Santa Marta inaugurated the first underwater tunnel in Colombia a few days ago. The attraction located in El Rodadero is expected to attract a significant number of tourists to the capital of Magdalena.
Touristic and educational attraction
The El Rodadero Aquarium expanded its offerings with the opening of this new installation. It spans 27 meters, with bodies of water totaling 400 tons. It is the first of its kind in the country and will offer great opportunities for marine enthusiasts. It houses around 800 species that can be observed from different angles.
The tunnel creates the illusion of being truly underwater and has been conceived with a dual purpose: to attract more tourists to the city and to educate about marine life and the importance of respecting it. Visitors can participate in activities such as underwater cleanups, swimming with dolphins, or releasing turtles.
The late Captain Francisco Ospina Navia, who created the aquarium, had the idea for the tunnel, which will now be managed by his children. One of them, Franco Ospina, said that “the tunnel is an early gift for Santa Marta’s 498th anniversary and for all of Colombia.”
The Santa Marta Aquarium
The Santa Marta Aquarium is located about 10 minutes by boat from the main beach of El Rodadero and about 25 minutes from the city’s historic center. For almost 60 years, it has been one of the points of interest in the El Rodadero resort. It features 13 pools with direct access to the Caribbean Sea and 15 glass aquariums.
It houses species such as sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, sea lions, crustaceans, and seabirds. 98% of the fauna are native to the region. Additionally, the aquarium has an exhibition on Tayrona culture and its connection to marine life.
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