Cretaquarium (Thalassokosmos) Tours and Activities
Cretaquarium (Thalassokosmos), Crete's gleaming white sea aquarium opened in the island’s former American Base in December 2005 and is the largest in Greece, showcasing the magical fish and marine ecosystems of the Mediterranean Sea. As well as educating visitors on the mysteries of the deep, Cretaquarium plays a serious role in researching and conserving sea life and in caring for injured fish and marine life.
More than 2,500 fish from more than 250 indigenous species, ranging from sand tiger sharks to microscopic sea horses, can be seen in 60 tanks filled with 1.7 million liters of seawater, each carefully themed for a local Mediterranean marine environment. The aquarium has walk-through tanks with sharks, loggerhead turtles, comical groupers and velvety rays floating overhead, as well as 100 observation spots where entertaining and informative information is laid out for children as colorful shoals of fish flit in front of their eyes. Specially designed ‘touch pools’ allow interaction with marine invertebrates and there are daily workshops and lectures for families. The Greek name, Thalassokosmos (or Thalassocosmos), means "sea world".
Practical Info
Former American Base, Gournes, Heraklion. Open daily
May–Sept 9.30am–9pm, Oct–Apr 9.30am–5pm. Admission adults €9; seniors & children aged between five–17 €6, under fives go free. The aquarium is 14 km (8.75 miles) east of Heraklion and is best accessed by car; the route from the city center is marked by brown signposts. Car parking is available.
Address: Gournes, Heraklion, Crete 710 03, Greece
Hours: Daily May–Sept 9.30am–9pm, Oct–Apr 9.30am–5pm
Admission: Adults: €9; Seniors & children aged 5-17: €6, under 5 years free
2 Tours and Activities to Experience Cretaquarium (Thalassokosmos)
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CretAquarium Entrance Ticket in Crete
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While on Crete, take time to explore the amazing underwater ecosystems of the Mediterranean with a visit to the shoreline CretΑquarium. Marvel at more than 2,000 sea creatures representing 200 different species like sting rays, jellyfish, sea turtles, and scorpionfish. Learn about the abundance of life found deep within the Cretan and Mediterranean sea beds, and support the aquarium's educational and wildlife rescue programs.
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From
$7.56
From
$7.56
Heraklion City Tour - Aquarium
A different excursion for those who want to experience the island’s everyday life. You start to get to know the city of Heraklion. The Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire, the Venetian Rule have all left their marks on Heraklion. You can admire the imposing fortress of Koules at the harbor, the Venetian walls that surround the old city, you can sit at one of the many restaurants or coffee shops in the Lions’ Square to enjoy your coffee or your lunch, or if you wish to, you will be able to visit one of the many city museums, the Municipal Library and the Art Gallery or one of the numerous byzantine churches. Grab your cameras and take shots of whatever you like most!
Just a few kilometers away from Heraklion, you can visit optional the Cretaquarium or have a swim on a sandy beach
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From
$25.23
From
$25.23
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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