The Istanbul Aquarium is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul, Turkey. It is a unique and spectacular aquarium that showcases more than 15,000 sea creatures from around the world, including rare and endangered species. The Istanbul Aquarium is a fascinating place to visit for both adults and children, and it is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in marine life and the environment.
The Istanbul Aquarium is located in the Florya district of Istanbul, near the Ataturk International Airport. It is one of the largest aquariums in Europe, with a total area of 12,000 square meters, and is home to more than 1,500 species of fish and other marine creatures. The aquarium is split into different sections, each of which has its own unique theme and exhibits.
One of the most popular sections of the Istanbul Aquarium is the rainforest area, which features a replica of the Amazon River basin. Here, visitors can see a variety of freshwater fish and other creatures, including piranhas, stingrays, and electric eels. There is also a section dedicated to the marine life found in the Black Sea, which includes species such as sturgeon, mackerel, and sea bass.
Other sections of the aquarium include the Aegean Sea section, which features marine life from the Aegean Sea and Mediterranean Sea, and the Red Sea section, which showcases the vibrant and colorful marine life found in the Red Sea, including reef fish, jellyfish, and coral.
One of the most unique and fascinating exhibits in the Istanbul Aquarium is the shark tank. This large tank houses several species of sharks, including sand tiger sharks, zebra sharks, and nurse sharks. Visitors can watch the sharks swim overhead as they walk through a glass tunnel that runs through the middle of the tank. The aquarium also offers shark feeding demonstrations, which are a popular attraction for visitors.
The Istanbul Aquarium is not just a place to view marine life; it also offers a range of interactive experiences for visitors. For example, visitors can take part in a virtual reality experience that allows them to explore the deep sea, or they can take part in a 5D cinema experience that simulates different underwater environments. There is also a touch tank where visitors can touch and interact with marine creatures such as starfish and sea urchins.
In addition to the exhibits and interactive experiences, the Istanbul Aquarium also has a large gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and marine-themed items. There are also several restaurants and cafes on site that offer a range of food and drink options.
Overall, the Istanbul Aquarium is a unique and exciting attraction that is well worth a visit for anyone interested in marine life and the environment. It is a great place to learn about different species of fish and other marine creatures, and the interactive experiences make it a fun and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
It was a really fun experience. Historical and geographical accuracy are key elements of the aquarium's design, which features many types of sea creatures. I would definitely recommend it if you are traveling with kids as it's great fun and they take your picture with a fun ocean backdrop for a small extra fee.