We saw some guests swimming with dolphins and feeding them.

That's the path leading to the resort.

I didn't manage to spot any of my most favourite animal.

It was time for the sea lion show! Remember the paper wristband that was mentioned earlier? We had to walk out as the sea lions dwell in a lagoon behind the decorative ship next to the entrance of the aquarium.

Suntanning and enjoying life~

Only one of the sea lions participated in the show.

Back flip!

Showing its glossy belly~

Subsequently, we went back to the aquarium, spending some time at a section called Dolphin Academy while waiting for the dolphin show.

I'd love to have a similar wall painting in my bedroom.

Did you know that a mass of adipose tissue in the forehead of a dolphin is called melon?

Food pyramid is the easy part of O-Level Biology.

There's one room that's presumably used for a workshop for children.

I wanted to bring home that squishy dolphin soft toy.

To kill time, we also watched a short documentary of the aquarium. There were only the two of us in the mini-theatre that afternoon.

The dolphins live in a lagoon separated by a porous breakwater from the sea.

I'd really love to swim leisurely with you~

We enjoyed the dolphin show with only four other guests.

Handshake!

Dancing in the water~

Here's one short video clip that I took.

Last but not least, there's a cafeteria if you're feeling peckish. Also, do check out the souvenir shop before leaving.

A miniature of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship!

Melon's friend spotted!

Some of you may be interested to know that the aquarium offers a unique underwater expedition in a 5-person submarine, which can take you to the depth of approximately 1,000 feet.