A Cuban woman, identified as Camila Carballo, recently visited the National Aquarium of Cuba and shared a video on Facebook that left many in disbelief. According to her, the Havana-based aquarium is so overwhelmed with private enterprises that there seem to be "more private businesses than fish."
The video, which garnered over 348,000 views and 10,000 reactions, highlights a stark contrast between the prices at the aquarium and the purchasing power of most Cubans. Parking costs 200 pesos—four times the usual 50 pesos charged elsewhere in Havana—while entry fees are set at 150 pesos for adults and 50 pesos for children.
Inside, private vendors establish their own pricing: meals range from 450 to 1,200 pesos, and a guarapo, a drink typically priced at 150 or 200 pesos, starts at a minimum of 400 pesos at the aquarium.
The most shocking revelation was the cost of the marine animal show. "The show with the famous seals or a dolphin kiss costs 6,000 pesos, which seems expensive for today's Cuba," Carballo remarked, noting that visiting requires "a budget more than what you'd expect to spend elsewhere."
Rising Costs and Public Outcry
This isn't the first time the National Aquarium has sparked such reactions. During the Pa'Cuba 2026 Festival—held between June and July at the venue, featuring around 100 private businesses—another visitor reported even higher prices: pizza for 1,350 pesos, two servings of fried rice for 2,000 pesos, and a children's ride that could cost up to 15,000 pesos.
The Aquarium in Decline
The facility's physical deterioration adds another layer of discontent. Since 2025, there have been reports of moldy walls, dirty tanks, and a shortage of animals. The organization Bienestar Animal Cuba has described the conditions as "deplorable." A sector official admitted in 2026 that the aquarium no longer has the infrastructure or species availability it once boasted.
Historically, entrance to the National Aquarium was 15 pesos for adults. Upon reopening in October 2021, the fee increased to 20 pesos. The current rate of 150 pesos represents a ten-fold increase in just five years.
Understanding Prices and Conditions at the National Aquarium
Why are prices at the National Aquarium so high?
The National Aquarium has become saturated with private businesses that set their own prices, leading to costs that are significantly higher than the average Cuban's purchasing power.
What has been the public's reaction to the condition of the National Aquarium?
The public has expressed outrage over both the high costs and the deteriorating conditions, including reports of mold, dirty tanks, and a lack of animals.
How have entrance fees changed over the years at the National Aquarium?
Entrance fees have increased significantly, from 15 pesos historically to 150 pesos currently—a tenfold increase over five years.