Aquario Vascon da Gama.

During the 4th Centenary celebration of the Discovery of the Sea Route to India, by the notorious navigator Vasco da Gama, the Vasco da Gama Aquarium has been in business. (since 1898). It is both, an educational and scientific establishment, which has more than 200 species and 4000 specimens on display, and distributed through 90 fresh and saltwater tanks. The aquarium building was a result of a few influences from both the inside and outside.

It was during the middle of the 19th Century that Oceanography was born as real science. However, having the help of D.Carlos de Braganca, who was the last but one king of Portugal, was an influential aspect in the construction of this institution. He was a bright man and also was a member of many scientific institutions, and he was a well-known oceanographer and naturalist.

The museum has permanently been enriched with new species, especially marine fish from the Portuguese coast, tropical fauna, malacological specimens (shells) and marine mammals. The museum includes four exhibition areas.

The atrium emphasizes the most important part of D.Carlos I Oceanography work, with an exhibition of Invertebrates from his Oceanographic Collection.
On the first floor, there are two large rooms, which show fish and sharks.
The Malacology Room shows about 600 species from the Portuguese Coast.
The last area, which was opened to the public in 1980, exhibits mammals, tropical shells and birds.