Santa Marta, the oldest city in Colombia, is also home to South America’s first public Aquarium: Acuario y Museo del Mar de El Rodadero (El Rodadero Aquarium and Sea Museum), an emblematic attraction in Santa Marta, located just 10 minutes by boat from the main beach of El Rodadero. In this article, we’ll provide all the essential information you need for your visit, the marine life you will find, how to get there and costs of admission and plans.
The Rodadero Aquarium is located in Santa Marta, Colombia. It is located in the Inca Inca Bay, between the beaches of El Rodadero and Playa Blanca.
Address: Edf. Fuentemar Cra 1 No. 7, 69 Ed, Gaira, Santa Marta, Magdalena.
25 minutes from the historic center of Santa Marta.
Your budget for visiting Rodadero Aquarium will depend on the activities you want to do, so we won’t provide a total cost. However, here are prices of some key services you should be aware of:
Boat transportation: $10,000 COP (2.3 USD) each way.
Taxi Marino Water transportation: $25,000 COP (5.7 USD) round trip
Aquarium entrance fee: 45,000 COP (10,2 USD)
Swimming with dolphins: starting from 150,000 COP (22 USD)
There are packages available that include various combinations of these services to facilitate your visit to Rodadero Aquarium, contact us to guide you and offer you the plan that will allow you to enjoy this wonderful destination to the fullest.
To get to the aquarium, the first thing you need to do is go to El Rodadero, just 25 minutes from the historic center of Santa Marta.
Once you are in El Rodadero, the next step to get to the Aquarium is to find the sea transportation that will take you there. You have two options, take the Taxi Marino service, or take that of the local motor boat owners.
To make the most of your trip, we suggest spending some time in Playa Blanca, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the beautiful beach. While in Playa Blanca treat yourself to a delicious traditional seafood lunch, to refuel before participating in activities such as zip-lining, snorkeling or simply relaxing on the sandy shore.
Hours of operation: 9:00 a. m. to 4:00 p. m.
Guided tour of the pools and glass aquariums: From 9:00 a. m.
Admission to Tayrona Museum and Museum of the Sea: Starting at 9:00 a. m.
Educational dolphin exhibit: 9:30 a. m. - 11:00 a. m. - 12:30 p. m. - 2:00 p. m. - 3:30 p. m.
The primary objective of the Rodadero Aquarium is the conservation and preservation of marine species and their habitats. Through educational exhibits, the Aquarium also shares valuable information about the importance of our oceans and the diverse life they support.
Did you know that Santa Marta already has a new and incredible underwater tunnel of more than 400 meters long? Be part of this marine world and discover it!
One of the most outstanding features of this tunnel is the possibility of observing different species from any angle, which creates the sensation of being submerged in the depths of the ocean.
Each attendee will be able to walk through the tunnel and marvel at the marine life that unfolds above and around them, generating a direct connection with the underwater world.
In addition to its recreational value, this attraction also has an educational impact by providing the opportunity to learn about the importance of conserving marine ecosystems and protecting the species that inhabit them.
Need more reasons to immerse yourself in this experience? Read all the way to the end!
This aquarium is home to a wide variety of fish and other aquatic species, among which you can find: Skates, green morays (Gymnothorax funebris), crevalle jacks (Caranx hippos), porcupinefishes, french grunts (Haemulon flavolineatum), sergeant major fishes (Abudefduf saxatilis), atlantic tarpons (Megalops atlanticus), groupers, seahorses, sea turtles, crabs, lobsters, octopuses, sea snails, sponges, corals and many more.
Dolphins are remarkable animals, known for their intelligence and social behavior. Interacting with them is a truly delightful experience. At the Rodadero Aquarium in Santa Marta, you can enjoy close contact with these “most intelligent mammals of the ocean”.
Among the available activities, you’ll have the opportunity to swim with dolphins in a safe environment, supervised by an animal care expert.
Have you heard about dolphin therapy? This form of animal-assisted therapy is used to complement other treatments, offering emotional, social, physical or cognitive benefits.
How much does it cost to swim with the dolphins in Santa Marta?
The Aquarium offers various plans for interacting with dolphins, with prices starting at $150,000 COP:
Meeting with dolphins (7 minutes): $150,000 COP (33.5 USD)
Swimming with dolphins (15 minutes): $250,000 COP (56 USD)
Dolphin therapy: $350,000 COP (78 USD)
If you dare to visit the Rodadero Aquarium, you could leave the logistics aside and dedicate yourself to enjoying the experiences. We recommend our Dolphin Encounter Combo, where you can interact with these mammals and enjoy a complete experience in Playa Blanca, enjoy a delicious lunch typical of the Caribbean region and spend an incredible vacation in Santa Marta. Join us!
Now that you know all the details about Rodadero Aquarium, here are some additional tips to help you enjoy your stay in Santa Marta:
Bring sunscreen, wear comfortable clothes, and bring enough cash as many places do not accept credit or debit cards.
Choose your travel dates, knowing that December, January and Easter are the busiest months for tourists in this destination.
Respect the local rules and keep the beach clean and litter free.
The Rodadero Aquarium houses the Attention, Valuation and Rehabilitation Center of Marine Faune in Colombia (CAV-R Marino), which is dedicated to receiving, caring for, and returning vulnerable animals to their natural habitat. Additionally, the Aquarium participates in underwater cleaning campaigns, contributes to coral restoration efforts, and assists with releasing sea turtles, among other conservation activities.
There is no doubt that a visit to the Rodadero Aquarium in Santa Marta will be one of the best experiences you can have. If you dare to swim with dolphins, show us your best pictures and tag us on Instagram!
Important: The prices in US dollars mentioned in this article are accurate as of the time of publication.