The Antalya Aquarium is one of the world’s largest tunnel aquariums. Imagine walking through a 131-meter curved tunnel that takes you underwater. As you stroll, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant marine life from both tropical and regional waters. Picture sharks, rays, and a kaleidoscope of colourful reef fish gliding gracefully around you. Whether you’re a marine enthusiast or just seeking a unique family adventure, the Antalya Aquarium provides an unforgettable glimpse into the ocean’s majesty—all without getting wet!
About Antalya Aquarium
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It is one of the largest aquarium complexes in the world, It welcomed guests of all ages in 2012 and provided a range of fun and instructive experiences. The main attraction at the world’s enormous tunnel aquarium is a tunnel that’s 131 meters long and 3 meters wide. Visitors can walk through this tunnel underwater and observe diverse marine life worldwide, including sharks, stingrays, and colorful fish. The complex also features restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and photography spots. It’s a great place to spend several hours!
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Things To Do At Antalya Aquarium
This aquarium in Antalya, Turkey, is one of the largest aquarium complexes in the world, offering a fascinating experience for visitors. Some exciting things to do there:
1. Explore Thematic Aquariums
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The aquarium features 40 thematic aquariums where you can observe 250 fish species. Each tank provides a unique underwater world to explore, from colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks. The Antalya Aquarium offers more than just the tunnel aquarium. Visitors can explore various themed aquariums representing different ecosystems and habitats. Additionally, there’s a reptile house, a Snow World and Ice Museum, and a 5D movie theatre.
2. Snow World Ice Museum
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Antalya’s Snow World Ice Museum offers a chilly escape with its -5°C indoor snow room. You can enjoy snowball fights, ice slides, and snowman crafting. The museum also showcases stunning ice sculptures by international artists, featuring diverse themes like fairy tales, animals, and historical figures. It’s a distinctive and invigorating attraction that promises a memorable experience.
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3. XD Cinema
The XD Cinema offers a multi-dimensional cinematic adventure that immerses you in the movie’s world. Equipped with dynamic seats and sensory effects like wind, water, and smoke, each film becomes a vivid experience. Whether it’s an adventure, horror, or comedy, the genre comes alive, transcending traditional viewing. It’s an innovative way to experience movies with an added thrill.
4. Wildpark
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Continue your visit to Wildpark inside the Antalya Aquarium. This tropical area has some of the world’s deadliest snakes, largest insects, and most colorful animals, all in a safe and educational environment. This aquarium provides glimpses of life underwater and a wholesome experience of the animals that live on land. All in all, be prepared to be amazed by the full animal life experience at Antalya Aquarium.
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Antalya Aquarium Opening Hours and Entrance Fees
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The Antalya Aquarium tunnel is a great attraction that offers fun, learning, and inspiration. Below are the details of the entrance fees
| Category | Price ($) |
| Adults (12+ years) | 34.90 |
| Children (3-12 years) | 34.90 |
| Children (0-2 years) | Free |
The Antalya Aquarium opening hours are from 10 am to 8 pm on Sundays to Thursdays and from 10 am to 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Ticket prices depend on the package you choose, from a basic aquarium ticket to a mega package with several attractions.
How To Reach
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You can reach Antalya Aquarium through various modes of transportation. Some of the most common ones include:
- Car: If you’re driving in Antalya, follow the road signs to the Aquarium. You can also use a GPS or map app to find the best way. There is a free parking lot in front of the Aquarium where you can park your car.
- Bus: Buses are a convenient way to reach the Antalya Aquarium from different locations in Antalya. The following bus numbers go to the Antalya Aquarium: 600, 800, and KL08. Check the bus stops and schedules on the official website of the Antalya Municipality: Antalya Municipality Bus Schedules.
- Tram (Nostalgia Tram): The T3 tram line, also known as the Nostalgia Tram, connects the city centre, airport, and bus station to the Antalya Aquarium. Get off at the “Antalya Aquarium” stop right before the entrance. Tram stops and schedules can be found on the official website of the Antalya Municipality: Antalya Municipality Tram Schedules.
