Part of the international SEA LIFE network, this lively aquarium on Lake Garda offers an engaging mix of education and entertainment, with a number of interactive activities as well as a dozen ecosystem areas hosting marine species from Lake Garda and the world’s oceans. Observe frolicking sea horses, feeding sharks, and colorful red lionfish; touch starfish and shark eggs at the rock pool; and watch rays glide over your head in the transparent sea tunnel.
SEA LIFE can be visited on its own or in combination with the Gardaland amusement park; both attractions are very crowded during the summer holidays, so booking skip-the-line tickets in advance is imperative for priority entry.
SEA LIFE is a kid-friendly aquarium, and most exhibits and activities are designed for younger visitors.
The aquarium offers special hands-on experiences with sharks and other species, but these must be booked in advance.
The aquarium is part of the Gardaland Resort, which includes the Gardaland amusement park, two hotels with themed rooms, kid-friendly activities, and the Blue Lagoon pool.
The entire aquarium is accessible to wheelchair users, and the Gardaland Resort offers a number of dedicated services for wheelchair users and visitors with other special needs.
You can have a meal or a snack in the aquarium cafeteria and pick up souvenirs in the adjacent shop.
The aquarium is adjacent the Gardaland Park in Castelnuovo del Garda, on the eastern side of Lake Garda. To reach Gardaland from Milan or Verona, take the train to Peschiera del Garda and catch the free shuttle bus from the station to the Gardaland Resort. If driving, take highway A4 and exit at Peschiera del Garda.
SEA LIFE is open daily from April to mid-September and on the weekends during the rest of the year. The entire resort, including the aquarium, is often crowded on summer weekends; plan to visit on a weekday to enjoy the aquarium with fewer visitors. SEA LIFE is air conditioned, so it can be a welcome respite from the summer heat.
The most popular and best-known part of the Gardaland Resort is Gardaland Park, the most popular amusement park in Italy. The park boasts more than 30 rides and roller coasters and a thrilling water ride. It also offers daily musical performances and light shows as well as a 4-D adventure film.