Animal Activities in La Rochelle

La Rochelle, a charming French port city on the Atlantic coast, offers a range of exciting animal-related experiences for visitors.

Whale Watching

Take a guided boat tour to spot bottlenose dolphins and fin whales in their natural habitat. These tours typically depart from the harbour and last around 2-3 hours.

• When: From May to October, depending on sea conditions
• Tips:
  • Be prepared for choppy waters and potential seasickness
  • Don’t forget your binoculars for a closer look at these magnificent creatures

Aquarium La Rochelle

Get up close and personal with over 10,000 marine animals from around the world. The aquarium features interactive exhibits, feeding demonstrations, and an impressive shark tunnel.

• When: Open daily from 9:30am to 6pm (April to October) and 10am to 5pm (November to March)
• Tips:
  • Plan your visit early in the day for optimal viewing conditions
  • Don’t miss the daily animal feeding sessions

La Rochelle Natural History Museum

Discover a vast collection of taxidermied animals, including birds, mammals, and fish. The museum also features exhibits on local marine life and the region’s natural history.

• When: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 5pm (April to October) and 10am to 4pm (November to March)
• Tips:
  • Be prepared for a more leisurely pace, as the exhibits are quite extensive
  • Ask staff about guided tours or interactive activities for kids

La Palmyre Zoo

Located just outside of La Rochelle, this zoo is home to over 1,500 animals from around the world. Highlights include a petting zoo and a drive-through safari.

• When: Open daily from 9:30am to 6pm (April to October) and 10am to 5pm (November to March)
• Tips:
  • Plan for at least half a day to explore the entire zoo
  • Don’t miss the live animal shows and feeding demonstrations

Enjoy your animal adventures in La Rochelle!