Location: Ulica Lenina 219a/4, Kurortny Gorodok
Tel. 8622 693 434
Open: 10am- 10pm daily
Entrance Fee: R100
How to get to the Sochi Aquarium
The oceanarium is located
half an hour from the center of Adler and an hour from the center of
Sochi. Address: Sochi, Adler district, st. Lenina, 219a/4 "Resort
town".
from Adler: by buses No. 60, 105, 117, 124, 125, 134,
Izvestia stop, go back to the pedestrian bridge, cross the road.
from Sochi: buses No. 100, 105, 124, 125, Rosneft gas station stop,
go ahead.
GPS coordinates: 43°28’19.6″N 39°53’49.5″E
car
rental in Sochi
The Sochi Discovery World Aquarium, often abbreviated as SDWA or
referred to as the Great Adler Aquarium, is Russia's largest
oceanarium and a premier attraction on the southern coast of the
country. Located in the Adler District of Sochi, specifically in
Kurortny Gorodok (Resort Town), it spans a two-story building
covering 6,000 square meters. Opened in late 2009, the facility was
designed with input from international specialists from countries
like Australia, New Zealand, and China. It houses over 4,000
individual fish and aquatic animals representing more than 200
species, across 30 aquariums with a total water volume of 5 million
liters. The aquarium emphasizes both education and entertainment,
featuring immersive exhibits that simulate natural underwater
environments, complete with thematic zones, interactive elements,
and live shows. It's particularly family-friendly, with high-quality
lighting enhancing visibility of the diverse marine life and plants,
making it an ideal spot for all ages, especially on rainy days.
The aquarium is divided into two main sections: freshwater and
marine zones, comprising 34 expositions in total (though some
sources cite 13 thematic zones). Visitors enter a world of tropical
forests, waterfalls, and ocean depths, with ambient sounds like
ocean waves adding to the immersion. It's not just a viewing
experience; educational plaques provide facts about each species,
and audio guides are available for deeper insights. The complex is
interactive, allowing guests to feed certain animals and even
participate in scuba diving sessions.
The exhibits are thoughtfully curated to showcase biodiversity from
around the globe, blending natural habitats with artistic elements like
sunken shipwrecks and coral reefs.
Freshwater Zone: This area
mimics tropical rainforests and rivers, starting with a scenic waterfall
that visitors can view from a bridge over a pond. It features about 100
species from regions like the Amazon, Ecuador, and Australia. Highlights
include colorful koi carp in open ponds (which guests can feed using
food capsules from vending machines for an interactive touch—visitors
can even gently touch them during feeding times), piranhas, pacu (large
herbivorous fish resembling piranhas but less aggressive),
trichogasters, symphysodons, cichlidae, arowanas, and familiar home
aquarium fish. Other rare inhabitants include Chinese paddlefish,
sturgeons, and Amazonian species. The zone is well-lit and vibrant, with
lush greenery and cascading water creating a serene atmosphere.
Marine Zone: Downstairs, the lighting dims for a more mysterious oceanic
feel, accompanied by wave sounds. This section includes 13 smaller pools
and the centerpiece: a 44-meter-long transparent acrylic tunnel that
allows visitors to walk through a simulated reef, surrounded by swimming
sea creatures overhead and on all sides. Key attractions here include
colorful tropical fish, graceful rays, mysterious moray eels (which
interact playfully with divers, rubbing against them like pets),
jellyfish, sea horses, giant catfishes, reef sharks, nurse sharks, and
possibly dolphins (though sightings may vary). A standout feature is the
grotto with a "sunken ship" wreck, where marine life darts around the
artificial ruins. Other highlights are large turtles like the beloved
"Masha," who pushes through crowds of fish during shows, and various
sharks, including white sharks that divers handle during feedings. The
zone houses exotic species of varying sizes, colors, and threat levels,
from harmless reef dwellers to predators.
Overall, the exhibits
educate on global aquatic ecosystems while providing stunning
visuals—think schools of vibrant fish, stealthy sharks gliding by, and
turtles navigating the tanks.
Beyond static displays, the aquarium offers dynamic experiences:
Shows in the Tunnel: The main draw is the daily performances in the
large marine tank. The "Fairy-Tale Marine Heroes" show (11:00-11:30 and
15:00-15:30) features mermaids, Poseidon, and Ichthyander (a character
from Russian folklore) swimming among the fish and turtles, posing for
photos through the glass, and interacting with the audience—often
blowing kisses, which delights children. During winter holidays, an
"Underwater Santa" appears around 14:25.
Fish Feeding Show: Held from
14:00-15:00 (formerly called "Shark Feeding," though sharks are now fed
separately on an unscheduled basis). A professional diver enters the
tank to hand-feed large fish, moray eels, and sharks, even lifting a
white shark from the bottom for dramatic effect. Turtle Masha often
joins, adding to the spectacle.
Other Activities: Guests can scuba
dive in the 3,000-ton seawater tank for 30 minutes (advance booking
required). There's also an "underwater dance with turtles" experience,
as shared by some visitors. Mermaid shows and diver interactions provide
photo opportunities, with performers posing near the sunken ship.
These shows are educational, highlighting animal behaviors, and run
daily during operating hours.
Location and How to Get There: Address: Lenina Street 219a/4, Adler
District, Sochi, Russia (GPS: 43°28'19.6"N 39°53'49.5"E). It's about 30
minutes from Adler center and 1 hour from Sochi center. Public transport
options include buses from Adler (routes 60, 105, 117, 124, 125, 134 to
"Izvestiya" stop) or Sochi (100, 105, 124, 125 to "AZS Rosneft" stop). A
pedestrian bridge leads to the entrance. Transfers from Adler or Olympic
Park cost around 100 RUB per person (call +7-918-611-84-19; drivers sell
tickets to skip queues). By car, use Yandex Maps for navigation. The
nearest train station is Izvestiya.
Operating Hours: In summer (peak
season), open daily from 10:00 to 19:00. In off-season, 10:00 to 18:00,
closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Ticket Prices: Adult: 1,400 RUB;
Children (4-11 years): 900 RUB; Under 4: Free; Discounted (for disabled
groups I/II or children): 700 RUB. Tickets are valid for one entry until
year-end and include a rules pamphlet. Buy from counters or distributors
near the bridge to avoid lines—prices are the same. Cash preferred for
transfers; bring ID for discounts. Storage lockers are available.
Tips for Visitors: Arrive between 14:00-16:00 for shows and fewer
crowds. Review rules (e.g., no flash photography to avoid stressing
animals). Wear white clothing for a "glowing" effect in dim areas. Read
plaques for facts, arrive early for good viewing spots at shows, pose
with fairy-tale characters, feed koi carp, and toss a coin into the
"wish funnel." The interior is cool, so dress lightly in summer.
Photography is encouraged in well-lit zones; capture dynamic shows for
videos. A souvenir shop sells themed items at the exit.
Based on aggregated visitor feedback, the aquarium holds a strong
reputation as a must-visit in Sochi, with families praising its
educational value, welcoming staff who share facts, and unique diver
interactions creating memorable moments. It's seen as a great rainy-day
activity with easy access to nearby attractions like Olympic sites.
However, some note higher ticket prices and occasional crowds. Recent
2025 experiences (from general aquarium visits, as specific Sochi posts
were limited) describe it as "amazing" and "impressive," with high
activity levels and beautiful details, though one unrelated review
mentioned dirty water in another facility—Sochi's is well-maintained per
sources.
Contact: +7 (862) 246-33-56. For the latest updates, check
the official website (sochiaquarium.ru).