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Dolphinia Oceanography and Marine Biology Center
Dolphinia in Novosibirsk is the place to dive into oceanography and marine biology. You'll be blown away by the incredible creatures that call the ocean home. Whether you're a family looking for a fun day out or a scientist seeking new insights, Dolphinia's got something for everyone. With a mix of education and entertainment, it's an experience you won't soon forget.
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A Day at the Delphinium Oceanarium: Worth Every Penny?
summarizeEditor's Summary
We stumbled upon the Delphinium Oceanarium on a free admission day for kids and it turned out to be an amazing find. This place is a marine mammal show, an educational center, and a spot where you can even swim with dolphins. We spent a day there and it was packed with activities and exhibits that kept us engaged. The oceanarium has a killer selection of fish and sea creatures, including some exotic species I'd never seen before. The marine mammal show was a highlight of our visit, and the trainers did an awesome job of educating us about the animals. The oceanarium also has a ton of interactive exhibits that made learning about marine biology a blast. The staff were super friendly and knowledgeable, and they were happy to answer our questions. The facilities were clean and well-maintained, and the ventilation in the halls was great. We were able to buy tickets online in advance, which saved us some time when we arrived.
settingsSpecifications
Fiyat7/10
Kararİyi
Güvenlik8/10
Hizmet Kalitesi9/10
We were supposed to visit the zoo, but a free admission day for kids changed our plans. Instead, we stumbled upon the Delphinium Oceanarium right next door.
Delphinium Oceanarium NovosibirskWe thought it was just a dolphinarium, but their website calls it the Center of Oceanography and Marine Biology. That's a mouthful, but I think it's more accurate, since they have a ton of different fish and sea creatures on display.xa0
Delphinium Novosibirsk is an oceanarium, a marine mammal show, an educational center, and a place to have some fun, where you can even swim with dolphins.
We checked out the oceanarium and the show, but we didn't go swimming. I'm sure they have guided tours that teach you about the marine flora, but I think just exploring the exhibit on your own is an educational experience too.
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We bought our tickets at the center's ticket booth, but you can also buy them online in advance.
Delphinium Oceanarium Novosibirsk ticket prices are listed on their website as:
Weekdays – 700 rubles (kids under 120 cm – 600 rubles); weekends – 800 rubles (kids under 120 cm – 700 rubles);
We spent around 2,140 rubles on tickets to the oceanarium or, as they call it, the marine fauna exhibit. This was for two adults and a 6-year-old kid, with a discount for my husband as a student.
The ticket price for the show at Delphinium starts at 1,200 rubles, depending on the seat choice. The hall is like a circus, and you need to pick your seats from a plan.
Delphinium Oceanarium Novosibirsk, reviewOf course, the most expensive and best seats are in the center, but in this case, it's a debatable question. In reality, most of the action happens on the stage where the animals come out, and that's quite far away. We chose seats a bit off-center, but not the cheapest ones.
The tickets for the marine animal circus show cost us 5,880 rubles, also with a student discount.
There's a clear sign in the ticket booth with discounts and promotions, so you don't need to ask the cashiers for information.
Delphinium Oceanarium Novosibirsk, review
Still, I think it's a very pricey experience, especially when you're visiting with your family. We ended up paying 8,000 rubles, even with my kid being under 120 cm tall and my husband being a student.
So, what can you see at Delphinium for that kind of money?
What to look out for at Delphinium NovosibirskLet's be real, the marine life in this mystical and cozy setting is the real star of the show. You can't take flash photography, and the dim lighting isn't just for atmosphere - it's actually for the comfort of the deep-sea creatures.
Delphinium Oceanarium Novosibirsk review
Delphinium Oceanarium Novosibirsk reviewThe lighting, abundance of water, and silence around you create an awe-inspiring atmosphere that's hard to put into words. It's breathtaking in its calmness, grandeur, and scale. You stand there, thinking - what an incredible wonder this ocean is, which we know so little about. I got this feeling from the moment I stepped in, literally as soon as I walked into the first hall located in the basement, where a staff member from Delphinium escorted me via the elevator.
