Founded in 1960, the national aquarium is a Havana institution that gets legions of annual visitors. Despite its rather scruffy appearance, this place leaves most other Cuban acuarios (aquatic centers) in the shade (which isn't saying much). Saltwater fish are the specialty, but there are also sea lions and dolphins, including hourly dolphin shows. Dolphin performances are widely criticized by animal welfare groups who claim the captivity of such complex marine mammals is debilitating and stressful for the animals.
