Afrykarium Wrocław – the most famous oceanarium in Poland

Afrykarium in Wrocław is one of those places that impresses even people who are usually not interested in zoos. Underwater tunnels, sharks, manatees, and African penguins have made it one of the most recognizable attractions in Wrocław and in Poland overall.

🔄 Zaktualizowano: 20 May 2026 ⏱ 4 min czytania

Afrykarium is a unique African-themed oceanarium in Poland, dedicated entirely to the ecosystems of Africa. Opened in 2014, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Sand tiger sharks, manatees, African penguins, and underwater tunnels make Afrykarium one of the highlights of visiting Wrocław Zoo.

What can you see inside Afrykarium?

Afrykarium is divided into several themed zones, each focused on a different African ecosystem.

🌊 Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean

The largest part of Afrykarium consists of saltwater ocean tanks. Here you can see sand tiger sharks, zebra sharks, stingrays, coral reef fish, and the famous underwater tunnel where visitors walk literally under the sharks. The main ocean tank contains more than 2.5 million liters of water.

🦭 African penguins

The colony of African penguins is one of the biggest highlights, especially for children. Visitors can observe them both above and below the water through large underwater viewing windows.

🐄 Manatees

Wrocław Zoo is one of the few places in Europe where you can see West Indian manatees. These calm marine mammals live in a separate warm-water pool and are often the biggest surprise for visitors.

🐟 African freshwater ecosystems

The freshwater section presents fish and other animals from African rivers and lakes. The area includes large aquariums inspired by natural African aquatic ecosystems.

Afrykarium – key information

2014

Year Afrykarium opened

2.5 million l

Capacity of the main ocean tank

>10 million l

Total amount of water in the entire complex

Underwater tunnels

Walk literally beneath the sharks

Manatees

One of Afrykarium’s biggest attractions

All year round

Fully indoor attraction regardless of weather

Practical information about Afrykarium

📋 Quick overview

Ticket Included in the zoo ticket
Opening hours Same as the zoo – from 9:00
Visit duration 1.5 – 2.5 hours
Strollers Allowed (elevator available)
Good for rainy days Perfect – completely indoors
Indoor temperature around 24–26°C all year

When is the best time to visit Afrykarium?

🌿
Local tip
Enter Afrykarium right after the zoo opens at 9:00. Between 9:00 and 10:30 the space is usually much quieter. Crowds begin appearing around 11:00, and on weekends often already by 10:30.

Afrykarium is especially attractive during bad weather — as a fully indoor attraction, it can easily save your day when it rains. In summer it offers relief from the heat, while in winter it stays warm inside.

Frequently asked questions about Afrykarium

Do I need a separate ticket for Afrykarium?
No — Afrykarium is included in the standard Wrocław Zoo ticket. There is no separate ticket required.
How much time do you need for Afrykarium?
For a relaxed visit through the entire Afrykarium, most people spend between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. If you visit with children who enjoy watching fish and sharks for a long time, plan even up to 3 hours.
Is Afrykarium stroller-friendly?
Yes — Afrykarium is accessible for strollers. Elevators are available near the stairs, and the route is adapted for visitors with reduced mobility.
Can you take photos inside Afrykarium?
Yes — photography and filming are allowed. Flash photography near the aquariums is prohibited because it stresses the animals. The best photos are usually taken without flash anyway.
When are the feeding sessions in Afrykarium?
Feeding times change seasonally. You can check the current schedule on the information board near the entrance or on the zoo.wroclaw.pl website.
Is there a dolphinarium in Wrocław?
No, there is no standalone dolphinarium in Wrocław. The closest alternative is Afrykarium at Wrocław Zoo, where visitors can see sharks, rays, manatees, African penguins, and many other aquatic animals.

Before your visit, check the general guide to Wrocław Zoo, current ticket prices, opening hours, and the family guide for visiting with children.