Visit Nausicaá – Centre national de la Mer : tickets, prices, timetables

Are you going to visit the coast of Pale soon? Don’t miss visiting Nausicaá, the National Center of the Sea, and the largest aquarium in Europe!

If you have the opportunity to go to Boulogne-sur-Mer, visit Nausicaá is a must. Located close to the city centre, the Centre National de la Mer seeks to raise awareness among its visitors about the marine life and the impact of Man on this fragile environment. For this, it offers various spaces to discover the 1600 species present in the aquariums (including 12 shark species). The discovery is accompanied by many digital media, for a fun and educational approach.

In addition, parallel actions for the preservation of the maritime world were highlighted by the label Certificate of Excellence issued by Unesco. Moreover, Nausicaá works in collaboration with this institution to carry out joint projects.

Curious to immerse yourself in this fascinating universe? Here is the information that will allow you to organize your visit.

History of Nausicaá

Nausicaá is located in Boulogne-sur-Mer, in the region Hauts-de-France in the department of Pas-de-Calais. The city is known as the first French fishing port. Opened in 1991, the National Center of the Sea is now the largest aquarium in Europe. His name bears a double symbol: it is that of a princess who, in Greek mythology, assists Ulysses who failed in Pheacea. It is also the analogy of the casino, a glance at the old activity that occupied this building was a time.

In 1981, the mayor of Boulogne-sur-Mer, Guy Lengagne, wished to rehabilitate the city's casino. He then launched the idea of an aquarium with three oceanographers: Philippe Vallette, Stéphane Hénard and Christophe Liacopoulos. It is the architect Jacques Rougerie who is chosen to carry out the work. They started in 1987. The National Center of the Sea is called Nausicaá. It opened to the public on 18 May 1991.

It will then be expanded four times to accommodate new species, but also to develop space dedicated to the study of the marine world. The last construction is that of a 10,000 m3 water basin. Opened in 2018, it allows to observe between 20,000 and 25,000 animals (sardines, mackerels, rays, sharks). With this new installation, Nausicaá wishes to exceed one million visitors per year.

Our tips to visit Nausicaá

Visit connected

Nausicaá offers two free apps to accompany you in your visit, to download on iPhone and Android. The main application, called Nausicaá, will allow you to have information on the different basins and the schedules of the animations. The Nausicaá Track Game app offers a family game.

On site you can enjoy free Wi-Fi. Phone chargers are also available on loan at Bistrot Côté Plage.

Entries and payment

It is indicated that a visit lasts 4:30 On average. If you need to get out of the aquarium and want to come back later in the day, ask for a buffer from the reception. With regard to the purchase of tickets for Nausicaá, all payment methods are accepted.

In addition, if you want to have lunch, three restaurants are available on site. Finally, if you have cloaks or bulky bags, the best thing is to leave them in the instructions to fully enjoy your visit.

To visit Nausicaá with family

The entrance is free for children under 3 years of age . They will still need a ticket to withdraw at the ticket office. In addition, for young parents, baby carrier can be you free loan . Check their availability at the reception. The dining area also features a bottle heater and high chairs in free access. It is advisable to prefer baby carriers on days of great affluence (week-ends, school holidays, summer).

What to do during your visit to Nausicaá?

Nausicaá allows you to admire a multitude of underwater species in different basins. To complete your discovery, animations and an unusual visit are offered.

The aquarium

The entire Nausicaá basin represents 17,000 m3 of water. They are divided into two spaces: " Voyage en haute mer" and "From shores and men". Each has an exhibition to complete the discovery of the basins. Digital terminals provide fun information to visitors on animals, the ecosystem and the importance of preserving the marine world.

High seas travel

Many people come to visit Nausicaá to admire the basin of the High Sea. This space is the last to have been opened on the site. It reconstitutes the ecosystem of the island of Malpelo, located off the coast of Colombia . The main observation bay makes 100 m2 (20 meters long for 5 meters high). You can admire, among other things, sharks, turtles and rays.

In this space you can discover the depths of the ocean thanks to incredible images, but also thanks to the scenography. Indeed, 18-metre tunnel and 7 meters flaw give a new angle to the large basin. Moreover, a small game will allow you to test your knowledge of the ocean.

The shores and men

This space focuses on the link between man and the sea. It values each environment to show diversity and fragility. Among all the basins you can admire:

• The immersed forest, which allows to observe the Caymans.
• The coral jungle, which highlights these essential animals.
• Ocean and climate, who takes us to meet the manchots of the CapSouth Africa.
• Sea lions reserve and tunnel, where you can see Speedy, the largest animal on the site with its 208 kg.
• The touch basin, who knows a great success and where you can caress the fish. These are selected because they love contact.

Daily animations

You can attend animations every day. Whether feeding or training animals, these moments of daily life show the residents in another day. To know the schedules and schedules, you just need to check it out on Nausicaá's website. It is usually established weekly.

