Terrestrial level

Global Ocean
The global ocean represents all oceans, from seashores to the open water, from surface to bottom. It is a vast endless area, covering 71% of the Earth's surface and providing 99% of all space available for life on the Planet. Even though the global ocean is free of boundaries and stretches freely, various parameters (such as light penetration, depth, temperature, geological structure and others) establish striking divisions. All these factors conspire and act towards the creation of a wide array of diversity, habitats and ecosystems.

Atlantic Habitat
In the Oceanário, The North Atlantic Habitat depicts an area extending from Iceland to the Azores along the Mid Atlantic Ridge.
Geologically, it is a basaltic area, much like the Azores, with dark-grey rocks giving clearly illustrating the volcanic nature of these islands. The rock surface is worn, heavily pounded by wind and sea for years and years. As you go through the North Atlantic corridor, notice how the experience resembles that of going through a natural cave in the Azores. Air temperature and water temperature are 14°C so be sure to dress in layers. (You will need to peel some off when you leave these colds parts and enter the Indian Habitat!).

Antarctic Habitat
The Antarctic Habitat in the Oceanário is a representation of an area known as the Sub-Antarctic Zone. Famous for its rough weather, this area is bordered to the south by the notorious Antarctic Polar Front and by the Sub-tropical convergence to the north. The Georgia and Falkland islands are some of the land features and it is precisely this environment that the Oceanário's team of designers chose to illustrate. See massive calcareous rock formations, as they lay stratified and heavily worn by the thunderous snow and wind that relentlessly punish this zone.
These islands are a safe haven amidst the vastness of the cold Antarctic Ocean. Because of the richness in the surrounding waters, these islands are a oasis for a multitude of organisms, which could not, otherwise, survive the Antarctic frozen shores. During the Summer, sub-antarctic beaches are covered in penguin and seal colonies which lounge in the 12°C sun and take the opportunity to breed.
Sub-antarctic species are also quite rich in fish species, many of which commercially exploited.

Pacific Habitat
Our very own Pacific Habitat recreates a typical rocky shore, much like the one found in Monterey Bay, California. It is a mild and temperate, with air temperatures around 17°C. Granite rock formations that have suffered the powerful influence of the sea decorate this area.
Waters are cold but flourish with life and nutrients. Lest we not forget this is a west shore, and the Coriollis Effect diverts wind and currents to the right, which diverts surface water away from the show and therefore nutrient and cold rich water rises from the bottom. This is what scientists call "upwelling".
The underwater landscape is very charismatic, with giant strands of kelp supplying shelter and nourishment to an extraordinary and diverse amount group of sea creatures.

Indian Habitat
At the Oceanário we actually refer to this as the "Tropical" habitat. And that is precisely because the exhibit mimics the tropical part of the Indian Ocean, with its 25°C humid heat. Thunderous sounds and water sprinkles simulate the storms that proliferate in this area.
Water temperature is always higher than 20°C, allowing corals reefs to grow strong and steady. Actually, corals may be found in just about every Ocean of the World but only in the tropics do they build reefs.
The Indian Ocean therefore features countless reef islands, such as the Seychelles, which is what you will see at the Oceanário. Sandy beaches covered with thick vegetation hide a surprising amount of birds that fly freely and decorate the atmosphere with their colourful chirps.