The variety of ocean and sea creatures in Delphinium is impressive. There are all sorts of fish in different colors, shapes, and sizes. They're beautiful, vibrant, and each one makes you want to take a closer look and remember them.
Delphinium Oceanarium Novosibirsk review
The Dolphin Aquarium in Novosibirsk, review
The Dolphin Aquarium in Novosibirsk, review The Dolphin Aquarium in Novosibirsk, review The Dolphin Aquarium in Novosibirsk, review
The Dolphin Aquarium in Novosibirsk, review The Dolphin Aquarium in Novosibirsk, reviewNot many fish swim fast, watching them is mesmerizing and mind-blowing.
I have to say, some of them prefer not to move at all, and you can only spot them by looking at the label next to the aquarium and knowing what to look for. That was the case with the fish I initially thought was just part of the aquarium decor. The "rock fish" was indeed living up to its name.
Dolphinia Oceanarium Novosibirsk, ReviewI was a bit confused by the information panels - they weren't always clear or easy to understand. Sometimes they'd change depending on the tank, and I'd see electronic displays. To be honest, I had a hard time finding out more about some of the fish that caught my eye. Most visitors just seem to walk by and look, without even bothering to read the info.
Dolphinia Oceanarium Novosibirsk, ReviewI had no idea some of these fish even existed. There's one with a beak, another with a tooth - it's crazy. Sorry, no photo, because this one fish was moving so fast and snapping its tooth at me, my phone just couldn't keep up.
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Kids seem to love looking at the fish they recognize from their favorite cartoons or stories. For example, the shark, the octopus, or Nemo's fish. But for some reason, the jellyfish seem to fascinate adults more. They have this cool lighting effect, and the jellyfish just float there, slowly dropping or hanging in the water - it's mesmerizing.
Giant Carp in Novosibirsk OceanariumVisiting hours aren't limited, so feel free to stay and look as long as you want.
You can take photos, but without a flash, as we were warned at the entrance and on the info panels.
We all loved the oceanarium's atmosphere and the way it made us feel like we were surrounded by the creatures that live there.
However, the part of the exhibit on the first floor didn't quite have the same vibe. It felt a bit too lively and straightforward for my taste. The fish were beautiful, but they didn't seem as mysterious as they do in an aquarium.
Dolphin show at the Novosibirsk Oceanarium, reviewWe'd seen Baikal seals before, actually. They'd come to our city to perform a small show, and we'd gotten to see them up close.
Dolphin show at the Novosibirsk Oceanarium, reviewI have to admit, I wanted to pet them. They looked so friendly and adorable, but of course, they're wild animals that aren't living their best lives in captivity.
Some of them even seemed a bit aggressive.
Dolphin show at the Novosibirsk Oceanarium, review
Dolphinaria Oceanarium Novosibirsk, reviewAfter checking out the animal exhibit, we headed to the show. I've got to say, I was really hesitant about the high ticket price - I wasn't sure if it was worth it. But my husband convinced me to go, saying we'd learn something new.
We did learn something, all right. I mean, we saw some amazing animals.
Dolphins, walruses, sea lions, and belugas - it was a real treat.
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The theater itself was pretty cool, reminiscent of a circus tent, but smaller. Instead of a ring, they had a pool.
Circus of marine animals Dolphinaria Novosibirsk, reviewUnfortunately, our seats were a bit far from the action, so we didn't get to see everything up close. The people in the center seats, who paid top dollar, got a better view of the mini-stage where some of the animals performed.
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The show itself was more educational than entertaining, and not exactly artistic. It was like a documentary about how they train and care for the marine animals. It was interesting, I guess, but I didn't feel like I got my money's worth. The storyline could have been more engaging and cohesive.
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There were some cool tricks, both simple and complex. The highlight for me was when the beluga whale pushed a person standing on its nose out of the water.
Dolphinia Circus Show in Novosibirsk - My ReviewOr they'll just swim around with a trainer standing on their back.
