A conservation story bringing new hope to the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sea has welcomed five very special newcomers. On 22 October 2026, five loggerhead turtles born on l’Alcúdia beach in Nules, Castellón, returned to the sea after more than a year of specialist care through the Oceanogràfic Foundation's Head-Starting conservation programme.
Their progress is remarkable. When they first arrived at the marine conservation centre in Oropesa del Mar, they weighed just 16 grams. After growing under specialist supervision, the four males and one female reached approximately 3.3 kilograms before being released on the same beach where they were born.
The initiative was carried out alongside the Azul Marino Foundation and Nules Town Council as part of the “Aquí salvamos tortugas” campaign. It is an inspiring example of how specialist organisations and local communities can work together to protect marine biodiversity.
What is the Head-Starting programme?
The first stages of a sea turtle's life are particularly challenging. From the moment hatchlings leave their nests, they face numerous risks as they make their way towards the sea.
The Head-Starting programme aims to improve their chances of survival by providing a period of specialist care and supervised growth. The young turtles spend time in facilities equipped to support them during this vulnerable stage, allowing them to become stronger and larger before returning to their natural environment.
In the case of the five turtles from Nules, this process helped them grow from around 16 grams to more than three kilograms before their return to the Mediterranean.
The story also began thanks to local residents. In August 2025, some children followed the tiny tracks left in the sand and helped locate the nest.
Oceanogràfic Valencia: much more than an aquarium
This news story offers another perspective on Oceanogràfic Valencia. As well as being one of the city's leading visitor attractions, the aquarium is connected to marine biodiversity research, education and conservation initiatives through the Oceanogràfic Foundation.
A visit gives you the opportunity to explore marine ecosystems from around the world and discover species that live in very different environments. Its themed areas include Mediterranean habitats, polar oceans, tropical seas and other aquatic ecosystems.
During your visit, you can discover sharks, penguins, jellyfish, sea turtles and many other species, walk through the spectacular underwater tunnel and observe marine life from different perspectives.
It is a memorable day out that combines entertainment with a better understanding of ocean biodiversity and the importance of protecting it.
Discover marine ecosystems during your visit
Oceanogràfic is organised into different environments representing ecosystems from various parts of the world. This variety makes the visit an opportunity to discover how marine life adapts to very different conditions.
Some of the highlights include:
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The Mediterranean: explore the biodiversity of our own sea.
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Polar oceans: discover ecosystems from the coldest regions of the planet.
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Tropical seas: learn about fish and other animals from warmer waters.
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Sharks and large aquariums: observe some of the most impressive marine species.
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Jellyfish: discover their shapes, movements and fascinating characteristics.
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Sea turtles: learn more about these animals and the challenges they face in the wild.
Oceanogràfic Valencia tickets with WalaTickets
If you would like to discover the marine world up close, WalaTickets offers different ticket options to help you plan your visit.
The current options include:
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Oceanogràfic admission: entry to the aquarium for the selected date and time, from €37.
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Oceanogràfic + Science Museum: a combined ticket to visit both attractions over two days, from €38.90.
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Oceanogràfic + Hemisfèric: combine your aquarium visit with an experience at the Hemisfèric, from €38.60.
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Oceanogràfic + Science Museum + Hemisfèric: discover all three attractions over three days, from €45.55.
Tickets include priority access to avoid the ticket-office queues. Prices may vary depending on the selected date and availability. Combined tickets have their own conditions of use and do not allow visitors to repeat an attraction.
You can also check the parking conditions. According to the information published on WalaTickets, parking is available at a flat rate of €7 per day.
Plan your visit and discover the marine world
The story of the five turtles from Nules reminds us that protecting the Mediterranean begins with understanding and appreciating its ecosystems.
A visit to Oceanogràfic Valencia is a great opportunity to explore this world, discover fascinating species and enjoy an educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Book your tickets online with WalaTickets and get ready to dive into the oceans of the world.
Explore all available ticket options:
https://oceanografic.walatickets.com/