Aquarium of Rhodes - Hydrobiological Station
Aquarium of Rhodes - Hydrobiological Station
Aquarium of Rhodes - Hydrobiological Station
3.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Built in 1936, at the northernmost tip of the Island, Rhodes Aquarium design was inspired by the marine environment. Due to its unique architecture, the Aquarium of Rhodes is designated as a Protected Monument and a Historical Landmark by the Greek Ministry of Culture. The aquarium floor is paved by black&white pebbles, a traditional technique in the Dodecanese islands featuring marine species, while the characteristic underwater corridor where the living fish are exhibited, creates a feeling of an underwater marine cave. The water supply, comes directly from the sea, while a freshwater aquarium hosts the tiny endemic fish of Rhodes “gizani”, a protected species by European law. One of the most unique exhibits of the museum is a 2000years old skeleton of a Monachus monachus, mediterranean monk seal, that was found on Rhodes with the ritual used in antiquity for human burials as it was probably considered as a member of their family. Guided Scientific Tours are available Upon Request
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Amie C24 contributionsNice place but basicTook us a while to find this as poorly sign posted but once we finally did we paid €6 for a single adult and €4 for OAP. We make our way around the showroom with the strangely and very badly preserved or replicated sea life on display. We the follow the pathway down into the next floor and it leads into a tunnel with sea life viewable in set tanks, this part can get fairly chilly and dark with little to no lighting so do watch your step but it was a nice little walk around. All in all we were there roughly just over 30 minutes. Don’t expect any display to be amazing or like sealife this is more like fish tanks at the local garden centre but more exotic.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 10 October 2023
- LaurenGlasgow, United Kingdom28 contributionsCheap and cheerfulFor €6 it’s a perfect to pass sometime when the weather isn’t great or to escape if it’s too hot. Lots of exhibits to look at and there is also a touch pool with some starfish to handle. Took roughly 30 mins to walk around. It’s small but it’s cheap and cheerful and you get what you pay for. Receptionist was lovely and friendly too! Looks run down from the outside as it’s an old building but on the inside it’s clean and modern.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 April 2024
- Casondra S1 contributionGenerous science staff, beautiful location, where design and ecology dance togetherI went to the aquarium to do some content research for a VR art piece about healing the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. For starters, what creatures are actually in there? What are some problems to be addressed, and what are some possible solutions? I did a scientific tour with Vivian, and met again with another scientist, Makis. Both were remarkably generous with their time and knowledge, very passionate about their areas of expertise. I feel like I have very clear direction for my project now, thanks to them! And whereas I had been focused on the problem of how climate change is impacting the local ecology, both Vivian and Makis urged me to also bring attention to the problems caused by marine life ingesting *plastics.* As for the aquarium itself, it is a UNESCO site with distinctive architecture. The ambience is designed to coordinate with the feel of the architecture of Old Town; the aquarium tanks housing the sea life use the same sort of stone. So both people interested in science AND people interested in art/architecture/design should be sure to visit! Plus it will add layers of richness to your trip to Rhodes to learn what is in the sea that surrounds you you. The importance of the Mediterranean Sea, its ecosystems, and humans' interactions with those ecosystems over centuries, is why the history that immerses you on the island of Rhodes developed as it did. Visit for a more integrated, holistic understanding of Rhodes. And the aquarium sits in a stunning shoreline location, too! After you learn about the local fish, you can jump in the water with your snorkel gear and try to identify what you see!Wow! What a great review!!! Thank you dear Cassondra! We are very happy to read how people appreciate the uniqueness of the historic Aquairum of Rhodes! The first and oldest Aquarium in Greece, built in 1936! Best regards, VivianWritten 31 October 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 17 June 2024
- David TPeterborough, United Kingdom45 contributionsGreat experience at a reasonable priceGreat experience, and reasonably priced Cost €6 per person for entry. The venue is fairly small, but is set out in a way that you get plenty to see. There are various separate aquarium with local sea creatures, as well as fossils and information about creatures that used to inhabit the local waters. Right next to the beach with a lovely view of the area. For the price would definitely recommend a visitThank you!Written 31 October 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 6 July 2024
- Helena16 contributionsNice and affordable place to visitNot very big but was a good choice to go. Easy to find and get to, and its right on the beach so you can pop in here during a beach day. Lots of small tanks on a quick walk through tour in the basement of the building. Enjoy a nice and affordable visit.Dear guest, thank you!Written 31 October 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 7 July 2024
