Istanbul Aquarium
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Our visit to the Istanbul Aquarium was an extraordinary adventure that exceeded all expectations. As someone deeply fascinated by marine life, I was thrilled by the extensive variety of aquatic species and habitats on display. From the moment we stepped inside, we were transported into a captivating underwater world, meticulously designed to mimic natural environments ranging from the Amazon Rainforest to the depths of the Pacific Ocean. Navigating through the aquarium, we were mesmerized by the vibrant colors and diversity of life in each tank. The layout is thoughtfully organized, ensuring visitors don't miss any part of the collection. Each section is accompanied by informative plaques providing fascinating insights into the creatures' lifestyles and habitats, enhancing the educational value of our visit. One of the highlights was the shark tunnel, where we found ourselves surrounded by some of the ocean's most awe-inspiring predators. It was a surreal experience to have these magnificent creatures gliding gracefully overhead. The tunnel offers an unparalleled view, making it feel as though you're walking along the ocean floor. The aquarium also features interactive zones, which were a hit with children and adults alike. These hands-on exhibits provide a unique opportunity to learn about marine conservation and the importance of protecting our oceans, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding among visitors. Beyond the aquatic displays, the Istanbul Aquarium impresses with its commitment to sustainability and conservation. It's evident that they prioritize the well-being of their inhabitants, ensuring that each species is housed in conditions that closely mimic their natural environments. To wrap up our visit, we enjoyed a meal at the on-site restaurant, which boasts a stunning view of the sea. It was the perfect end to our underwater journey, allowing us to relax and reflect on the incredible diversity of life that thrives beneath the waves. In conclusion, the Istanbul Aquarium is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the city, offering an enchanting experience that captivates both the young and the young at heart. Its combination of educational content, conservation efforts, and sheer beauty makes it a standout attraction, promising an unforgettable adventure into the depths of our planet's oceans.
Kebal BhandariKebal Bhandari
10
Istanbul Aquarium is an absolutely incredible experience! The moment you step in, you are transported into a world of marine wonder. The exhibits are beautifully designed, each representing different parts of the world’s oceans and water bodies, from the Amazon rainforest to the Red Sea. The variety of marine life on display is astounding, with everything from colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks. The layout of the aquarium is very visitor-friendly, making it easy to navigate and enjoy each section at your own pace. The interactive displays and educational information provided at each exhibit enhance the experience, making it both fun and informative for all ages. The touch pool is a highlight for kids, allowing them to get hands-on with some of the creatures. One of the standout features is the tunnel, where you can walk through and feel completely immersed as sharks and rays swim overhead. It's truly mesmerizing! The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions and share interesting facts. The facilities are clean and well-maintained, with plenty of places to sit and take a break if needed. There are also cafes and a restaurant with great views, providing a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal after exploring. Overall, Istanbul Aquarium offers a fantastic outing for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. It’s a must-visit attraction that offers a unique and unforgettable glimpse into the underwater world
Monkey Dj Music (Box Sound)Monkey Dj Music (Box Sound)
00
One of the worst experience. The aquarium is interesting however the staff is awful, not trained, not friendly. I refused to get my picture taken by the staff before entering the aquarium. You know the picture the take and sell you at the end. I simply refused. The 3 staff there and more specifically the silly blond girl got annoyed. This blond girl started to laugh when I explained in English that I didn’t want my picture to be taken. She imitated me, showed how annoyed she was and even touched my shoulder to make me go to her picture spot. Then, she started to say that the picture was for security reasons…I asked where is it written, to check her saying. But of course, she or no one else could explain anything as first of all it’s a lie and second they don’t speak English at all. She and the young man next to her said to us « no picture no akvaryum ». Then, she went talking to other staff around me and talked about me calling me « salak ». She couldn’t stop laughing like a teenager. I repeated the word she used and she became all red and started to tell people I was the one telling her this word. She started shouting, coming close to me, to impress me. Her head was close to me. The situation was close to an assault. I went out to find security, who didn’t care and redirected me to the ticket selling place. I went to one of the ladies who could understand a little of English. She is the one who told this blond girl to calm down and let us go through without taking a picture. An aquarium who receives tourists should train their staff to basic English, to basic correct behavior and to teach them to respect people’s privacy. No one is allowed to force you to have your picture taken and more particularly when they lie pretending it’s for security when it’s only to sell it later. Shame on this untrained staff. They ruined the mood, ruined the experience.
