Istanbul Akvaryum

The Istanbul Akvaryum is the biggest thematic aquarium in the world situated close to the Atatürk International Airport in Istanbul, Turkey. The aquarium houses over 1,500 land and water species and is divided into 17 themes. Some of the most popular species here include Gentoo penguins, Capybaras, Cownose rays, Musky caimans, Lemon sharks and Redbelly piranhas.

The Istanbul Aquarium is one of the leading aquariums in the world owing to its diverse aquatic life, the volume of the tanks and activities on its geographical route. This route, which extends from the Black Sea towards the Pacific, features 17 themes and one rainforest including the Red Sea Section, Amazon Section, Black Sea Section and Panama Canal Section. Each theme is accompanied by decorative elements, visual graphics, sounds, interactive games and videos that shed light on its geographical, cultural, historical and architectural properties.  Different activities are also organised here; one can go diving with sharks, feed the fish, take a diving course, etc. Within the aquarium are 2 6-axle 5D movie houses that can accommodate 15 people each. They play 7 different movies and are known for their fun effects like water, wind, fog, etc. There is also a gift shop where one can buy souvenirs, three cafes on the travel route as well as a restaurant that overlooks the Panama Canal.