AquaRio, Rio de Janeiro

The Marine Aquarium of Rio de Janeiro, also known as AquaRio, is a public aquarium situated in the Gamboa neighborhood. Covering a substantial area of approximately 26,000 square meters (equivalent to 280,000 square feet), it holds the distinction of being the largest marine aquarium in South America.

AquaRio houses a diverse collection of approximately 8,000 animals belonging to 350 different species originating from various oceans worldwide. Some of the prominent species showcased in the aquarium include the nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum), whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus), and the sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus). These marine creatures are distributed across 28 enclosures, collectively containing a staggering 4.5 million liters of saltwater.

In addition to observing the aquatic life in the tanks, visitors to AquaRio can also enjoy additional activities for a fee, including "Sleeping in AquaRio" (an overnight stay in a submerged tunnel), "Diving in the Ocean Tank," "Virtual Fish" (interacting with a virtual companion), and "Behind the Scenes" (a behind-the-scenes look at the facility's operations and fish feeding).

AquaRio provides visitors access to several attractions, including a Virtual Aquarium, a Science Museum (Plankton Station and Shell Exhibition), and Surf area curated by Rico de Souza. The facility also offers a café, scientific research center, parking, a souvenir shop, and kiosks.

On May 31, 2016, AquaRio reached a significant milestone by unveiling Brazil's largest urban solar roof. Covering 6,000 square meters with 2,000 solar panels, it generates 77,000 kilowatts monthly, equal to 500 households' power use, reducing the aquarium's reliance on conventional electricity by up to 30%.