- Simon WWest Bridgford, United Kingdom123 contributionsSmall but good....Great little place to see local fish!. Only cost €6 each , it is small but it's interesting to see the different types of fish including Octopus and a small Ray. It's only 10 minutes walk from the old town and €13 euro in a taxi from Ixia .Thank you very much!Written 31 October 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 14 August 2024
- maxine mRawtenstall, United Kingdom11 contributionsinteresting little place for anybody who likes natureSmall but very interesting and good value at only 6 euros for an adult and 4 euros for concessions. Exhibits were clean with good information regarding each species. Would recommend it to anybody, especially those with young children, who have an hour or 2 to spare and want some relief from the heat of the dayThank you for taking time to review us!Written 31 October 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2024Travelled with familyWritten 23 September 2024
- ShyjkaKingston upon Thames, United Kingdom42 contributionsSmall but perfectly formed!Lovely aquarium, friendly staff and lots of info! Don’t expect Sealife! This is a small aquarium that is involved in research etc… we loved walking around the well-labelled tanks, a perfect way to spend an hour!Thank you for your review!Written 31 October 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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3.5
269 reviews
Excellent
68
Very good
70
Average
63
Poor
30
Terrible
38
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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NjoanaR
Seixal, Portugal130 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
The aquarium is located in a basement, next to a beach and has the cost of 6€ per person without a guide. It's next to a hop on hop off stop.
The place is quite small and quickly visitable (<1h).
The animals on display are mostly indigenous species and the space has a small lake where visitors are allowed to interact with a limited number of specimens.
Tip for Portuguese: There is nothing like our great oceanarium, if you have little time, in my opinion, this visit is wasted.
The place is quite small and quickly visitable (<1h).
The animals on display are mostly indigenous species and the space has a small lake where visitors are allowed to interact with a limited number of specimens.
Tip for Portuguese: There is nothing like our great oceanarium, if you have little time, in my opinion, this visit is wasted.
Automatically translated
Written 8 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear guest, thank you for taking time to review the historic Aquairum of Rhodes!
For sure it can not be compared to the magnificent oceanarium of Lisboa, because the entry ticket is 25 euro per person, compared to the 6 euro that you paid on Rhodes Aquairum...
It is at least unfair to compare an Aquarium built in 1998, to the Aquarium of Rhodes that was built in 1936, meaning more than 50 years earlier....
We do hope the next time you visit, you appreciate the uniqueness of the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes and Aquarium.
Best regards,
Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes and Aquarium
Written 31 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Benjamin M
Wickford, UK49 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
When entering the aquarium it was €6 which wasn’t too bad, however, it was small and not much bigger than the aquarium in Faliraki. The man who was working the counter was a little rude, however we didn’t let this spoil the experience. There was a range of big/large fish to see as well as smaller fish. It only took around 15 minutes to walk around it, but the experience was nice.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andersUppsala
Uppsala, Sweden1,409 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
When you intend to enter the aquarium, the entrance is down the stairs on the right when you stand right in front of the building. It costs 6 euros each May 2024. The aquarium is built like a cave where the different aquariums are built into the walls. It's everything from starfish, sea urchins to different kinds of fish that live in the Mediterranean. The aquarium is not large but we felt that it was well maintained and had nice staff.
Written 24 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you!
Written 31 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
davazno1
Timisoara, Romania541 contributions
Aug 2021
Only worth it if you stay nearby and have nothing to do for 30 minutes . Entry fee was 5 euro . Very small , few live exhibits that do not look great , few stuffed exhibits , info in english , looks run down . Nothing special . Visited in aug 2021 , in the morning , few tourists were there .
Written 7 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S N
29 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Very small, not a lot to see. The habitats of the sea creatures are small, there are 2 bigger habitats but that’s about it. There is mostly crabs, expected more kinds of fish. Entry price is €6, we were inside for about 15-20 minutes. Would not recommend, the beach or the city are a much nicer place to be at.
Written 11 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria E
Athens, Greece6 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
Definitely worth a visit ! The building itself is amazing, since it dates back to the 1930's!! Fantastic architecture & mechanics for the aquarium itself. The people working there are extremelly knowledgeable, are actual scientists trying to do their best with the little support they get. Also the staff of the aquarium is also very friendly.
