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Aquaworld Aquarium is a natural history museum in Hersonissos, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. Founded in 1995, Aquaworld was founded and developed by Scotsman John Bryce McLaren. The majority of the animals on display are either rescued or were unwanted pets which now have a home in this environment.

Description

Aquaworld Aquarium is a natural history museum in Hersonissos, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. Founded in 1995, Aquaworld was founded and developed by Scotsman John Bryce McLaren. The majority of the animals on display are either rescued or were unwanted pets which now have a home in this environment.

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We came to Crete mostly because of this place. And it lived up to its reputation. Joe was such a character and we got to interact with tonnes of animals (although Blondie interacted with our feet most of the time. There's no stopping him) in what felt like a respectful manner to them. The staff all knew their stuff and cared for the animals deeply. The fact that they have a donation area for a different animal rescue says so much about them. The octopuses were interesting and I appreciated joe explaining how they keep them for a short time and then release them, keeping it ethical. I'd really recommend going here if you can, it's a nice area and a very easy bus ride from heraklion. You WONT regret it, it's a unique and special place. Who else hand feeds a blind sea turtle every day for over 20 years?! That's true good. I believe that the low star reviews are by people that did not engage with the staff. The main attraction of this place is the education and the fact that the animals are all being saved. This is not a place where they buy animals and earn thousands, they rescue them and give them everything they can. If you talk and ask questions you will learn a lot, and our ignorance about reptile and marine needs can be fixed simply by inquiring. If you speed through the place, then I understand finding it small, but again: it's the education they offer that makes this place far more special than zoos, and here you know where your money goes. Ours goes to Marc Anthony II, may they reign for many years to come. 🫡

Jack MallinsonJack Mallinson
20

My wife and I recently visited the Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre during our honeymoon in Greece, and it was an unforgettable experience! This place is a hidden gem in Hersonissos, Crete, offering a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of sea life and reptiles. The aquarium section was filled with an impressive array of fish, sea turtles, and even an octopus. Each exhibit was well-maintained and provided detailed information about the species, making it both educational and enjoyable. The highlight for us was the large reptile exhibit at the back. We were thrilled to interact with many different kinds of snakes, lizards, and other reptiles. Holding a bearded dragon and some of the snakes was an incredible experience. The center also had a box turtle and a tortoise roaming freely, along with three iguanas that you could interact with. The little pond filled with turtles was a delightful addition, adding to the charm of the place. The staff at Aquaworld were friendly and knowledgeable, ensuring that all visitors had a safe and enjoyable experience. Their dedication to rescuing and caring for unwanted pets and local wildlife is truly commendable. Overall, Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Crete. Whether you’re an animal lover or just looking for a fun and educational outing, this place has something for everyone. Highly recommended!

James WoodJames Wood
00

A rescue center for sea animals and reptilians, with extremely well kept animals, cared so well that they are completely at ease with many people of all ages handling them. The carers are friendly, speak well English and really love each one of the animals, happily telling visitors about the animals' histories and characteristics. The structure itself it's rather small, but make up for it with in depth panels explaining everything you need to know about the animals, the environments where they live and some more infographics on climate change, pollution of the oceans and the environment. Other than being small, the animals are free to roam so it would be near impossible for people on wheelchairs or crutches to enjoy a visit, however this is a rescue center not a circus, the animals aren't attractions. The price it's 10€ for adults and 5€ for children, which is way less than it has any reason to be, since caring for exotic and chronically or grievously injured animals it's astronomically expensive. There are also some gadgets available at the entrance, if you want to support the centre or have a souvenir from your visit.

Lorenzo ZanataLorenzo Zanata
00

We drove from Chania to visit here because it had been recommended....and it was worth it. Entry is 10e per adult and it's definitely value for money. It is not the biggest aquarium and reptile centre...but that is it's secret. It is incredibly well managed and the reptiles and fish are extremely well kept, healthy and happy. It's clearly aimed at the British tourist primarily - all the staff appeared to be English and it is located in the Hersonnisos area, which is a typically British resort. Many of the reptiles are in open vivariums and can be handled. As a former reptile keeper I am aware of how important it is to the well being of these creatures to be regularly handled and this is most definitely understood here. Food is quite obviously fresh. Appropriate heatmats and misting are in place. The fish are in good sized aquariums, which are appropriate for them and clean. Even the glass is almost spotless - superb for taking photographs. Possibly the best aquarium/reptile centre that I have visited and I have been to quite a few.

Amanda AveryAmanda Avery
30

Definitely a highlight of the holiday. We saw a sign for an aquarium near the supermarket and decided to go have a look. The building is a hidden gem tucked inside a fairly normal looking building. Entry is only €10 per person and for the price you can see loads of marine animals and reptiles. The area inside is split into about 10 smaller aquariums with different types in each one with pictures of the animals inside and information on the walls about marine life, conservation and global climate etc. it's interesting to walk around and see so much. There is opportunity to also watch feeding of the sea turtle and octopus, we only got to see the end of the octopus event but it was good and the staff were very informative. Outside is the reptile area with cabinets and some roaming tortoise, and a selection of other reptiles staff will let you hold and pose for photos with as well as some natural habitat areas. Had a great time, great for adults and kids alike.

James AllanJames Allan
10

Absolutely amazing! It was €10 per person for entry, and it's well worth the price. Parking can be done on the street for free. The place isn't that big, but you've got plenty of local and international wildlife to see while supporting the rescue center. The staff is very friendly and helpful. If you're there at the right time, you can see the fish and octopus get fed. The octopus gets fed in a jar, and it's interesting to see how they open it. They have plenty of fish in the aquariums. Toward the middle are reptiles and a nearly blind turtle. At the end, you have even more reptiles and turtles. There's a tortoise that roams free in the area, and it'll have the right of way wherever, so you have to make space for it. There are also reptiles roaming free. You can also hold some of the reptiles and snakes (for free), which really adds to the experience. Even if you're not nearby, this is definitely worth a detour! We spent about an hour here.

GeorgeGeorge
10
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Overview

4.6(2.1K reviews)

Phone

+30 2897 029125

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Website

aquaworld-crete.com

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Deep Dive

A deep dive into Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre