Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – With an 80 million peso investment, Acuario Vallarta will open October 2025 in La Isla Plaza, featuring 2,000 organisms, 60 species, and an Antarctic-inspired penguin dome.
The city of Puerto Vallarta is set to welcome a state-of-the-art marine attraction next October, when Acuario Vallarta opens its doors in the heart of La Isla Plaza. Backed by an investment of 80 million pesos, the 2,200-square-meter facility promises to showcase approximately 2,000 living organisms across 60 distinct species, offering both residents and the city’s millions of annual visitors an immersive journey through the aquatic world.
Located on Francisco Medina Ascencio Avenue, Acuario Vallarta represents a collaboration between biologist Pablo Rojas—who will serve as the aquarium’s director—and engineer Raúl Escobar, the project’s lead on construction and design. At the recent unveiling of the project, Rojas emphasized that the new aquarium goes beyond entertainment, positioning itself as an educational and conservation hub. “Our goal,” he explained, “is to provide a recreational and interactive environment where people can learn about marine biodiversity and the pressing issue of climate change that affects these fragile ecosystems.”
Among the facility’s most anticipated attractions are ten penguins housed in the Aurora Australis Dome, an exhibit meticulously designed to replicate Antarctic conditions. Visitors will experience simulated polar vistas, complete with controlled lighting to mimic the Southern Lights, and interactive displays that reveal the biology, behavior, and conservation status of each penguin species. “This dome will leave guests speechless,” said Escobar. “Our engineering team worked closely with environmental specialists to recreate not just the look, but also the temperature and sensory environment of Antarctica.”
Beyond the penguins, the aquarium’s galleries will feature tropical reef tanks, a mangrove habitat, and a touch pool where patrons can gently handle starfish, sea cucumbers, and other invertebrates under expert supervision. Multimedia stations scattered throughout the hall will provide insights into ocean acidification, plastic pollution, and rising sea temperatures—key drivers of coral bleaching worldwide. “We want visitors to walk away with actionable knowledge,” Rojas noted. “Interactive kiosks allow guests to calculate their personal carbon footprint and discover daily habits that can reduce their impact on marine ecosystems.”
Acuario Vallarta has positioned itself as more than a tourist attraction; it is a support center for wildlife conservation. The institution has already formalized collaboration agreements with municipal bodies, national research centers, and private organizations dedicated to animal welfare and environmental protection. These partnerships will facilitate wildlife rescue operations, genetic research on threatened species, and breeding programs aimed at reintroducing native fish and amphibians into local habitats.
In tandem with these efforts, Aquario Vallarta is establishing a dedicated foundation—promoted and funded by the aquarium itself—to advance biodiversity protection and environmental education in the region. “Through this foundation, we will support field studies, school outreach programs, and community workshops,” Rojas said. “Our hope is to inspire a new generation of conservationists who will carry Puerto Vallarta’s natural legacy into the future.”
The arrival of Acuario Vallarta is expected to generate significant economic benefits. Construction alone has created dozens of engineering and manual labor jobs, and once operational, the facility will employ a fully inclusive, specialized staff encompassing marine biologists, veterinary technicians, educators, hospitality personnel, and maintenance crews. Local vendors and service providers—from catering to transportation—stand to gain from increased visitor traffic. City officials predict that the aquarium will attract an estimated 500,000 visitors in its first year, bolstering tourism revenues and reinforcing Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as a destination for eco-tourism and family-friendly attractions.
Situated within La Isla Plaza—a mixed-use retail and entertainment complex—the aquarium will complement existing shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Its prime location on the city’s main thoroughfare ensures easy access for both local commuters and tourists arriving by bus or car. Free parking and shuttle services from key hotels will further enhance convenience, while special evening “aquatic light shows” are planned to diversify the visitor experience.
Environmental sustainability was a guiding principle throughout the project. The building incorporates solar panels on its rooftop to offset energy consumption, a rainwater harvesting system for tank filtration, and low-emissivity glass to minimize heat gain. All seawater and freshwater systems operate on closed-loop filtration, reducing waste and preventing untreated discharge into the bay. “Our engineering approach balances guest comfort with ecological responsibility,” explained Escobar. “We’ve adopted cutting-edge technologies to ensure that the aquarium is both carbon-efficient and a model for sustainable development in Puerto Vallarta.”
Educational outreach will begin even before the grand opening. Acuario Vallarta plans to host teacher workshops and student field trips, offering lesson plans that align with national science curricula. Mobile “mini-aquarium” exhibits will travel to local schools and community centers, reaching children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to visit the main facility. Special programs for indigenous communities and low-income neighborhoods are also in development, ensuring that marine education is accessible to all segments of the population.
Animal welfare remains paramount. The aquarium’s veterinary team will monitor each species around the clock, employing non-invasive health assessments and enrichment activities to promote natural behaviors. “Every tank and enclosure has been designed with the specific needs of its inhabitants in mind,” Rojas emphasized. “From water quality to habitat complexity, we’ve consulted with international experts to meet—and exceed—global standards for marine animal care.”
As Puerto Vallarta continues to expand and diversify its tourism offerings, Acuario Vallarta arrives as a beacon for sustainable, educational entertainment. By marrying cutting-edge exhibit design with rigorous conservation efforts, the aquarium aspires to deepen public understanding of marine ecosystems and galvanize support for environmental stewardship.
With construction on schedule and staff training underway, the countdown to next October has begun. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to follow the aquarium’s progress on social media and to pre-register for opening-weekend tickets. As Rojas concluded, “We’re building more than an aquarium; we’re cultivating a community committed to protecting the oceans that connect us all.”
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - With an 80 million peso investment, Acuario Vallarta will open October 2025 in La Isla Plaza, featuring 2,000 organisms, 60 species, and an Antarctic-inspired penguin dome.