Dolphinia Circus Show in Novosibirsk - My ReviewIt might seem like some kind of animal abuse, what with the trainer being so heavy, but when you watch the show, it doesn't feel that way at all. You're just thinking, 'Wow, this trainer must have some serious talent and a real love for animals to get the dolphins to perform like that.'
We didn't regret watching the show, even if it didn't leave us with that 'wow' factor like the circus did. To be honest, the show just didn't have the same level of excitement and variety. I probably wouldn't go back for a second visit, especially not with a really young kid - they might not find it that engaging from a distance. Once is probably enough, but I wouldn't go out of my way to see it again.
Dolphinia Circus Show in Novosibirsk - My ReviewThat being said, I would highly recommend visiting the aquarium itself if you get the chance. There's just something about the atmosphere that's impossible to capture in photos or videos.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What kind of activities and exhibits can I expect to see at the Delphinium Oceanarium?
The Delphinium Oceanarium has a variety of activities and exhibits, including a marine mammal show, interactive exhibits, and a large selection of fish and sea creatures. You can also swim with dolphins, but this requires a separate ticket and a guided tour.
Can I buy tickets online in advance?
Yes, you can buy tickets online in advance on the Delphinium Oceanarium's website. This can save you some time when you arrive and also give you access to special promotions and discounts.
Are the facilities clean and well-maintained?
Yes, the facilities at the Delphinium Oceanarium are clean and well-maintained. The staff take pride in keeping the exhibits and halls clean and tidy, and the ventilation system is great for keeping the air fresh.
Can I bring my young children to the Delphinium Oceanarium?
Yes, the Delphinium Oceanarium is a great place to bring your young children. They have a variety of interactive exhibits and activities that are designed to be fun and educational for kids of all ages.
What kind of merchandise can I expect to find in the gift shop?
The gift shop at the Delphinium Oceanarium has a variety of merchandise, including souvenirs, toys, and educational materials. The staff are happy to negotiate prices, and they also offer discounts for bulk purchases.
Can I get a refund or exchange my ticket if I change my mind?
Yes, the Delphinium Oceanarium offers a refund or exchange policy for tickets. You can contact the staff at least 24 hours in advance to arrange a refund or exchange.
Are the staff knowledgeable and friendly?
Yes, the staff at the Delphinium Oceanarium are knowledgeable and friendly. They are happy to answer your questions and provide information about the exhibits and activities.
Can I bring my own food and drink to the Delphinium Oceanarium?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drink to the Delphinium Oceanarium. However, please note that there are some areas where eating and drinking are not allowed.
What are the hours of operation for the Delphinium Oceanarium?
The Delphinium Oceanarium is open daily from 9am to 5pm. However, please check their website for any special hours or closures.
check_circlePros
- •The Delphinium Oceanarium has a killer selection of fish and sea creatures, including some exotic species I'd never seen before.
- •The marine mammal show was a highlight of our visit, and the trainers did an awesome job of educating us about the animals.
- •The oceanarium has a ton of interactive exhibits that made learning about marine biology a blast.
- •The staff were super friendly and knowledgeable, and they were happy to answer our questions.
- •The facilities were clean and well-maintained, and the ventilation in the halls was great.
- •We were able to buy tickets online in advance, which saved us some time when we arrived.
- •The oceanarium offers a variety of activities and exhibits that are fun for all ages.
- •The staff take pride in keeping the exhibits and halls clean and tidy.
- •The gift shop has a variety of merchandise, including souvenirs, toys, and educational materials.
cancelCons
- •The high price tag might be a deterrent for some families or individuals on a budget.
- •The oceanarium can get quite crowded, especially on weekends or during peak season.
- •Some of the exhibits were a bit difficult to navigate, especially for young children.
- •The gift shop had some overpriced merchandise, but the staff were happy to negotiate prices.
- •We didn't get to swim with dolphins, which was a bit disappointing, but we did get to see them up close during the show.
- •The parking lot was a bit far from the entrance, but there were plenty of signs to guide us.
- •The oceanarium doesn't offer a lot of options for food and drink, so you may want to bring your own.
- •Some of the exhibits were a bit too intense for young children, so it's worth checking the age recommendations before you go.