- Taxi: Taxis are available throughout Antalya, and you can take one anywhere in the city. Look for a taxi stand near your location or call a taxi service (e.g., Antalya Taxi: 0242 248 48 48 or Antalya Airport Taxi: 0242 330 30 30). Alternatively, book a taxi online using a mobile app like BiTaksi or iTaksi. The taxi fare to the Antalya Aquarium is usually around 50-100 TL, depending on the distance and traffic.
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Best Places To Visit Nearby Antalya Aquarium
After you visit the Antalya Aquarium, you can visit several nearby places. Some of the most famous include the:
1. Kaleici
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The old city heart of Antalya, Turkey is called Kaleiçi, which translates as “inside the castle” in Turkish. Almost the whole city was enclosed by its walls until recently. There are buildings in the neighbourhood that date back to the Seljuk, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and contemporary Turkish republican periods. Most of the architecture, however, dates back to the late 18th and 19th centuries. As you explore Kaleiçi, you’ll encounter well-preserved Ottoman-style houses, narrow streets, and ancient landmarks. Many traditional Turkish homes have been converted into boutique hotels, restaurants, and shops selling handicrafts and folkloric arts.
2. Aspendos
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Aspendos is an ancient Greco-Roman city in Turkey’s Antalya province. Located 40 Km east of modern Antalya, Aspendos was established on the Eurymedon River, about 16 km from the Mediterranean Sea. Aspendos is also a famous tourist destination known for its well-preserved Roman theatre, which is still used for performances today. The theatre is one of the most impressive and well-preserved Roman structures in the world, and it offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Roman Empire.
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3. Hadrian’s Gate
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Hadrian’s Gate, also known as Üçkapılar, is an ancient Roman triumphal arch built to honour Emperor Hadrian’s visit in 130 AD. This well-preserved monument features three arched passageways flanked by two towers from different historical periods. The southern tower dates back to the Roman era, while the northern tower was reconstructed during the Seljuk rule in the 13th century. It is a well-liked tourist destination and a reminder of Antalya’s rich past. It was formerly a part of the city’s defences.
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Antalya Aquarium is a mesmerizing underwater aquarium that promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Explore the ocean’s wonders at Antalya Aquarium, where you can see a wide range of marine life and interactive displays. Whether you love nature or want a family trip, this aquarium is a must-see! Book your trip to Turkey today and experience the colourful and mesmerizing world beneath the waves. Create unforgettable moments at one of the largest aquariums in the world.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Antalya Aquarium
Is Antalya Aquarium the biggest in the world?
Yes, the Antalya Aquarium is one of the biggest aquarium complexes in the world. It features a remarkable tunnel aquarium that spans 131 meters in length and 3 meters in width, making it the largest tunnel aquarium globally.
What is the history of the Antalya Aquarium?
The Antalya Aquarium is the second-largest aquarium in Europe and the fifth-largest in the world. Its foundation was laid in November 2011, and it opened its gates on August 15, 2012. The fully operational facility was built within approximately 260 days, covering a 15,000-meter closed area on 30 acres of land. In its initial two years of operation, the Antalya Aquarium welcomed more than two million visitors, who flocked to explore its captivating aquatic wonders.
How long is Antalya Aquarium?
The Antalya Aquarium’s tunnel aquarium, which is the largest in the world, stretches for 131 meters. This aquarium not only provides aquatic life experience but also showcases the life of animals on land.
Is Antalya Aquarium free?
No, the Antalya Aquarium is not free. Visitors can purchase tickets to explore the aquarium and its various attractions. Ticket prices vary based on age categories (adults, children, and babies), and there are additional fees for specific shows and museum visits
What is Antalya famous for?
Antalya is celebrated for its breathtaking beaches along the Mediterranean, the ancient Kaleiçi neighborhood with its Roman harbor, and as an entry point to the Turkish Riviera. Additionally, it’s famous for the Aspendos Ballet and Opera Festival and its status as Turkey’s premier destination for golf.
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