The Cretaquarium opened in Crete, in December 2005, in a location which combines recreation and science, as part of the marine centre site now named Thalassocosmos. The Cretaquarium is the dreamchild of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research and is thus supported by the knowledge, the expertise and the innovation that Greek marine scientists have developed in the last 20 years.

CretΑquarium is an expert in presenting the species and ecosystems of the Mediterranean, a sea of unique biodiversity that gave birth to ancient civilizations and welcomes millions of visitors to its shores every year from all over the world. Offering 60 tanks of different sizes, CretΑquarium is home to 2,000 sea animals representing 200 different species found in the Mediterranean basin. Together with the appropriate scenery, it successfully represents the Cretan and Mediterranean sea beds.

Additionally, CretAquarium designs and implements educational programs and other innovative services, treats injured animals, and is constantly enriched with new marine species. The expertise possessed by the aquarium on the presentation of the Mediterranean species and ecosystems is backed up by the long experience of the center in Mediterranean marine research. Each visitor has the opportunity to see and be charmed by the sea inhabitants of the Mediterranean, learn, and contribute towards the ecosystem’s sustainable future. At CretAquarium, the attractions become knowledge and experiences raise questions.