Porto Moniz Aquarium (Madeira): visit + photos

Discover the small aquarium with species native to the archipelago.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Madeira’s Porto Moniz Aquarium.

This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.

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Is a visit to the Porto Moniz aquarium worthwhile?

What you can see

Porto Moniz in Madeira: access

Aquarium visit: useful tips

Is a visit to the Porto Moniz aquarium worthwhile?

To be honest, it depends. If you’re used to huge aquariums, you’ll be disappointed. But we enjoyed our visit to this small establishment with its local species, to discover the biodiversity of the archipelago. The tour is short

This is one of Porto Moniz’s main attractions, but much less popular than the natural pools!

What you can see

Fort João Baptista

The first thing you see when you approach the aquarium is that it’s in a fort!
The fort was built in 1730 to protect Porto Moniz from pirate attacks. But it ended up in ruins. This replica was rebuilt in the early 2000s using local basalt stones. They drew on existing iconography to preserve this historical heritage.

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Tidal basins

Inside the small aquarium, you’ll first discover a series of tidal pools.
In our opinion, it’s even better than aquariums, because you can really observe the fish and other animals, just as if you were walking on the beach at low tide, when the little tide pools appear.

In these aquarium tanks, you’ll find local species from the archipelago:

sea urchins
starfish
sea snails
the Gobys of Madeira
sea cucumbers
large red mullet
…

The big aquarium and its little sharks

You’ll then discover the aquarium’s largest tank. It’s a 500,000-liter water tank.
It contains a shark and a ray, as well as bream, grouper and dafia…

OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira

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Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.

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Small aquariums

You’ll also find other small aquariums with other species of fish, such as a moray eel.

Diving

You can also book a diving experience in the main pool.
Even if you’ve never dived before, you’ll be able to learn the basics and go for a swim with sharks and rays.

See availability and book

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Climb above the fort

Once you’re out of the aquarium, you can also go upstairs to the fort and imagine yourself a pirate protecting the town and the island!

Porto Moniz in Madeira: access

Where to find Porto Moniz and its aquarium

On Madeira’s northwest coast
From Funchal = 1h drive
From Machico = 1h15 drive
The aquarium is right in the center, on the waterfront, next to the natural pools.
Here is a map to help you find your way:

Porto Moniz Madeira map — Map: Porto Moniz in Madeira

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Access by car and parking

Porto Moniz is one of Madeira’s least parking-challenged towns. There’s plenty of parking close to the waterfront. They fill up well during the day, but there’s still plenty of room.

Access by public transport or organized tour

3 options for discovering Porto Moniz

By car: Porto Moniz is very easy to get to, with wide, easy roads.
By bus: You can also take the 139 bus route from Funchal or the 150 bus route from Sao Vicente.
By excursion: There are also many organized tours that take you to discover the natural pools of Porto Moniz on a west coast tour, but you may not have time to visit the aquarium – see options.