In the heart of Ankara, far away from the sea, but not from its mystery, the Aqua Vega Aquarium transports visitors to the ocean depths. This aquarium, one of Turley’s largest, and boasting the country’s longest undersea tunnel, is home to over 12,000 marine creatures, from reef sharks to exotic fish from the rivers of the Amazon. The aquarium’s immersive design allows visitors to walk beneath the water without getting wet, while the interactive exhibitions reveal the secrets of the aquatic world. An amazing journey that transforms Turkey’s capital city into a window on to the wonders of the ocean.
- The context of the aquarium: a marine sanctuary in the heart of Turkey
- What you can see on your visit: an enjoyable undersea tour of aquatic biodiversity
- Recommendations and information for visitors: plan your immersive experience
The context of the aquarium: a marine sanctuary in the heart of Turkey
The Aqua Vega Aquarium, which opened on 23 April 2012, lies like a hidden jewel in Ankara’s bustling urban sprawl. This aquarium, which required an investment of 17 million euros from the private sector, occupies an area of 5,000 square metres in the Nata Vega Outlet shopping centre, in the Mamak district.
Its construction, which was completed in a year, has transformed the leisure experience in Turkey’s capital city, offering a window to the submarine world in a city with no coastline. One of the outstanding features of the Aqua Vega is its undersea tunnel which, at 98 metres in length, is the longest in Turkey and the second longest in Europe.
This tunnel allows visitors to immerse themselves in an environment that mimics the ocean depths, offering panoramic views of marine species in a simulated habitat. The aquarium has a total capacity of 5 million litres of water, and is home to over 12,000 marine creatures, making it one of Ankara’s main tourist attractions.
The fact that Aqua Vega is part of a shopping centre not only makes it easier for local people and tourists to access, but also combines the aquatic experience with the opportunity to go shopping and enjoy entertainment, thereby offering a complete day of activities for visitors. Although Ankara is a city without a coastline, this aquarium faithfully recreates the marine ecosystem, providing an educational and sensory experience to thrill visitors of all ages.
What you can see on your visit: an enjoyable undersea tour of aquatic biodiversity
As they step inside Aqua Vega, visitors are welcomed by an impressive collection of over 12,000 marine creatures, ranging from commonly found species to rarely seen, exotic specimens far from their natural habitat. The exhibits are organised over 24 themed aquariums representing different aquatic ecosystems, both saltwater and freshwater, to provide a comprehensive view of marine biodiversity.
One of the main attractions is the 98-metre-long underwater tunnel where sharks, rays and shoals of brightly-coloured fish swim over and around visitors, to create an immersive experience that simulates a trip to the ocean floor. The area known as “Adrenaline World” is home to over 250 exotic and potentially dangerous species, including reptiles and amphibians, offering a perspective on the diversity of wildlife beyond the marine setting.
For those who like interactive experiences, the aquarium has a contact pool where visitors can feed Koi fish, known for their friendliness and brilliant colouring. This activity is especially popular with children, as it allows them to interact directly with the aquatic creatures, encouraging them to learn about, and respect, marine life.
Recommendations and information for visitors: plan your immersive experience
The Aqua Vega Aquarium is open to the public every day, with opening times that vary slightly between week days and weekends. From Monday to Friday, the aquarium is open from 10:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m., while on Saturdays and Sundays, opening hours are from 11:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m.
The general admission price is 389 Turkish lira (around €9.45) for adults, while youngsters under 18 and those aged over 65 pay 299 Turkish lira (about €7), Children under the age of 3 are admitted free of charge. It is important to point out that, although visitors are not required to book in advance for general admission, certain special activities, such as feeding the fish, can involve an extra charge.
The aquarium is located on Level 2 of the Nata Vega Outlet shopping centre, which means that you can combine your visit with shopping and eating out. We recommend you allow between 2 and 3 hours for a leisurely tour of the aquarium: this will allow you time to enjoy all the exhibitions and interactive activities.
