Istanbul Aquarium, boasting over 1.5 million liters of water and 15,000 land and sea creatures, is a leading aquarium in Turkey. Here, you can discover a dazzling array of marine life, from majestic sharks and playful penguins to vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish. Exploring aquariums like Istanbul Aquarium allows us to appreciate the beauty and fragility of our oceans, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect these ecosystems and the incredible species that call them home.
What to See at Istanbul Aquarium
Embark on a geographical adventure through 17 zones, encountering a fascinating array of marine creatures from various ecosystems around the world.
- Black Sea Zone: Discover the unique inhabitants of the Black Sea, including shy turbot, spiny dogfish, and the charismatic common bottlenose dolphin.
- Panama Canal Zone: Travel virtually to Central America and witness the colorful biodiversity of the coral reefs teeming with angelfish, butterflyfish, and vibrant sea anemones.
- Mediterranean Sea Zone: Encounter the familiar and the fascinating of the Mediterranean, with groupers, octopus, and the elegant seahorse clinging to underwater vegetation.
- Rainforest Rivers Zone: Take a trip to South America and see the mighty arapaima, one of the world’s largest freshwater fish, piranhas with razor-sharp teeth, and playful giant otters.
- Red Sea Coral Reef Zone: Immerse yourself in the vibrant underwater world of the Red Sea, teeming with colorful coral reefs teeming with clownfish, damselfish, and angelfish. Explore the intricate relationship between these fish and the coral that shelters them.
- Shark Realm: Witness the awe-inspiring sharks, including the majestic sand tiger shark, the graceful blacktip reef shark, and the streamlined grey reef shark. Learn about different shark species and their importance to the marine ecosystem.
- Penguin Colony: Observe the playful antics of penguins in their recreated habitat, mimicking the icy shores of Antarctica. Watch them waddle on land and glide effortlessly through the water.
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid crowds. Dedicated areas with child-friendly activities keep young minds engaged. Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the exhibits. Don’t forget your camera to capture stunning underwater moments and marine life encounters.
Istanbul Aquarium Virtual Tour
While the real magic lies in physically encountering the awe-inspiring marine life at Istanbul Aquarium, their virtual tour offers a fantastic alternative for remote explorers. This immersive online experience allows you to navigate the sprawling 1.2-kilometer aquatic journey, showcasing over 15,000 creatures across 17 themed exhibits.
The virtual tour utilizes 360-degree panoramic views, transporting you virtually to each unique habitat. Glide through the Black Sea zone, encountering the shy turbot and spiny dogfish. Travel to Central America’s vibrant coral reefs teeming with angelfish and butterflyfish in the Panama Canal zone. Descend into the mysterious depths of the Shark Realm, coming face-to-face (virtually) with the majestic sand tiger shark.
The virtual tour might also feature close-up views of some of the Aquarium’s most captivating creatures. Marvel at the playful antics of penguins in their recreated Antarctic habitat. Witness the graceful movements of the blacktip reef shark in the Shark Realm. Some tours may offer curated highlight reels focusing on specific zones, allowing you to prioritize exhibits that pique your curiosity for a future visit.
How to Get to Istanbul Aquarium
Location
The Istanbul Aquarium, the largest thematic aquarium in the world, is situated within the Aqua Florya Mall on the European side of Istanbul, close to Atatürk Airport. You can easily reach the Aquarium by metro, tram, bus, taxi, or car. The closest metro station is Florya on the M1 line. From there, it’s a short walk or taxi ride to the mall. If you’re driving, take the E5 highway and follow signs for the Aqua Florya Mall.
Opening Hours
The Aquarium is open daily, with hours typically ranging from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekends and holidays. However, hours can vary depending on the season, so it’s always best to check the official website (https://cabistanbul.com/faq) for the latest information before your visit. Elevate your experience of the aquarium with our top-rated tour offering.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online through the Aquarium’s website or at the entrance. Ticket prices vary depending on age and any special experiences included. There are options for adults, children, seniors, and students. You can also purchase combination tickets that include entrance to the Aquarium and other attractions within the Aqua Florya Mall.