The visit of the coulisses

If you want to discover the backdrop of the decor, it is possible to visit the backstages of the large basin of the high seas. Two visits take place every day, at 11am and 2pm . You can see the beach of the caregivers, the kitchens, the reserve and the incredible 10,000 cubic meters of water, from another angle.

How much does a ticket cost to Nausicaá?

Daytime

Here are the various daily offers:

• Ticket Liberté (undated, valid 365 days after purchase): 26,50€ (+ 12 years old) or 19,95€ (from 3 to 12 years old). This is also the public price applied to the Nausicaá window.
• Billet malin (available on the Internet only, dated): 24,90€ (+ 12 years) or 18,75€ (from 3 to 12 years).
• Smart note + audioguide : 28,80€ (+ 12 years old) or 22,65€ (from 3 to 12 years old).

For several days

Valid tickets several days are also available:

• 2-day ticket (dated and valid for two consecutive days): 31,50€ (+ 12 years old) or 23,75€ (from 3 to 12 years old).
• Annual membership: 65€ (+ 12 years old), 50€ (from 3 to 12 years old) or 225€ (family package for 2 adults and 2 children).

Additional visit

Also discover the additional offers offered by the centre:

• Behind the scenes visit (from 8 years old): 12€
• Album of visit (60 pages of activities and information): €6.95

Special rates

Special rates are for seniors, students, persons with disabilities, job seekers and many families. For the persons concerned, the ticket price is fixed to:

• 23,25€ for over 12 years,
• 16,50€ for children aged 3 to 12.

Attention: rates are only applicable to the window.

How to book an online ticket for Nausicaá?

To book your tickets for Nausicaá, you just have to go to their site in the "Buy" section. Click on the ticket type you wish to order and indicate the number of units to order. A window will offer you additional products.

It is up to you to see if they are useful to you. Once all your products are in your shopping cart, click on the following. You will then have to fill in your contact details. Then, come the summary of your order and you just have to make the payment.

However, sites specializing in tourism activities also offer tickets. They have the advantage of offering a discount as well as the option cut- .

Are there guided tours of Nausicaá?

The Nausicaá Aquarium is visited free of charge for individuals.

Only groups can enjoy a guided tour. If this is your case, 3 formulas are available:

• Form 1 "guided visit": 2 hours of guided tour throughout the aquarium before a free visit.
• Formula 2 "one day to know everything": 2 hours of guided tour on each of the two spaces of the aquarium, a gourmet break and free access to the aquarium the rest of the day.
• Or Formula 3 "in the backstage of Nausicaá": a free visit associated with 1 hour of guided tour in the backstage of the aquarium.

Are there visits combined with other monuments?

No, there are no combined tickets or offers to visit Nausicaá.

However, if you benefit from annual , you have the right to many discounts from partners. For example, get a 20% discount on your entrance to the City of Lace and the Museum of Fine Arts of Calais. Here are the various places involved:

• Casino Golden Palace,
• The 3 sailing schools of Boulonnais,
• The Florelle, who walks at sea,
• Plopsaland de Panne, one of the largest amusement parks in Belgium,
• Holiday Inn (on a monthly or annual subscription),
• The Stars Cinema,
• Restaurant l’Escale,
• The City of Lace and Fashion,
• Musée des beaux-arts de Calais,
• The Louvre Lens,
• Aqualud,
• The Caves of Han,
• La table de Nicolas
• The dome

Opening hours

You can visit Nausicaá every day:

• From Monday to Sunday, 9:30 and 6:30,
• During school holidays, 9.30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (20 h for July-August).

Small precision: tickets are sold until 1h30 before closing.

Finally, for several years, the National Centre for the Sea has closed its doors for 3 to 4 weeks, in January . Therefore, if you want to visit Nausicaá at this time of year, visit the website beforehand.

How do I access Nausicaá?

The location of the National Center of the Sea allows to visit Nausicaá easily. You can go there :

• By train: the SNCF station in Boulogne-sur-Mer is located at a 30 minutes on foot from Nausicaá. It is served by the buses: you will then be enough 10 minutes transport.
• By boat: the marina is a few dozen meters away.
• By bus: Just borrow the line F direction “Baston”. The stop is easy to spot as it is called Nausicaá. In summer, your ticket to Nausicaá will allow you to take the bus for free.

Where to park from Nausicaá?

Most parking facilities near Nausicaá are paying . You can benefit from a preferential rate in the parking lot Q-Park thanks to your entry to the National Center of the Sea. Other car parks, located in the city center of Boulogne-sur-Mer, are free . If you go there in the tourist season, you will be able to find some difficulties in finding room.

Where to stay near Nausicaá?

Since Nausicaá is located in the city centre of Boulogne-sur-mer, it is very easy to stay nearby. For an apartment Airbnb , count between 60€ and 150€ at night.

On the other hand, one night at the hotel costs between 40€ and 100€ . For the youth hostel, a night starts from 24€ in a shared room. Don’t hesitate to appeal to Compare hotels , to find the best offer at the best price.