New Grupo Cataratas aquarium opens on November 14, highlighting aquatic life conservation in the Triple Frontier.
AquaFoz was created with the mission of protecting and valuing life that flows from the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers to the ocean. Scheduled to open on November 14, the new Grupo Cataratas aquarium offers an immersive journey of discovery, education, and conservation. Inspired by the strength of the currents descending the Iguaçu Falls and meeting the Paraná River, the aquarium invites visitors to explore the vibrant life beneath the surface.
With over 2 million liters of water, the aquarium features one of the largest ocean tanks in South America. In total, it houses 28 habitats, containing 3.3 million liters of water, faithfully recreating freshwater and marine ecosystems. Each environment emphasizes how healthy rivers are essential for thriving oceans and how humans are part of this balance.
Species and immersive experience
The inhabitants include nurse sharks, blacktip, leopard, bamboo, and freycineti sharks, as well as freshwater and saltwater rays, puffers, clownfish, seahorses, piranhas, and piraras. The experience combines emotion, knowledge, and connection to the planet’s future.
More than a tourist attraction, AquaFoz strengthens Foz do Iguaçu’s position as a hub for sustainable tourism and conservation, with an investment of R$ 140 million. The project was inspired by world-class aquariums that combine research, education, and preservation within cutting-edge structures.
“We want every visitor to understand the power of life that is born in rivers and transforms into the ocean — and how we all are part of this current of care,” says Pablo Morbis, CEO of Grupo Cataratas.
Innovation and structure
The ocean tank features acrylic panels 5 meters high, 11 meters wide, and 19 cm thick, each weighing 13 tons. A state-of-the-art filtration system ensures water quality and animal welfare. The saltwater is prepared with high-purity salt used in leading aquariums worldwide.
The self-guided route spans three floors, following the natural flow of water from the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers through flooded forests, Amazonian systems, and marine ecosystems. Along the way, soundscapes, projections, and educational panels enhance the journey, which also includes dining areas and a themed store.
AquaRio expertise
AquaFoz builds on the experience of AquaRio, Brazil’s leading marine research and conservation center. The new aquarium features species reproduced there, such as the freycineti shark — symbol of a pioneering reproduction without human intervention — as well as rays and seahorses. This reinforces scientific exchange between the two institutions.
AquaFoz also promotes the protection of endemic Brazilian river species, such as the Iguaçu catfish (*Steindachneridion melanodermatum*), in partnership with the State University of Maringá and Copel. The operation is expected to generate around 400 direct and indirect jobs, strengthening regional development.
A journey from river to sea
AquaFoz blends science, conservation, and entertainment into an educational and sensory experience, inviting each visitor to become a guardian of the waters, from source to sea.
Service
AquaFoz
Address: Av. das Cataratas – BR, KM 18 | Foz do Iguaçu – PR
Opening: November 14, 2025
Hours: daily, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (last entry at 5 p.m.)
Tickets: available at www.aquafoz.com.br