Lucie PlqlLucie Plql
20
This place might be worth a couple of hours on a weekend, but beyond that, it holds little significance. As a local born and raised in Istanbul, I was drawn to the scenery, which was admittedly "alright". However, I couldn’t help but feel deeply saddened for about 90% of the animals there. Why are spiders, frogs, snakes, and even penguins kept in such small enclosures? Imagine being a human with wings, unable to spread them your entire life—it’s heartbreaking. Every animal I saw, every one I made eye contact with, looked back at me with an undeniable sadness. It was incredibly disappointing, especially knowing I had paid to witness this. Speaking of payments, there’s another issue: the ticket pricing system. If you're a Turkish citizen (a "real Turk," not a foreigner who has purchased citizenship), you get a discounted price. Foreigners, however, are charged five times as much, which feels very unfair. To avoid overpaying, I’d recommend having a native Turkish speaker with you. When buying tickets, simply state how many you need in Turkish, and avoid speaking any foreign language until you’ve passed through the gates. Don't let them understand you're not a local. It was also incredibly loud inside, largely due to classrooms of students on field trips. Surprisingly, there were no teachers supervising them or ensuring they behaved. The students were running around noisily, sometimes even pushing or bumping into visitors, which I found quite unsettling. It’s hard to believe a place like this wouldn’t have clear rules or guidelines for school groups. Surely there must be a written protocol for field trips, right? Right...? Instead of enjoying a peaceful, calm, and relaxing walk through the aquarium, you’re more likely to be met with constant screaming and high-decibel noise. The chaotic atmosphere can make you want to leave far sooner than planned.
ٌّ ٌّミシャٌّ ٌّミシャ
20
Istanbul Aquarium, situated in Florya, offers a marine experience that, while enjoyable, falls short of achieving a "wow" factor. In my assessment, it merits a three-star rating, as the overall impression left me with a sense of moderation rather than awe. The aquarium boasts an array of marine life, providing visitors with a glimpse into the underwater world. The exhibits cover a diverse range of species, and the thematic sections add a layer of organization to the overall exploration. However, the presentation lacks the immersive quality that sets some aquariums apart as must-visit destinations. While the overall experience is good, it doesn't quite match up to the standards set by other aquariums globally. The lack of standout features or exceptional exhibits contributes to the feeling that there are superior marine attractions around the world. The location in Florya is accessible, and the aquarium provides a decent outing for those interested in marine life. However, for those seeking a truly remarkable aquarium experience, there are other destinations that offer a more captivating and memorable journey into the depths of the ocean. In conclusion, Istanbul Aquarium is a satisfactory destination for a marine exploration, but it may not be the top choice for those expecting a truly exceptional and immersive aquarium experience.
SALIH MIQDADSALIH MIQDAD
10
Istanbul Aquarium is one of the most fascinating aquariums I have ever visited. It is incredibly well-designed, with a variety of exhibits that showcase the diverse marine life from all over the world. One of the things that makes Istanbul Aquarium so special is its immersive experience. From the moment you enter, you are surrounded by water and marine life. The exhibits are designed to make you feel like you are part of the underwater world. One of my favorite exhibits is the Rainforest Pavilion. This exhibit features a variety of tropical fish, reptiles, and amphibians. The pavilion is designed to look like a real rainforest, with lush vegetation and waterfalls. Another must-see exhibit is the Oceanarium. This exhibit is home to a variety of sharks, rays, and other large marine animals. İstanbul aquarium also has penguins and they're a delight to watch for most people because of how rare a species they are! Istanbul Aquarium is very long, and it can take up to 1-1.5 hours to walk through the entire aquarium. However, it is definitely worth the time. Istanbul Aquarium is a must-see for anyone visiting Istanbul. I highly recommend Istanbul Aquarium to anyone interested in marine life or simply looking for a fun and educational experience. It is a great place for families, couples, kids or groups of friends.
Owais YusufOwais Yusuf
10
Nearby Attractions Of Istanbul Aquarium
Aqua Florya
Florya Coast Park
Florya leroz eğlence merkezi
Aqua Florya
4.4
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Florya Coast Park
4.5
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Florya leroz eğlence merkezi
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Nearby Restaurants Of Istanbul Aquarium
Şazeli Florya
Hafız Mustafa 1864 Florya
Beyti
Develi1912 Florya
Big Chefs - Aqua Florya AVM Şubesi
Midpoint
Kasibeyaz
Günaydın Kebap & Steakhouse Florya
SİO
MEOS BALIK
Şazeli Florya
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(4.9K)$$$
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Hafız Mustafa 1864 Florya
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Beyti
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Develi1912 Florya
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Şenlikköy, Yeşilköy Halkalı Cd. No:93, 34153 Florya/İstanbul, Türkiye
Map
Phone
+90 4449744
Call
Website
istanbulakvaryum.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.4
(12.8K reviews)
Ratings & Description
entertainment
family friendly
accessibility
Description
Istanbul Aquarium is a public aquarium in Istanbul, Turkey. It opened its doors in April 2011, is an official member of World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
attractions: Aqua Florya, Florya Coast Park, Florya leroz eğlence merkezi, restaurants: Şazeli Florya, Hafız Mustafa 1864 Florya, Beyti, Develi1912 Florya, Big Chefs - Aqua Florya AVM Şubesi, Midpoint, Kasibeyaz, Günaydın Kebap & Steakhouse Florya, SİO, MEOS BALIK
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