Imagine you are walking along the beautiful coast of Ibiza when you stumble upon a charming, natural cave nestled into the cliffs. This is the entrance to Aquarium Cap Blanc. You may have not heard of it, but it is a hidden gem on this lovely island. This cave, also known as Sa Cova de ses Llagostes, was once a lobster hatchery. It was converted into an aquarium towards the end of the 20th century, showcasing the diverse marine life of Ibiza.
The aquarium is not massive. It is housed in a natural cave sculpted by the sea. Waves have carved a space of 400 square meters, where seawater flows in and out, providing the aquarium’s inhabitants with a natural environment. As you enter the cave, you will be greeted by the gentle sounds of rippling water and a cool breeze. The cave is illuminated, creating an atmospheric setting that complements the magic of marine life.
The aquarium is not just about seeing fish. It’s a journey through the fascinating world of the Ibizan Mediterranean. This enchanting underwater world is home to a wide variety of fish. You’ll see the colorful tropical species and the impressive groupers, julias, and Fadrins that inhabit the Mediterranean.
There is even a ‘lake zone’, where you’ll find larger fish such as the grouper, ray, and sea bream. The lake zone is separated into two areas with different fish, ensuring that each species has enough space to thrive. Smaller fish, like the painted comber, wrasse, and scorpion fish, reside in separate tanks, where they can swim peacefully.
As you explore the aquarium, you can take a deeper dive into the diverse habitats in the waters around Ibiza. There are a variety of tanks, from the smallest to the largest, showcasing the incredible diversity of marine life. Be sure you leave some space for your wallet. You will find a small museum area, where you will find an interesting collection of shark eggs, sea sponges, gastropods, bivalves, and other marine invertebrates.
After your visit to the Aquarium Cap Blanc, you’ll have a new appreciation for the remarkable biodiversity found in the Mediterranean Sea, a place that is truly magic and deserves to be protected.