Porto Moniz Aquarium
Many thanks to Martin for this write up and photos from his visit to Porto Moniz Aquarium. There are more photos, but I will need to save those for the future, as the blog just gets to big. Don’t forget that if you click on the photos you can get them full size.
"I have visited Porto Moniz several times and always enjoyed the seaside atmosphere. Over the past few years the sea front has been redeveloped and is now pedestrian only, with car parking located close at hand. This means you can stroll along the sea front, take in the sea air, and visit some of the shops in comfort and safety.
Porto Moniz is situated on the north west tip of Madeira and you have a choice of three routes from Funchal (by car), all equally spectacular for their own reason. Route 1 is from Ribeira Brava to São Vicente then Porto Moniz. You will travel through some long tunnels on this route. If you wish you can detour via Boca Da Encumeada and then down to São Vicente. Route 2 is after Ribeira Brava take the route via Calheta, Prazeres, Ponta Do Pargo and on to Porto Moniz. Route 3 is Ribeira Brava to Boca Da Encumeada, then drive across the Paul da Serra to Porto Moniz (this is spectacular if you want a good day out). These are only suggestions and you can vary the journey to suit your own needs.
In the past I have seen the signs for the aquarium but not bothered to visit. However, on this occasion I spent some time at the aquarium which offers the opportunity to observe several species in their natural habitat. It is composed of several small tanks where you can get very close to the fish and there is one very large tank about 12 feet tall which gives a fantastic view of the different species it contains. There are about 70 species on display in the tanks. You will see various breeds of fish such as dobrado, garoupa, peixe cão, ratão-agui. There is also a shark but don’t get excited, I’ve seen bigger salmon in Scotland. There are several beautiful stingrays, eels and an octopus. In some of the smaller tanks you will find starfish, crabs and other smaller species.
The aquarium is situated at Forte de Joao Batista (main photo above), a monument erected in 1730 to commemorate the local population defending the town against attacks from pirates. The fort was restored in 1998, retaining its original façade, but the interior was adapted to accommodate the aquarium. The aquarium is open daily and the admission fee for adults is 7 Euros, children 3-4 Euros depending on age. Please check their website or tourist information for any clarification.
Compared to other aquariums elsewhere in Europe, this is a small facility and you may not think there will be much to see. But I advise that you take your time and you will be pleasantly surprised at the variety of sea life you will be able to observe in the tanks.
While you are in Porto Moniz have a stroll along the shore line and observe the fantastic rugged formation of the rocks and rock pools. Even better, go there on a stormy day and watch the Atlantic waves crashing over the coastline".
Thanks Martin – great pics and informative article. We haven’t been, so a trip is definately “on the cards” now…….cheers.
1Yes great write up Masrtin. I have not been but will put it on the list for when my back is sorted.
2Would definitely agree with Martin the aquarium is well worth a look. One of the sharks had a couple of babies this year. The big tank is lovely there is a seating area and the whole wall in front of you from floor to ceiling is the side of the tank.
3