An extra addition is the photo gallery exhibition inside the aquarium!
Many thanks for everything !
PS. The building may be old, and the aquarium not as fancy as the modern ones, but that's due , I was told, to the fact UNESCO declared the building as one of high importance and major changes cannot be made. I found that very remarkable.
An extra addition is the photo gallery exhibition inside the aquarium!
Many thanks for everything !
PS. The building may be old, and the aquarium not as fancy as the modern ones, but that's due , I was told, to the fact UNESCO declared the building as one of high importance and major changes cannot be made. I found that very remarkable.
Written 15 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Casondra S
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Solo
I went to the aquarium to do some content research for a VR art piece about healing the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. For starters, what creatures are actually in there? What are some problems to be addressed, and what are some possible solutions? I did a scientific tour with Vivian, and met again with another scientist, Makis. Both were remarkably generous with their time and knowledge, very passionate about their areas of expertise. I feel like I have very clear direction for my project now, thanks to them! And whereas I had been focused on the problem of how climate change is impacting the local ecology, both Vivian and Makis urged me to also bring attention to the problems caused by marine life ingesting *plastics.*
As for the aquarium itself, it is a UNESCO site with distinctive architecture. The ambience is designed to coordinate with the feel of the architecture of Old Town; the aquarium tanks housing the sea life use the same sort of stone. So both people interested in science AND people interested in art/architecture/design should be sure to visit! Plus it will add layers of richness to your trip to Rhodes to learn what is in the sea that surrounds you you. The importance of the Mediterranean Sea, its ecosystems, and humans' interactions with those ecosystems over centuries, is why the history that immerses you on the island of Rhodes developed as it did. Visit for a more integrated, holistic understanding of Rhodes. And the aquarium sits in a stunning shoreline location, too! After you learn about the local fish, you can jump in the water with your snorkel gear and try to identify what you see!
As for the aquarium itself, it is a UNESCO site with distinctive architecture. The ambience is designed to coordinate with the feel of the architecture of Old Town; the aquarium tanks housing the sea life use the same sort of stone. So both people interested in science AND people interested in art/architecture/design should be sure to visit! Plus it will add layers of richness to your trip to Rhodes to learn what is in the sea that surrounds you you. The importance of the Mediterranean Sea, its ecosystems, and humans' interactions with those ecosystems over centuries, is why the history that immerses you on the island of Rhodes developed as it did. Visit for a more integrated, holistic understanding of Rhodes. And the aquarium sits in a stunning shoreline location, too! After you learn about the local fish, you can jump in the water with your snorkel gear and try to identify what you see!
Written 17 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! What a great review!!!
Thank you dear Cassondra!
We are very happy to read how people appreciate the uniqueness of the historic Aquairum of Rhodes! The first and oldest Aquarium in Greece, built in 1936!
Best regards,
Vivian
Written 31 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Margarita I
1 contribution
Jan 2023
Rhodes aquarium is a nice surprise for the visitor. It may be small but is full of information and is located in an historic building of 19th century, designed by Italian architect. Touring among the atmospheric “underwater caves” and watching all kinds of marine animals, offers a unique experience. It is also ideal for children where they can learn about marine life, amuse themselves in a touch pool and discover the hiding animals among the rocks.
Thank you, Vivian, for the very comprehensive tour! Keep up the good work!
It is a must-see place in the city of Rhodes!
Thank you, Vivian, for the very comprehensive tour! Keep up the good work!
It is a must-see place in the city of Rhodes!
Written 18 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ella
5 contributions
Sept 2022 • Solo
I understand the reviews complaining about the small size and old-fashionedness, but for 5 € it's a perfectly fine, fun experience. You get to stay cool underground, see cute fish and even touch some. I'd understand the complaints if the price were you higher, but you get what you pay for - in this case a cheap aquarium worth its price. It was a nice escape from the Rhodes sun.
Written 28 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lauren
Glasgow, UK28 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
For €6 it’s a perfect to pass sometime when the weather isn’t great or to escape if it’s too hot. Lots of exhibits to look at and there is also a touch pool with some starfish to handle. Took roughly 30 mins to walk around. It’s small but it’s cheap and cheerful and you get what you pay for. Receptionist was lovely and friendly too! Looks run down from the outside as it’s an old building but on the inside it’s clean and modern.
Written 25 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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