Oceanarium in the Greek resort of Crete: location, prices, reviews

Holidays in Crete are an opportunity to sunbathe on the beach, swim in the Mediterranean Sea, visit local attractions. For the latter, you can book a tour or go on your own. Tourists and vacationers are advised to visit the Crete Oceanarium, which is located near the capital of the Greek island.

Infrastructure

oceanarium or aquarium of Crete, CRETAquarium , is located between two resort villages – Hani and Kato Gouves . They are located in the north of the island. The science and entertainment complex was built on the territory of the former US military base, which was closed in 2000. The opening of the oceanarium took place in December 2005, the main building belongs to the Greek Center for Marine Research. Scientific work is carried out here, but there is a part for tourists to visit.

A feature of the large complex is its large area and many representatives of marine flora and fauna, for which several dozen pools were built. One of the aspects of the work is the adaptation of marine life, the creation of a full-fledged ecosystem.

What can be seen in the oceanarium of Crete CRETAquarium for tourists and independent travelers:

• About 60 large aquariums for keeping fish, marine animals and other organisms of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Excursions with a description of the inhabitants of the depths will tell interesting facts.
• Look at the work of local scientists and animal rights activists. There is a separate program to save rare species.
• Here you can see representatives of more than 2500 species of animals and fish of the Mediterranean Sea.

The aquarium is open all year round, excursions are organized here. It will be useful for young tourists to learn about the features of marine life in Greece, to look at the flora and fauna. Here you can see small fish, seahorses. Predatory inhabitants, sharks, are kept in special transparent tanks.

Important: part of a major exhibition may be closed for maintenance and technical work. This was announced in advance on the official website of the aquarium of the island.

How to get there

You can get to the complex by bus, taxi or rented car. The last two options are convenient for those living nearby, or traveling on their own. The cost of a taxi from Heraklion is 1.15 Euro per 1 km. The average price of a trip is 35-40 Euro. Depends on the point of departure. But this method is rarely used, since it is easier to get to the Crete Oceanarium by bus.

How to get by bus from different resort cities:

• From Heraklion. You need to take the bus routes to Ierapetra and Malia . The fare is 2.2 euros. The frequency of departure is 15-20 minutes.
• From Malia and Hersonissos . You can get there on the routes that go to the capital of the island. For the trip you need to pay 1.6 Euro.
• From Kokini Hani and Gouves . Many buses run through these resorts. You can sit on one of them, you can pay for the fare from the driver. An alternative is to walk to the main building of the Crete Aquarium, time is 40-50 minutes.

In the photo in the reviews of visitors, you can see that there are several large parking lots in front of the aquarium. This is convenient for those traveling by car. Parking is free for visitors.

Advice: before the trip it is recommended to find out the location of the main halls, the cost of the tour. The latter is conducted only in English.

Opening hours, cost

The opening hours of the oceanarium in Crete are from 9:00 to 21:00 during the high season. From autumn to late spring, the aquarium is open until 19:00. He works seven days a week, every day. But sometimes part of the exposition is closed for preventive maintenance and maintenance. This needs to be clarified in advance.

The cost of an entrance ticket for adult tourists is 9 Euro. For children you need to pay 6 Euro. Young visitors under the age of 6 are admitted free of charge. There is also a souvenir shop and a cafe. In the latter, you can have lunch or dinner, try dishes of national Greek cuisine.