What to see here: Russian Sturgeon
Go on an underwater journey at Istanbul Aquarium and see marine life from the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Amazon rainforest. With its 18 habitat zones and about 1,500 species like sha...
Also Known As
Istanbul Akvaryum, Flora Aquarium
Founded On
2011
ADDRESS
Şenlikköy, Yeşilköy Halkalı Cd. No:93, 34153 Florya/İstanbul, Türkiye
RECOMMENDED DURATION
3 hours
Timings
10am–8pm
VISITORS PER YEAR
1000000
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
Did you know?
Every land and sea creature at Istanbul Aquarium lives in a zone designed to mirror its actual habitat as closely as possible.
Its 64 tanks hold a staggering 7,000 cubic metres or 7 million litres of water.
Capacity: 7 million litres
No. of tanks: 64
No. of habitats: 18
No. of animals: More than 15,000
No. of species: 1,500
Popular animals: Lemon Shark, Sand Tiger Shark, Sandbar Shark, Reef Shark, Stingrays, Gentoo Penguins, Red-bellied Piranhas, Cownose Ray, Eagle Ray, Mediterranean Moray, Spotted Garden Eel, Clownfish, Humphead Wrasse.
There are 18 habitats at Istanbul Aquarium, connected by a 1.2 km route with 64 tanks that house 1,500 species of marine creatures. These zones are designed to replicate the animals’ natural environments as closely as possible. The most popular zones include the Amazon rainforest and the Pacific Ocean.
Visit the aquarium’s observation areas in the Marmara and the Pacific Ocean habitats to observe the sharks, rays, and other marine animals. The viewing panels in these zones measure 8 by 4 metres (27 by 13 feet), giving you a huge, scenic window into the depths of the ocean.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to stand at the bottom of the sea, surrounded by fish, the aquarium’s underwater glass tunnel is your answer. You’ll see sharks and rays majestically glide by above you while thousands of smaller fish dart around. It’s one of the most magnificent sights at the aquarium.
Catch the live feeding sessions at the aquarium, one of the most popular activities. Get the chance to see the animals up close and observe their eating habits. The feeding areas are located in the main tank shared between the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Western Atlantic, and Panama Canal habitats.
Meet starfish and sea urchins at the aquarium’s touch pool, located at the Suez Canal zone. One of the highlights of the aquarium is that it gives you the chance to interact with these animals under the supervision of the aquarium’s expert staff. It’s a rare and unique opportunity to connect with marine life.
Take a virtual 5D journey into the underwater abyss at the aquarium’s cinema. Sit back in your seats and watch a panoramic film, accompanied by fog, wind, and water effects, which make you feel like you’re at the bottom of the ocean.
What to see here: Russian Sturgeon
It’s one of Turkey’s largest aquariums and is home to over 15,000 marine animals. It has a 1.2-kilometer route of exploration that takes you through 18 geographical habitats, with animals like sharks, rays, penguins, piranhas, and many more.
You can purchase your Istanbul Aquarium tickets online. Booking online is easy and convenient. You can buy your tickets in advance, choose a day and time that best suits you, and your entry is reserved upon confirmation of payment.
The aquarium is open on weekdays from 10am to 7pm, and on weekends, from 10am to 8pm.
The aquarium is more crowded on weekends, so consider visiting on a weekday. Reach the aquarium closer to the aquarium’s opening times on weekdays to avoid the rush later in the day.
At the aquarium, you can watch a live feeding session, take a walk in the underwater tunnel, spend time at the aquarium’s observation areas, watch a 5D film, and meet some animals at the touch pool.
Yes, the aquarium is accessible for wheelchair users and people with disabilities, including those with mobility problems. The route is navigable by wheelchair and there are designated elevators to move between floors.
Yes, there are restaurants and cafes at the aquarium where you can have a meal or a quick coffee and a snack. At the restaurant, which shares a large glass wall with the Panama Canal tank, you can enjoy your food while watching the fish.
Yes, you can take pictures and videos at the aquarium. However, flash photography is not allowed.