Aquarium of Faliraki (AquaWorld) — Attraction in Municipality of Rhodes

Myself, my husband and toddler set out to visit the aquarium after seeing so many glowing reviews online, 5 star after 5 star review - AMAZING. I really thought I had organized a great little day out but sadly it didn't live up to it's expectation for me and my family.

Having owned lots of fish as pets we understand the time and effort that goes into keeping tanks clean and the water balanced but the tanks at this aquarium were sadly so murky and unkept, even if the fish are there for a short time it should be cleaner if you are asking people to pay and see an aquarium.

Whilst understanding the payment is to help support the return of these amazing sea creatures, it was just 3 small rooms crammed with tanks which were too small to house the sea life on show. Even temporary tanks should be more suited to the size of the fish/creature if it's claiming to be a sanctuary.

I am skeptical to believe the sea turtle is being returned as I was told that it would go back in 10 days but Google reviews show this same turtle in this little tank 2 years ago. The same x-ray image on the top to show why it's there. Surely that turtle would be happier living it's life in the ocean rather than a little tank?

I hope that this is an honest setup but I didn't buy it myself. Let's hope I am wrong 🤞

This aside, the owner was very polite and charming - I think he just needs to return some of the bigger creatures sooner rather than later! People are happy to visit rescue centres to show support, you don't need to have a turtle to...

Me and my partner came here for a visit whilst we was on holiday, it seemed like a nice place via Google and pictures. Until we sadly actually came here.

First off as soon as you enter the place the tanks for various fish, octopus and eels are disgusting. It looks filthy! And they're far too tiny to house one fish! Let alone 2 and 3 etc!

I honestly felt like crying when walking around. I also went into a back area where he houses 2 live turtles, stingrays, etc all in a single tank and it's clearly overcrowded. He came up to me and said some story about how he's rescuing these fish and then puts them back at the end of the season. I don't think I believe him...... Judging by the size of the tanks and how badly they are kept hygiene wise, he doesn't seem too bothered about the animals welfare at all.

Also to mention he shouldn't be allowing people to touch the starfish, or hold the turtles or stingray, clearly he hasn't got the slightest idea on how to protect marine life

I don't know if his story is true about "saving these poor animals" but if you read months back on these reviews it seems hes telling people all different kind of excuses.....

I don't know what kind of person hides behind "saving animals" but then evidence shows otherwise. You'd have to be some vile person to say the least

Disgusting! I did report him to some Greek animals welfare charities but none got back to me. Sad to say Greece clearly doesn't seem to bothered about tending to...

We came here as the weather was awful during our week in Rhodes. I was not expecting something so mind blowing. The aquarium is in a parade and from outside you cannot expect much. Inside, the array of fishes is like nothing I have ever seen! Forget London Aquarium! This beats it hands down. Firstly, it’s not busy so you get to see fish and sea creatures you would never expect to experience face to face: fang tooth moray eels, lion fish, injured sea turtles (he has rescued short-term), giant lobsters, octopus… The aquarium is unique as every year the creatures change. They are rescued by the owner from nets and fisherman he knows during the tourist season and then at the end of the season he releases them back into the sea. He also helps injured and endangered species. I have done so much snorkelling in Greece over the years and I didn’t know there were so many creatures in the deep here. It has inspired me to try scuba diving at some point. The owner is informative and caring. He tells you his aquarium is small but one of a kind. He is not wrong. He also cares for the cats of Faliraki and there are many cats hovering outside the aquarium and wondering inside. Some of the aquarium is interactive and you can take amazing photos. It’s one of the best things we did during our stay. I would recommend a visit rain or shine. You only need an hour and it’s not expensive....