Istanbul Aquarium, located in the Florya district on the southwestern coast of the city, is one of the largest thematic aquariums in the world. Opened in April 2011, this complex covers an area of 23,000 square meters and consists of two floors, housing 64 huge tanks with a total water volume of 6,800 cubic meters. The aquarium is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The uniqueness of Istanbul Aquarium lies in its concept: visitors embark on a fascinating journey of 1.2 kilometers, following a geographical route from the Black Sea to the Pacific Ocean. The route passes through 16 thematic zones, each recreating the ecosystem of a specific region of the planet. About 15,000 representatives of aquatic fauna and terrestrial animals, belonging to 1,500 different species, live here.
Thematic Zones of Istanbul Aquarium
The journey begins with the Black Sea, where you can see species characteristic of this region, including the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Aegean Sea. Next, the route leads through the Mediterranean Sea with its rich ecosystem, and then to the Red Sea, where vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish attract attention.
The Atlantic Ocean zone impresses with its scale and diversity of inhabitants, including large predators. The Panama Canal is presented as a unique transition zone between two oceans. Special attention deserves the Pacific Ocean section — a spacious aquarium where sharks and rays majestically glide. Here is also the Antarctica zone, where penguins live, creating a striking contrast with the tropical inhabitants of other halls.
The Suez Canal zone features species migrating between the Mediterranean and Red Seas. The journey concludes in the Indian Ocean zone with its unique inhabitants and coral formations.
Rainforest of Istanbul Aquarium
The tropical rainforest deserves a separate description — it is the world`s first aquarium complex to include an indoor tropical rainforest covering 1,000 square meters. This is a recreated Amazon ecosystem with characteristic flora and fauna. Exotic birds, reptiles, and amphibians live under the dense canopy of tropical vegetation. Here you can see piranhas, anacondas, caimans, and many brightly colored tropical frogs. Of particular interest are the crocodile feeding sessions, which take place on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Terrarium and Terrestrial Inhabitants of Istanbul Aquarium
The terrarium part of the complex features a variety of reptiles and amphibians from around the world. Various species of snakes are kept here — from harmless rat snakes to large boas. In specially equipped terrariums, you can observe chameleons changing color, iguanas, geckos, and other lizards. Separate displays are dedicated to poison dart frogs with their bright warning coloration and various species of land turtles. The terrarium is organically integrated into the rainforest route, creating complete immersion in the ecosystem of the humid jungle.
Interactive Zones and Entertainment of Istanbul Aquarium
Special educational programs are provided for young visitors. In the hall with microscopes connected to computers, children can study microorganisms invisible to the naked eye. Particularly popular is the interactive pool where, under the supervision of staff, you can touch safe marine inhabitants — starfish, sea cucumbers, and small rays.
Inside a submarine mock-up, children can try their hand at being navigators and captains, studying control instruments. Touchscreen LCD monitors with detailed information about the inhabitants are installed near each aquarium.
The complex houses two 5D cinemas. Seven films to choose from are accompanied by special effects: moving seats create the effect of shaking and rocking, and a system spraying water, wind, and fog makes the viewing experience maximally realistic. A virtual reality zone and a hurricane simulator are also available.
Feeding Shows and Special Programs
Daily feeding demonstrations of the inhabitants are held at the aquarium. Shark feeding takes place daily at 11:00 AM, except Mondays. In the rainforest, you can observe crocodile feeding on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It is recommended to check the feeding times of other inhabitants on the information boards at the entrance. For those interested, a diving program is available in the main aquarium, allowing you to come face to face with sharks and rays under the guidance of professional instructors.
Exhibition "Ocean Giants"
In addition to the main route, Istanbul Aquarium has a separate exhibition area that is of particular interest to lovers of paleontology and marine biology. The "Ocean Giants" exhibition was created in collaboration with the Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TÜDAV) and opened to visitors in September 2025.
This hall exhibits impressive skeletons of marine mammals discovered on the Turkish coast after being washed ashore. For many years, these finds were carefully preserved by specialists, and then restored by a professional team for museum display.
Central to the exhibition are two huge skeletons:
The sperm whale skeleton — one of the largest exhibits, allowing you to appreciate the true size of this deep-sea giant. The powerful skull and massive jaws give an idea of how these amazing creatures hunt at depth.
The fin whale skeleton (common rorqual) — another impressive exhibit, demonstrating the elegant yet sturdy skeletal structure of cetaceans, perfectly adapted for life in the aquatic environment.
The seal skeleton — completes the collection, representing a smaller but no less interesting representative of the marine mammals inhabiting Turkish waters.
The exhibition has not only entertainment but also important scientific and educational value. It tells the story of each animal, the circumstances of its discovery, and the restoration process that lasted for years. Visitors can see how these marine giants are built from the inside, compare the structure of different species, and learn about the problems of preserving marine ecosystems.
Important to know: A ticket for this exhibition is purchased separately from the main entrance ticket to the aquarium. It is recommended to check availability and price when purchasing tickets at the box office or on the official website.
Infrastructure and Practical Information
Istanbul Aquarium is located at the address: Şenlikköy, Yeşilköy Halkalı Cd. No:93, Florya. The most convenient way to get there is by suburban train from Sirkeci station to Florya station, or by metrobus to the Beşyol stop, then by minibus to the aquarium. The complex is located inside the Aqua Florya Mall shopping center, which allows you to combine a visit with shopping and lunch at one of the restaurants with a view of the Sea of Marmara.
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. A full tour of all zones takes approximately 2-3 hours.
