Top 10 Aquariums in the World for 2023 – Where Does the United States Rank?

The creatures living beneath the ocean’s surface are not easily seen with the naked eye, which is exactly why they spark human curiosity so powerfully. No matter how severe my thalassophobia may be, I still find myself drawn to aquariums. Overseas aquariums are especially exciting because they allow visitors to encounter marine life that can only be found in those specific waters. Beyond simply satisfying curiosity, aquariums also play a significant educational, research, and conservation role.

So today, let’s take a closer look at how the world’s aquariums stack up in the global rankings — and find out where the United States places.

※ Rankings are calculated based on data from worldcitiesranking, taking into account factors such as the number of species exhibited, total water volume, panel size, number of species housed, and year of opening.

#10 Oceanogràfic, Spain

Ranking 10th among the world’s aquariums is the Oceanogràfic in Valencia, Spain. This striking complex was designed by the renowned architect Félix Candela and features a unique structural style. It is home to approximately 500 species of marine life, including sea lions, sea leopards, otters, penguins, dolphins, beluga whales, sharks, and tuna. The aquarium boasts a massive tank holding around 7 million liters of water and includes a 35-meter-long underwater tunnel.

#9 Hanwha Aqua Planet Jeju, South Korea

Hanwha Aqua Planet Jeju on Jeju Island, South Korea, takes the 9th spot. Operated by Hanwha, it houses around 500 marine species and features an enormous main tank with a capacity exceeding 10 million liters. When it first opened in 2012, it showcased the world’s largest whale shark, but sadly that individual passed away just 40 days later. As a result, whale sharks can no longer be seen at any aquarium in South Korea.

#8 Dubai Aquarium, United Arab Emirates

Most global records seem to involve Dubai in some way. The Dubai Aquarium, located inside the iconic Dubai Mall — one of the world’s largest shopping centers — ranks 8th. While it exhibits a relatively modest 85 species, it is home to more than 300 individual sharks, including the world’s largest sand tiger shark. Part of the tank’s panel is openly visible inside the mall, so visitors can catch a glimpse of the sharks without even buying a ticket — though don’t expect too much from the free view!

#7 National Museum of Marine Science and Technology, Taiwan

Uniquely, Taiwan’s Kenting National Museum of Marine Science and Technology uses the term “museum” instead of “aquarium.” It houses over 700 marine species, including the whale sharks I love so much. The “Coral Kingdom Pavilion” features one of Asia’s longest underwater tunnels at 81 meters. Walking through an underwater tunnel always feels overwhelming because of the immense water pressure — it really drives home just how massive these facilities are.

#6 Osaka Kaiyukan, Japan

One of the oldest aquariums still in operation, Osaka Kaiyukan — completed in the 1900s — ranks 6th worldwide. Despite its age, it has been meticulously maintained. However, the exhibits feel somewhat dated, and the tanks are cylindrical rather than flat, which can make the animals appear farther away. It displays around 740 species, including sea otters, leopard sharks, and whale sharks.

#5 Cube Oceanarium, China

China’s Cube Oceanarium not only ranks 5th globally but also holds two Guinness World Records: the largest acrylic panel and the largest single viewing window in the world. Located inside a shopping mall, it is home to over 33,000 marine animals. The main tank alone contains more than 10 million liters of water. Classic Chinese scale — everything is enormous.

#4 Churaumi Aquarium, Japan

After being somewhat disappointed by aquariums in Fukuoka and Osaka, I didn’t have particularly high expectations for Okinawa’s Churaumi Aquarium… yet it still secured 4th place worldwide. Before the Georgia Aquarium opened in 2005, Churaumi was the largest aquarium on the planet. It exhibits over 740 species, including manta rays, sand tiger sharks, and yellowfin tuna, alongside whale sharks. It also features a dedicated shark tank and naturally bioluminescent deep-sea fish. Honestly, it’s a place I’d love to visit at least once.

#3 S.E.A. Aquarium, Singapore

Located on Sentosa Island, Singapore’s S.E.A. Aquarium ranks 3rd. Until China’s Chimelong Ocean Kingdom opened in 2014, it held the record for the largest water volume in the world — an impressive 45 million liters, with the main tank alone containing 18 million liters. It is home to more than 50,000 marine animals and over 200 sharks and rays. The world’s largest collection of manta rays is especially popular.

#2 Georgia Aquarium, United States

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta makes a strong showing in second place. It is the only aquarium outside Asia that currently houses whale sharks. Visitors can also see beluga whales, bottlenose dolphins, giant manta rays, and more than 700 other species displayed across five different themed exhibition areas. Its largest tank holds a world-leading 23 million liters of water.

#1 Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, China

Taking the top spot is China’s Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. Part of the massive Chimelong International Ocean Tourist Resort in Hengqin, it is famous as the world’s largest aquarium. It houses more than five whale sharks, along with manta rays, sharks, corals, and over 800 other marine species. It holds Guinness records for the largest underwater viewing dome and the largest aquarium tank. The main tank alone contains over 22.7 million liters, with a total water volume of 48 million liters.

Even with severe thalassophobia, the urge to visit an aquarium is hard to resist — but a place like Chimelong Ocean Kingdom feels almost impossible to tackle. Just looking at the photos makes my muscles tense and my heart race. I hope everyone gets the chance to visit these incredible aquariums someday. For now, I’ll stick to sharing the information!