The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is the best place to enjoy and learn more about the biodiversity of the animals living in the ocean. It is situated at Ocean Expo Park. It was once the largest aquarium in the world until 2005. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a member of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Places to Visit in The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Here are the visited areas in this world-class aquarium:
- Okichan Theater
In the Okichan Theater, there are a couple of shows available to its visitors – the Dolphin and the Diver show. With the Dolphin show, you will be amazed on what the bottlenose dolphins and fast killer whales can do. They have unique abilities that will leave your jaw drop, and they will entertain you with their leaps. With the Diver show, on the other hand, you are able to see the dolphins while observing them in a clear looking glass. How lovely these creatures are!
- Dolphin Lagoon
Get a chance to meet and greet up close the dolphins in their home at Dolphin Lagoon. Be prepared to be splashed by water because of the dolphin’s movement. Learn more about the dolphin’s features and abilities in the Dolphin Observation. The management holds Dolphin Contact Experience every weekends and holidays. Should you want to watch, check out the schedules ahead.
- Sea Turtle Pool
The Sea Turtle Pool is home to 5 rare species of sea turtles that exist in the world. These are the loggerhead turtles, the green sea turtles, the hawksbill turtles, Kemp’s Ridley turtles and the black turtles. In the turtle pool, you can also witness an area that is covered with sand. This is where the sea turtles lay their eggs. You can watch the sea turtles too from underwater, or swim on the surface or just in the underground viewing area. It depends on which you are fascinated most. The Sea Turtle Pool viewing is for free. Take advantage of this adventure!
- Manatee Pool
According to mermaid legends, the animals that have spawned here are the American Manatees. They are herbivorous mammals. An adult manatee, by the way, can have a height of 3 to 4.5 meters and can weigh 3,000 until 1,000 kilograms. Sad to say, they are in danger of extinction and thus, the management is taking extra care of them. It has also been designated as internationally protected species. The manatees were donated as a gift from Mexico to the Japanese.
On 2001, a female manatee named Yuma was born in the aquarium. If you’re interested, you can watch the birthing of Yuma in their website.
There are many rules and regulations in the Aquarium that you must abide. And, be careful on dropping things on the aquarium because animals may think of them as food, which may lead them to death. We wouldn’t want that, right? So, get yourself ready for some underwater fun!