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Genoa Aquarium Dolphin experience

With a regular Genoa Aquarium ticket, you can see bottlenose dolphins in the Cetacean Pavilion, including from surface and underwater viewing areas.

The Aquarium also offers a separate dolphin experience for visitors who want to learn more about the animals, their care and training with an Aquarium guide. This experience requires its own reservation and is not included with regular Aquarium admission.

Regular Aquarium admission is mandatory to enjoy the dolphin experience. If you book the dolphin experience, you must also have a regular Aquarium admission ticket for the same visit.

Quick overview

  • Guided experience: Learn about bottlenose dolphins, their behaviour, care and conservation with an Aquarium guide.
  • 1 hr 45 min: Starts at 2:10pm and lasts approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
  • Small group: Up to 6 participants; minimum age 6. Under-18s must be accompanied by a participating adult.
  • Advance booking: Reserve at least 3 working days ahead through the Aquarium’s official website. Regular Aquarium admission is separate and not included.
Father and child watching dolphin at Genoa Aquarium.

Regular aquarium admission vs dolphin experience

FeatureWith regular admissionWith the dolphin experience

Dolphin viewing

See bottlenose dolphins in the Cetacean Pavilion

In-depth session on dolphin care and behaviour

Viewing areas

Surface and underwater viewing areas

Reserved observation point used by Aquarium staff

Activities

Observe the animals along the regular route

Training, feeding-related activities and expert explanations

Guide

Self-guided Aquarium visit

Guide-led experience

Booking

Regular Aquarium admission

Separate advance reservation required

Group size

Regular visitor capacity

Maximum 6 participants

Physical contact

Not permitted

Not permitted

What to expect during the dolphin experience

Bottlenose dolphins swimming at Genoa Aquarium.
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Meet the Aquarium guide

Start in the Cetacean Pavilion with an Aquarium guide who introduces the bottlenose dolphins and explains how the team manages their care and wellbeing.

Discover how dolphins are cared for

Learn how the Aquarium looks after its dolphins and supports their wellbeing through daily management, observation and training.

Observe dolphin training

Watch a training session at one of the large pools and learn how training contributes to the dolphins’ care. You’ll also get to experience the session from the perspective of a member of the Aquarium staff.

See food preparation and feeding

Follow the preparation and administration of the dolphins’ food, while learning more about how feeding forms part of their daily care.

Take part in active observation

Observe the dolphins from a reserved staff observation point used to study the animals. Learn more about their behaviour and what Aquarium staff look for when observing them.

Continue exploring the Aquarium

Once the 1-hour-45-minute experience ends, continue exploring the Aquarium independently with your separate admission ticket. The regular Aquarium visit can be completed after the experience, subject to opening hours.

Can you see dolphins with regular admission?

Yes. Regular Aquarium admission already includes access to the Cetacean Pavilion, where bottlenose dolphins can be seen from surface and underwater viewing areas as part of the regular visitor route.

Regular Aquarium admission is required for the dolphin experience

The separate dolphin experience is an add-on to the Aquarium visit, not an alternative to regular admission. It requires its own reservation and adds a guided session focused on dolphin care, training, feeding and conservation.

Choose regular admission only when:

  • Seeing the dolphins without booking the exclusive experience is enough.
  • Exploring the Aquarium’s wider collection of marine life is a priority.
  • A self-guided visit at a flexible pace is preferred.
  • Dolphin viewing needs to be combined with the Aquarium’s other exhibits.

​Book Genoa Aquarium reserved entry

Know before you go

Genoa Aquarium entrance at Porto Antico, Italy.
  • Start time: 2:10pm
  • Duration: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Availability: Currently scheduled on days excluding Monday and Friday; places are limited, so check availability when booking.
See regular aquarium schedule
Visitors watching dolphins swim at the Aquarium of Genoa.
  • Experience area: Cetacean Pavilion, home to the Aquarium’s bottlenose dolphins.
  • Dolphin viewing: Regular visitors can see the dolphins from two levels, including surface and underwater viewing areas.
  • After the experience: Continue exploring the wider Aquarium, subject to opening hours.
Detailed guide to reach the aquarium
Woman holding a tan leather crossbody bag.
  • Closed, comfortable shoes: Avoid heels; rubber-soled shoes are preferred.
  • Comfortable clothing: Choose clothing suitable for the season and for spending time around the dolphin facilities.
  • Keep belongings manageable: Bags, backpacks and other items considered unsuitable may need to be left in the area indicated by Aquarium staff.
  • Your Aquarium admission: The exclusive experience does not replace your regular Aquarium ticket.

Frequently asked questions about the Genoa Aquarium Dolphin experience

Yes. A separate Aquarium admission ticket is mandatory. The exclusive experience ticket alone does not allow you to participate.