Whilst wandering around Festival Park, we were accosted - in a friendly way - by 3 people giving away paper fish which asked to be returned to the new Palma Aquarium, where we would be rewarded with a prize!
Having nothing better to do the following day, 4 of us drove in the sunshine down to Palma. Directions were easy to follow - exit 10 from the motorway, then follow the picture signs.
This place is one NOT to be missed! And the sooner the better. Im not sure if it will be so appealing as the crowds set in, but we were extremely impressed.
Probably one of the better aquariums I have ever been to. The tanks are crystal clear, with the inhabitants (which are glorius) active and colourful. There are interactive touch screens next to each tank and we had plenty of time to sit and watch the octopus change colour as a fish got too close to it.
We then came out to a clean, almost empty restaurant / cafe, but with a very good selection of tasty food. Option to eat under cover or outside, which we did, with a large shipwreck for children - or children at heart - to explore. We actually thought we had finished and were quite happy, but then realised that we were only half way through!
There are some interesting outside tanks leading on to going back inside for a jungle walk and yet more tanks. One tank has cushions sitting around it for a long leisurely rest, watching divers feeding sharks and other very large interesting fish.
Some parts seemed not quite finished, but very nearly so.
There is the obligatory gift shop at the end and another restaurant that wasnt open at the time.
If you are going out of season, please make the effort to go there, no one will be disappointed, I promise. We took a leisurely 3 hours I think, with lunch, to wander all around.
The car park is not that large, but ample for out of season.
Oh, and the present for returning the fish? - An adorable black cap with Palma aquarium stamped over it!!! You cant win them all!!