Crete's aquarium, Cretaquarium, opened in December 2005.
Belonging to a large European family of aquariums, the Greek Aquarium offers its visitors the unique chance to plunge into the great marine world of the Mediterranean. From the big hunter sharks to the tiny seahorses, the sensational jellyfish, the diversity of marine life is set off against underwater Cretan seascapes; such as the rock formations at Matala ( South Crete) and the sea bed at Vai ( North East Crete)
The scene painting of the Mediterranean makes use of 32 tanks having a total volume of 1.600.000 litres of sea water, 50 different observation points, more than 200 Mediterranean species, allowing visitors to discover the magic of the marine world.
Modern audio-visual systems and avant-garde interactive applications such as info points with touch screens aid visitors both to inform themselves about the habits and biotopes of the various species and have evidential experience. They can also tour the inside of the aquarium utilising remote controlled cameras which are located inside the large Greek Aquarium . Automatic tour systems are at the visitors' disposal in seven languages. Small gadgets, which function like a telephone, give each visitor the possibility to enrich the visit with numerous explanations, comments and simplified explanations, which are heard at the visitor's own pace and in accordance with his preferences. A series of posters on the walls of the aquarium present novel issues on marine life and ecosystems. The "small" and "large" and yet so distinctive secrets of the Mediterranean underwater world is displayed before their eyes, providing outstanding images of a world so close and at the same time so unknown.
The site of Greek Aquarium
Halls equipped with modern audio-visual systems having the capacity to cater for 130 people are available for the organisation of conferences, shows, social events, exhibitions, speeches. Documentaries relevant to the marine ecosystem are screened daily and throughout the opening hours in the related conference room A snack bar is located in the aquarium where visitors can enjoy a coffee, a soft drink or a snack, and also visit the Aqua shop where they can buy souvenirs, educational materials and clever, presents whose creation was inspired by the sea world and Ecology.
Aims of Greek Aquarium
The Greek Aquarium aims to create a place of entertainment, offering a unique, captivating spectacle, a place of reference and learning about the Mediterranean marine environment, utilising modern methods (explanatory graphics, interactive techniques, modern multiple-means systems etc.) and the organisation of features, seminars, events and a social venue appealing to all ages. Alongside its educations activities, the main concern is to develop new educational programmes for primary and secondary education with the aim of boosting cooperation with both centres of environmental education and schools. The programmes will be adapted to the subject of analytical programmes and will offer students experience and knowledge through the observation of the living marine world using modern means and workshop methods.
Education - Sensitisation of Greek Aquarium
The Aquarium's educational programme was launched in February 2008, directed at students in all primary and secondary school classes. The programme's subjects are made especially attractive to students, who have the opportunity to observe living organisms and simulations of oceanographic phenomena under the supervision and guidance of the aquarium's scientists and the HCMR (Hellenic Centre for Marine Research).
In the aquarium's specially designed educational conference room, students experience a marine workshop, observing and discovering the invisible world of the sea - microscopic living plankton - with the use of stereoscopes and microscopes. They learn about the ocean's movements with experimental simulations and the youngest students of all play educational games. - in the visitors' hall in the aquarium, they discover the Mediterranean ecosystem and its residents, using the knowledge gained from the marine workshop. Simultaneously, and in cooperation with the European Aristeia network EUR-OCEANS which researches the climate change in marine ecosystems, has developed educational materials which are sent free-of-charge to all the schools on Crete. They are tasteful publications covering various marine issues, activities and constructions which can be done in schools.
For further information about Crete Attractions or telephone 2810337888
Useful information
Location of Crete Aquarium
The Greek Aquarium "Cretaquarium" building complex is located in Gournes, at 14 km distance from the town of Heraklion and "N.Kazantzakis" international airport, on the grounds of the former Gournes American base, Its distance from the Minoan Palace of Knossos is 20 km. The famous Tourist/ summer holiday centres of Crete- Hersonisos, Malia, Stalida, Elounda, Gouves, etc are located at a short distance.
Acces
Visitors making use of cars or motorcycles as their means of transport facilitate their access to the Cretaquarium by following the special, brown information signs which are located the length of Crete's roadways. Three large parking lots are available for visitors to the aquarium. If the chosen means of transport is the car (private or rented), visitors have easy access to the Cretaquarium aquarium, as special care has been taken to correctly inform drivers with special signs.
If the chosen means of transport is bus- intercity or tourist- then visitors will also have no difficulty finding the route which suits them as Cretaquarium is linked to a closely knit network of routes, both with Heraklion and with the expansive area from Malia to Hersonisos.
Seasons and Opening Hours
Information relating to the schedule, the times of opening and the pricing policy of the aquarium can be found on our Greek Aquarium website
Membership Card
With a Cardaquarium. Members can visit the aquarium free for a whole year, having a number of privileges and facilities.
Contact Details of Greek Aquarium
Crete Aquarium
Thalassocosmos
Former American Base at Gournes
P.O. 2214
Heraklion 71003
Crete, Greece
Tel: 302810 337888
Fax: 302810 337882
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cretaquarium.gr
