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Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Marinarea Guide

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is located in Ocean Expo Park. Stop by and say hello to Dolphins, Sea Turtles, and other friends of the sea in the neighboring attractions.

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The creature of mermaid legends

Manatee Pool

Picture of Manatee Pool Picture of Manatee Pool

Here you can see how American Manatees—the animals that spawned many mermaid legends—are bred. Manatees are herbivorous mammals, and adult manatee can grow up to 3 to 4.5 meters and weigh from 300 to 1,000 kilograms. Manatees are now in danger of extinction, and have been designated as an internationally protected species. The manatees in our aquarium were born in Mexico and donated to Japanese citizens as a gift from the Mexican government. A female named "Yuma" was born in this Aquarium in 2001.

you can watch manatees from above the Aquarium tank on the first floor and can also observe them underwater in the underground viewing room. In addition, you can also watch a video of Yuma's birth.

  • Admission to the Manatee Pool is free.
  • For the re-entry of the Aquarium during the same day, please get a re-entry stamp on your hand from staff before leaving the Aquarium. Your ticket stub is also valid for re-entry.
Access
  • It is a 5-minute walk from the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium exit.
  • If you use a tour bus, get off at number 4, “Aquarium Rotary”.
Notes:
  1. Please refrain from tossing things in the pool.
  2. Please be careful not to drop objects into the water when you visit the pool, as the animals may mistake them for food and eat them.

Marine life found in this area

  • Picture of an American manatee

Must-see Points

Picture of manatee munching awayIf you're lucky, you can watch manatees at lunch!
Manatees are fed by our breeding staff two to three times a day. In their natural habitat, manatees are herbivorous mammals that feed on water plants. In the pool, however, they feed on water hyacinths, lettuce, cabbage, kabocha squash, carrots and other plants. If you're lucky, you might be able to see the staff feeding the manatees. Manatees are fed directly by hand and take their time eating their meal. Consider yourself truly lucky if you get a chance to see this!

Churaumi Aquarium Tank Talk

Picture of a manatee going up for airHow long can manatees stay underwater?
Since manatees breathe with their lungs, they come to the surface for air.
With a single breath a manatee can remain underwater for two to three minutes; at night, they can sometimes remain underwater for nearly 20 minutes! Manatees are very docile animals, so feel free to relax and take in their easy charms.

 

*Please note that there are reading mistake.