Ocean Aquarium — Attraction in Paralimni

Not a hugely positive experience from my perspective. Specialy not for the mammals.

Nice to see the different animals, but when we saw the penguins it seemed to be that they are living in very dirty pool-water in their enclosure (even though they say they clean there). The smell was terrible. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures of it, I just wanted to get out of the penguin-area.

We could observe that there was one fish dead in a fish tank while we were looking at all the small fish tanks. While we looked at it, a guy working there came and went in the room behind the tank and scooped it out with his hand net.

Some of the fish tanks need proper cleaning. And some fish tanks need more things for the fish to rest on. And maybe some more aquatic-plants would brighten up the tanks and make it better for the fish.

I hope they can clean properly in all the animal enclosures and tanks, and make better living conditions for the poor animals.

And there is also an open display 60 cm up from the floor on a painted concrete base / display, of a dead out-dried sea-turtle right before you enter the souvenir shop, which has no fence or enclosure around it. It's completely open to directly touch it with your hands. And there is no visible sign that you can or can't touch it. Not great for the kids in my opinion.

Not that this hugely affected my percievance of the tour but, there was a part of the fish aquarium-tour, that included displays of different marine objects. There was no description of what it was, or the history of it. The items were just displayed in there with no other information.

This is not a big deal, but: The main entrance wasn't a "regular door", but it seemed to be more like an emergency exit-door.

Great ice cream...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the here, and it proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The aquarium boasts an impressive main exhibit that focuses on fish and aquatic animals, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the diverse life that inhabits our waterways. The displays are thoughtfully arranged, providing both educational information and captivating visuals that engage visitors of all ages.

Beyond the main exhibits, the outdoor area of the museum adds another layer of attraction. Here, visitors can encounter a variety of additional animals, including a majestic crocodile, playful penguins, and vibrant parrots.

For families visiting with children, the aquarium does not disappoint. There is a well-designed outdoor playground that offers a fun and safe environment for kids to play and expend their energy. This area is complemented by several seating spots on the grassy lawns, perfect for parents to relax and watch their children enjoy the facilities. The combination of educational exhibits and recreational spaces makes the museum a versatile destination suitable for both learning and leisure.

Visitors will find that a couple of hours are more than sufficient to explore all that the museum has to offer. The layout is user-friendly, ensuring that guests can navigate the exhibits comfortably without feeling rushed. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a family with young children, or simply looking for a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, the aquarium is a...

A Tragic Tank of Disappointment – Avoid at All Costs

If you’re considering visiting the Ocean Aquarium in Cyprus, let me save you the time, money, and will to live: don’t.

From the moment we stepped through the gates, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a magical undersea journey — more like a depressing detour through an aquatic graveyard. The tanks were alarmingly small, murky, and looked like they hadn’t been cleaned since dial-up internet was invented. One poor turtle was circling a tank barely big enough to turn around in, while a sad-looking stingray literally bumped into the glass corners over and over. It felt less like an educational experience and more like a cautionary tale about everything wrong with animal captivity.

The so-called “tropical fish collection” looked like the leftovers from a pet store clearance bin. I saw more vibrant marine life last week in a puddle outside my hotel.

The layout? Confusing. The lighting? Flickering. The gift shop? As overpriced as it was depressing, filled with sun-faded plush toys and keychains that probably haven’t sold since 2014.

And don’t get me started on the “café,” which consisted of a single vending machine and a bench that looked like it had survived a shipwreck.

I left the aquarium feeling not awe, not wonder, but existential dread — and pity for every creature still trapped in those glass coffins. This place isn’t an aquarium. It’s a holding cell with a...