Tela Marine Aquarium | Tela

The Tela Marine Aquarium is a research and conservation facility located in the city of Tela, Honduras. It focuses on the marine life of the Caribbean coast.

Visual Characteristics

The aquarium complex consists of several concrete buildings painted in light blue and white. It features multiple outdoor tanks and enclosures, some covered with mesh for shade. The main building has a single story with a flat roof. Surrounding vegetation is tropical, with palm trees and dense green foliage.

Location & Access Logistics

The aquarium is situated approximately 1.5 kilometers west of the Tela city center, along the coastal road CA-13. Access is via paved road. Parking is available on-site in a gravel lot. Public bus routes serving the coastal highway stop within a 5-minute walk.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 1991, the Tela Marine Aquarium was founded by the Honduran Foundation for Marine Research (FUNDEVI). Its primary purpose is the study and conservation of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System and its associated marine species.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe a variety of local marine species in controlled environments. Activities include viewing tanks containing fish, crustaceans, and marine invertebrates. Educational presentations on local marine ecosystems are offered daily.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the main building. Limited shaded areas are provided by awnings over outdoor exhibits. Cell phone signal (3G/4G) is generally available. No on-site food vendors are present; however, small eateries are located within 500 meters along the main road.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for viewing is between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM when most exhibits are actively managed. The dry season, from December to April, offers the most favorable weather conditions with lower rainfall.

Facts & Legends

The aquarium houses a rescued manatee, "Mariposa," who has become a symbol of the facility's rehabilitation efforts. A local belief suggests that observing a specific species of angelfish within the main tank brings good fortune for sea voyages.

Nearby Landmarks

• Punta Izopo National Park (2.1km West)
• Lancetilla Botanical Garden (4.5km Southwest)
• Tela Bay (0.8km East)
• Garifuna Cultural Center (1.2km East)