Discover Istanbul Aquarium: A Stunning Marine Experience with Thousands of Species
Istanbul Aquarium offers visitors an unforgettable visual feast with its enormous size and countless marine creatures. Recognised as the world's largest thematic aquarium, this unique structure is located on a 100-acre site in Florya. With its spacious social areas and various activities, it is not just an aquarium, but also a unique entertainment and discovery centre. With 17 thematic sections stretching from the Black Sea to the Pacific Ocean and a special route consisting of a rainforest, Istanbul Aquarium has a structure that is unparalleled worldwide.
In this article, you can find all the details you want to know about Istanbul Aquarium.
General Information About the Istanbul Aquarium
Located in the Florya neighbourhood of Bakırköy district on the European side of Istanbul, Istanbul Aquarium is a unique recreational area designed following a specific geographical route. This structure, which hosts a total of 17 different themes and a rainforest, transports visitors to different climates and habitats with themes that reflect cultural, geographical, historical, and architectural features.
Each theme area is supported by decorative elements, interactive games, informative graphics, sound and lighting systems specific to that region. This allows visitors to not only observe the creatures but also experience the atmosphere of that region first-hand.
Creatures at Istanbul Aquarium
Istanbul Aquarium is home to many creatures brought from oceans and seas around the world. Here are some of the most interesting species you can encounter here:
Red-bellied piranhas: These creatures, which move in schools, can detect a drop of blood in the water from 2 kilometres away.
Lemon shark: The largest creature in the main tank, this species lives for approximately 25 years. Lemon sharks must swim constantly, as their gills cease to function when they stop moving, putting their lives at risk.
Russian sturgeon: These rare creatures, which you can see in the Black Sea section, have been around since the dinosaur era and are famous for their black caviar.
Clownfish: The only fish species that can live among poisonous anemones, clownfish have developed immunity to this poison thanks to their skin.
Orfoz: You can observe these creatures up close here. These creatures are famous for their ability to change gender
Gentoo penguins: These penguins, which live in habitats designed to mimic their natural polar environment, can stay underwater for up to 7 minutes.
Other marine and land creatures such as anacondas, stingrays, and sharks also await visitors in various sections of the Istanbul Aquarium.
Technical Specifications of Istanbul Aquarium
Istanbul Aquarium is located on a total area of 100 acres. The project, which was launched in 2003, was interrupted from time to time for various reasons, but it opened to visitors on 25 June 2011. The total cost of the project was calculated as 268 million Turkish lira, of which 138 million Turkish lira was covered by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
The aquarium, with a total construction area of 22,000 square metres, consists of a two-storey structure. It contains 64 water tanks with a total water volume of 6,800 cubic metres. The complex also features a 6,000-square-metre exhibition area for visitors, a 1.2-kilometre walking route, and a 35,000-square-metre car park with a capacity of 1,200 vehicles.
Thematic Areas at Istanbul Aquarium
One of the most striking features of Istanbul Aquarium is its thematic areas, each representing a different sea, climate or cultural geography. These sections are designed to give visitors the feeling of taking a world tour:
Black Sea: This section reflects Turkey's northern coastline and is home to freshwater and saltwater creatures native to the region.
Istanbul Strait: The biological diversity and historical texture of this unique strait connecting Asia and Europe are visualised.
Çanakkale Strait: This section focuses on the flora and fauna of this strategically and historically significant passage.
Aegean Sea: Colourful fish species and corals suited to the Mediterranean climate are displayed in this section.
Suez Canal: The ecosystem and biodiversity of this artificial passage connecting the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea are detailed.
Red Sea: It offers a rich visual experience with coral reefs and colourful tropical fish.
Global Warming: The effects of climate change and environmental threats on marine life are explained interactively in this section.
Mediterranean Sea: Representing Turkey's southern coastline, this theme features grouper and other Mediterranean creatures.
Strait of Gibraltar: The creatures that inhabit this strait, which separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Mediterranean Sea, are introduced.
Eastern Atlantic (Shipwreck): Both underwater life and underwater archaeology are presented visually through the shipwreck theme.
Central Atlantic: Deep-sea creatures and life forms in the middle of the Atlantic can be explored in this section.
Western Atlantic: Underwater life and ecosystems near the American coastline are featured here.
Panama Canal: This canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, focuses on migratory species.
Pacific Ocean: The creatures, corals and ecosystems of the world's largest ocean are presented in detail.
Nautilus (Submarine): Inspired by Jules Verne's legendary submarine, this theme focuses on deep-sea exploration.
Rainforest: This Amazon-themed section offers a realistic atmosphere with high humidity, real trees, and tropical creatures.
Polar Region: The habitats of penguins and cold-water creatures are presented in detail (some sections are combined with the rainforest).
Where is the Istanbul Aquarium and how to get there?
Istanbul Aquarium is located in the Florya neighbourhood of the Bakırköy district. Visitors can easily reach here every day of the week by public transport or private vehicle.
One of the most convenient options for those wishing to come by public transport is the IETT bus line 73T. It is also possible to reach the aquarium quickly by getting off at the Florya stop on the Sirkeci-Halkalı Suburban Line.
Address: Şenlikköy, Yeşilköy Halkalı Cd. No:93, 34153 Florya/Istanbul
Entrance Fees and Visiting Hours
Entrance Fees:
0-2 Years: Free
Adults: 1400 TL
2-12 Years, Students, Teachers, Disabled, Over 65, Veterans (ID Required): 1250 TL
Visiting Hours:
Every day of the week: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Visitor Reviews
Some impressions from those who have previously visited Istanbul Aquarium:
“If you want to spend a nice day with your family on the Florya coast, this is the ideal place. It’s very easy to get to; the Marmaray station is right next to it. Being located inside a shopping mall and close to the coast is a big advantage. The themed areas are very diverse, offering a wonderful experience for children. There are also café areas.”
“The themed structure is very successful. Only the tunnel aquarium section could have been a bit longer. There are areas dedicated to every ocean and sea. The Amazon section is realistic; the high humidity, water sounds, and tropical plants are impressive.”
“It’s a place where families can enjoy a pleasant time. It’s an exciting exploration journey for children. The most interesting sections were the shark and penguin areas. Parking is paid, and there are no alternative parking areas outside the shopping mall parking lot.”
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