Antalya builds world’s 5th largest aquarium

ANTALYA - Anatolia News Agency

The Antalya Aquarium, construction on which will start Nov. 29, will become the second largest aquarium in Europe and the fifth largest in the world when it is completed.

The aquarium, which will hold 5 million liters of water in its main tank, will be constructed in the Arapsuyu Olbia Canyon on a built-operate-transfer model, according to a written statement from Antalya Metropolitan Municipality.

Europe’s longest aquarium tunnel, at 131 meters long, will be built on an area of 12,000 square meters. There will also be a tank specially designed for sharks along with 36 themed aquariums, including world seas, Turkish seas, rivers, lakes, poisonous species and jellyfish.

Visitors to the aquarium will also be able to touch fish.

The complex will include a diving school, restaurant, cafes, movie theater, children’s play area, paintball opportunities and exhibition areas.

Visitors will also be able to swim with thornback rays and sharks if they choose. The facilities will also feature a 1,500-square-meter special section that features snow. Cafes and restaurants will be placed in this section. Visitors will also be able to use sleds and make snowmen.

The Antalya Aquarium company, which won the tender to build the facility, will operate the facility for 25 years