A. Methodology For Our List of the Best Aquariums

To have the most complete profile of an Aquarium, five criteria (Size, Viewing Panel, Species, Architecture, Bonus) were established. Every aquarium is rated in each of these five criteria on a scale from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).

We analyzed (via research/literature and personal visits) all the principal aquariums worldwide, tried our best to keep everything as objective and logical as possible to calculate an overall score.

The best aquariums were ranked based on their overall score.

B. Criteria

1. Size

As for the size rating, we considered the extent of the largest tank and the total water volume of the entire aquarium complex. 

Method: The rating of this criterion is based on available statistics and personal visits.

Best Aquariums for Size: Chimelong Whale Shark Exhibit Aquarium and Georgia Aquarium, both 10/10.

2. Viewing Panel

This category is purely based on the size of the viewing panel (width and height).

Method: The rating of this criterion is based on available statistics and personal visits.

Best aquariums for size: Cube Aquarium and Chimelong Whale Shark Exhibit Aquarium, both 10/10.

3. Species

For the species rating we consider standout animals like mainly whale sharks, but (to a lesser degree) also animals like Arapaima, Belugas, or Ocean Sunfish. Furthermore, the representation of species and the total number of animals add to the score. 

Method: The rating of this criterion is based on available statistics and personal visits.

Best aquariums for species: Chimelong Whale Shark Exhibit Aquarium and Georgia Aquarium, both 10/10.

4. Architecture

Some aquariums are housed in real marvels of architecture. The more striking the building is, the more points are assigned. 

Method: The rating of this criterion is based on available statistics and personal visits.

Best aquariums for architecture: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, 9/10; Oceanografic and Ocean Park, both 8/10.

5. Bonus

Bonus points are attributed for underwater tunnels or domes depending on their size, and for state-of-the-art presentation.

Method: The rating of this criterion is based on available statistics and personal visits.

Best aquariums for bonus: Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, 10/10; Chimelong Whale Shark Exhibit Aquarium, 9/10.