There are mixed views about large aquatic animals being kept in captivity, but there is also the very important issue of conservation and preservation of species under threat due to the actions of mankind. Many aquariums run breeding programmes for species that are rare and even extinct and tourism enables these breeding programmes to be carried out.

1. Churaumi Aquarium, Okinawa, Japan

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is the world's second largest aquarium and part of the Ocean Expo Park located in Okinawa, Japan. The main tank holds a staggering 7,500-cubic metres of water and features the world's largest acrylic glass panel, measuring 8.2 metres by 22.5 metres with a thickness of 60 centimetres.

Whale sharks and manta rays are kept amongst many other fish and plant species in the main tank, and the aquarium is currently trying to breed whale sharks, having successfully bred manta rays. Other features of the aquarium include a manatee pool, sea turtle pool and dolphin lagoon and theatre where displays are held.

For more information visit the aquarium website or speak to one of our Japan specialists on 01993 838220 to discuss a tailor made holiday to Japan.

Clownfish, Aquarium of Western Australia

2. Aquarium of Western Australia, Perth, Australia

Located in a coastal suburb of Perth, the Aquarium of Western Australia contains Australia’s largest aquarium tank and underwater tunnel. The aquarium’s main tank is 40 meters (130 ft) long and 20 meters (66 ft) wide and holds 3,000,000 litres (793,000 gallons) of seawater. 

For a fee, snorkellers and divers can get even closer to the fish, sharks, and rays by joining the aquarium’s dive master in exploring the main tank. Other species within the aquarium include crocodiles, seals, turtles and the unusual pineapple fish.

For more information visit the aquarium website or speak to one of our Australia specialists on 01993 838810 to discuss a tailor made holiday to Australia.

uShaka Marine World, Durban, South Africa

3. uShaka Marine World, Durban, South Africa 

uShaka Marine World contains the largest aquarium in Africa boasting 32 tanks. The sea creatures found in the aquarium range from small sea horses all the way through to sharks and dolphins, and many creatures have been rescued and brought to the centre to recover. The Aquarium is built to look like an old wreck and contains a number of restaurants and cafes.

"The Cargo Hold” restaurant contains a full wall sized aquarium containing a number of sharks which are visible from most of the dining area. Experiences on offer to visitors include the 'shark cage experience', 'snorkel lagoon' and 'ocean walker'.

For more information visit the aquarium website or speak to one of our South Africa specialists on 01993 838550 to discuss a tailor made holiday to South Africa.

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, China

4. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, China

The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Asia. It is composed of 9 exhibition zones of all over the world, including the China Zone, the Antarctic Zone and the Australia Zone. The China Zone is home to several endangered Chinese aquatic species, including rare and precious species from the Yangtze River.

The biggest attraction of the aquarium is the underwater tunnel. At 155 metres (509 ft) it is the longest underwater tunnel in the world.

For more information visit the aquarium website or speak to one of our China specialists on 01993 838220 to discuss a tailor made holiday to China. (Photo taken by 'flickr / hunxue-er')

5. Ubatuba Aquarium, Brazil, South America

Ubatuba has twelve salt water tanks for different species of fish to swim in and one tank containing 80,000 litres of water, one of the largest in Brazil. The main objective of the aquarium is the preservation of coastal and marine environments through environmental education and applied research.

The newest attraction is the Magellanic Penguins, but there is plenty more to see including seals, moray eels, octopuses, seahorses and sharks. For more information visit the aquarium website or speak to one of our Brazil specialists on 01993 838610 to discuss a tailor made holiday to Brazil.

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