Crete with Kids: CretAquarium, Heraklion
The island of Crete offers plenty of activities for the whole family. Many of them are located in the region of Heraklion, and the CretAquarium is among the most popular. If you’re traveling to Crete with your kids, plan a visit to this stunning place to discover the fascinating secrets of the sea. In this post, you will find info about our visit and essential details you need to know. Read on!
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Crete’s only aquarium has the mission to present the species and ecosystems of the Mediterranean, a sea of unique biodiversity. Every year, hundreds of visitors worldwide discover 61 tanks with a total of 1.800.000 liters of seawater and sheltering 2000 sea animals. It depicts the Cretan and Mediterranean underwater life through 200 different species.
During their time in the aquarium, the kids will marvel at the fish and organisms living in the Mediterranean. Here, attractions become knowledge, and experiences raise questions!
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Visiting CretAquarium
The calm atmosphere of the Cretaquarium, with low lights, fresh atmosphere, and soothing tones, was what the kids needed after spending a very hot morning exploring the ruins of Knossos under the scorching Cretan sun.
After a short car ride from Knossos, we reached the aquarium in Gournes. Once inside, it truly felt like we were in a completely different universe: the mysterious sea world of the Mediterranean.
Later, we learned that low-light conditions prevailed in the first section of the visit. This made it easier to accustom the eye to underwater conditions and spot dusky groupers, red corals, crayfish, and other species.
We saw red scorpionfish and stingrays inside impressive water tanks during the visit. Stingrays have poisonous stings that reach about 35 cm!
Did you know that stingrays reproduce by ovoviviparity? That means the eggs remain within the mother’s womb until they are ready to hatch. We learned this at the aquarium!
We also saw sand tiger sharks (the kids loved them!) and the most emblematic species in the Mediterranean, the sea turtle Caretta Caretta. At the aquarium, kids discovered that turtles can live about 80 years and must come to the surface to breathe since they are marine reptiles.
At CretAquarium, turtles are temporarily hosted. They arrive at the premises injured, healed, and then set free.
The kids loved finding the octopus! We learned that these animals are masters of disguise; as they cover the entrance to their shelters with stones and shells, they manage to move with their tentacles.
The jellyfish tank was truly spectacular, as we could see jellyfish of all sizes, even super small ones! We also saw sea anemones and clown anemonefish (yes, Nemo!).
Even when focusing on Mediterranean species, there is an area devoted to tropical fish because the construction of the Suez Canal (connecting the Mediterranean with the Red Sea) caused a biogeographical phenomenon called Lessepsian migration when different tropical species started to cross the canal and driven by the currents, they made their presence in the Mediterranean. Many of them became permanent residents.
Did you know? These immigrating species are called “Lessepsian” in honor of Ferdinand de Lesseps, the man who developed the Canal.
CRETAQUARIUM TICKETS
COMBINED TOURS HERAKLION – CRETAQUARIUM
Research
The aquarium also conducts scientific research to observe and understand the cycle of life and the behavior of the animals. It also takes special care of endangered and protected species, such as sea turtles and marine mammals. It also takes care of wounded or sick animals until they can be set free in their natural habitat once the healing process is complete.
Although unavailable at the moment, the Behind-the-Scene experiences promise visitors a unique adventure. Kids would enjoy gaining access to information about different water tanks and water purification systems, caring for and preparing food for the animals, and much more! Unfortunately, this activity has been on a break for quite a long time. We wonder if it will ever be available again!
Download the App to Get Ready for the Visit!
Ideal for toddlers and smaller kids, the Psaroneis Coloring App combines a coloring book experience with new augmented reality technology to create an amazing interactive experience with 3D characters and unique sound effects!
CLICK BELOW TO DOWNLOAD THE APP!
How to Get to CretAquarium
CretAquarium is located inside the former American Base in Gournes, 15 km from Heraklion town. You can easily get there by driving east along the National Road, it takes about 15 minutes.
If you drive there, follow the brown signposts along Heraklion’s road network. The area offers ample parking. You can also get there by taxi. A ride from the center of Heraklion is about €25.
If you prefer public transport, different bus routes from Heraklion, Malia, and Hersonissos reach the aquarium every 20-30 minutes. You can check the official bus schedule here.
CretAquarium – Thalassokosmos
Former American Base in Gournes, Heraklion, Crete.
Telephone +30 2810-337788.,
Opening Hours:
CretAquarium is open all year round, even on weekends, festive periods, and holidays.
Summer hours (Apr 1 – Oct 31): 9.30 a.m. to 7. p.m
Winter hours (Nov 1 – Mar 31): 9.30 a.m to 4 p.m.
Fees:
General entrance: €12.
Children (5-17 y/o) and Senior citizens (over 65): €6.
Children under 4: Free.
Virtual reality: €5.
You can get an audio guide for €3.
Activities for kids are also available. Prices for guided tours are published here.
>> Click here to get the admission ticket for CretAquarium at €8
More Kid-Friendly Activities in Crete
These are some of the most popular tours in Crete for families with children:
- Knossos Palace: Family-friendly Mythology Tour
- CRETAquarium Admission Ticket
- Acqua Plus Water Park Entrance Ticket
- Black Rose Pirate Boat: 5-Hour Trip from Heraklion
- Horse Riding with Lunch in the Mountains near Heraklion
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Complete Guide to Visit CretAquarium in Heraklion, Crete
Gabi, the Crete Insider
Hi, I’m Gabi — your go-to local expert in Crete! I’ve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and I’ve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion — guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.
I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.
