Protaras Ocean Aquarium - Copper Band Butterfly Fish.
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Protaras Ocean Aquarium

3.3
·2k reviews·Paralimni, Cyprus

Discover diverse marine life, exotic birds, and reptiles at Protaras Ocean Aquarium, a family-friendly attraction with a playground and cafe.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

CrowdLow
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Protaras Ocean Aquarium - Copper Band Butterfly Fish.

Protaras Ocean Aquarium

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover diverse marine life, exotic birds, and reptiles at Protaras Ocean Aquarium, a family-friendly attraction with a playground and cafe.

3.3
(2k reviews)

"A great place for kids with a variety of fish and a playground, though some animal welfare concerns exist."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Kid-Friendly Fun

Features a playground, making it a great spot for families to spend hours. :child:

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture stunning shots of marine life and exotic birds. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sea Turtle Encounter

Sea Turtle Encounter

Main Aquarium Tank

Marvel at the graceful sea turtles swimming in the main tank. A truly captivating sight for all ages.

Penguin Parade

Penguin Parade

Penguin Enclosure

Watch the charming penguins waddle and dive. Their playful antics are a crowd-pleaser.

Exotic Bird Aviary

Exotic Bird Aviary

Connected Park Area

Discover a variety of colorful and exotic birds in a lush, natural setting.

Crocodile and Reptile Zone

Crocodile and Reptile Zone

Reptile Enclosure

Get up close with impressive crocodiles and other fascinating reptiles.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

To avoid the biggest crowds at the Protaras Ocean Aquarium, aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons. Weekends and peak holiday times can get busy, especially with families. Consider visiting right when it opens or a couple of hours before closing for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Understanding Ticket & Entry

While prices are generally considered reasonable, check for any online booking discounts or family packages. The aquarium is a popular spot, so booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season, can save you time. Keep an eye out for any special feeding times or shows that might enhance your visit.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends & Holidays
Why
Can be very busy
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🐠Ocean Aquarium в Протарасе - самый большой из подобных видов развлечений на Кипре. Говорят,что там более 1000 обитателей подводного мира,но я даже близко столько не насчитала 🤷‍♀️ Ocean Aquarium показывает в основном морскую фауну Средиземноморья, а она небогата, ведь в Средиземном море нет тропических рифов с миллионами рыбок тысяч видов. 🌴 На территории также расположены вольеры с животными и ...
shulgovskaya
0 likes • 1.4K views

🎯 Kid-Friendly Fun

Features a playground, making it a great spot for families to spend hours. :child: Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture stunning shots of marine life and exotic birds. :camerawithflash: Instagram

📍 Ocean Aquarium, Protaras #turtle🐢 #turtles #aquarium #oceanaquarium #ocean #sea #sealovers #oceanlovers #turtlelovers #summer #summerholidays2022 #protaras #protarascyprus #cyprus #cyprus🇨🇾 #newreels #igo4less #igovacation #bestvacations #vacations #itravelwithless #travelandsave #travelphotography #wonderful_places
chris_fellas_
68 likes • 3.7K views
Sunday in the Ocean Aquarium 📍Protaras
inessa__baronessa
47 likes • 473 views

☕ Affordable Cafe

Enjoy reasonably priced snacks and drinks at the on-site cafe. :coffee: Reddit

🐢 Turtle Viewing

Don't miss the captivating sea turtle exhibit, a visitor favorite. :turtle: Instagram

📍Ocean Aquarium, Protaras, Cyprus #kirelena_travel #kirelena_cyprus #kirelena_inspiration #cyprus #oceanaquarium #protaras #кипр #протарас #лимассол #limassol #aquarium #cypruslife #cyprusisland
kirelena.visual
21 likes • 702 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Kid-Friendly Fun

Features a playground, making it a great spot for families to spend hours. :child: Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture stunning shots of marine life and exotic birds. :camerawithflash: Instagram

☕ Affordable Cafe

Enjoy reasonably priced snacks and drinks at the on-site cafe. :coffee: Reddit

🐢 Turtle Viewing

Don't miss the captivating sea turtle exhibit, a visitor favorite. :turtle: Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Park

The connected park offers more than just fish, including birds and reptiles. :park: Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.3
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find the Protaras Ocean Aquarium to be a pleasant and engaging experience, particularly for families. The variety of marine life, the presence of a playground, and the affordable cafe are frequently praised. However, some guests have expressed concerns regarding animal welfare and enclosure conditions, suggesting room for improvement in these areas.

"Great place for kids. There is a variety of fresh and salt water fish.
The aquarium with the sea turtle is really nice. There is a playground for kids to play. Souvenir shop and coffee shop. Prices may be a little high but it is what you expect."

Artemios Economides

"f you are staying in the area, I recommend this to be one of the places to visit. You can spend hours there having fun with your children. However, the cafes are open until 5 pm. The animals you will see there are not many, but they are interesting - penguins, crocodiles, exotic birds and fish, of course."

Desislava Petrova

"Regarding the animals, this “aquarium” is not up to welfare standards at all. It seems they have no clue about social groupings or what animals in captivity really need: the crocodiles, terrapins and raccoons should all be kept solitary. The penguin was alone which is fatal for their health and welfare as penguins are highly social animals that naturally live in groups. Again, macaws are social animals that should be kept in flocks but this one was housed with other bird species like doves and chickens that are much smaller than the macaw, keeping a macaw with smaller bird species can cause injury or death to the smaller birds especially in such a confined enclosure. There are two tortoises housed outside with bird species and aren’t provided with a simple heat source which can pose serious health risks. Some of the information boards had no effort put into it and were very un educational. None of the enclosures were provided with enrichment or sufficient space. The only positives I can give about this place is the cheap prices in the cafe and the potential this place has. Overall I don’t think it’s worth spending the money to see unhappy animals, it makes you wonder what they are using the funds for. This is only a brief review of the place I could go on and on."

Lia Harrison

What People Like

Great for kids
Variety of fish
Affordable cafe

What People Dislike

Animal welfare concerns
Limited animal numbers

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Protaras Ocean Aquarium is located in Protaras, Cyprus. It's easily accessible by car, taxi, or local bus services from nearby towns like Ayia Napa and Paralimni. Parking is generally available on-site. TikTok

While specific accessibility details can vary, aquariums are typically designed with ramps and wide pathways. It's advisable to contact the aquarium directly for the most up-to-date information on wheelchair access. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Protaras Ocean Aquarium website or their social media pages for the most current operating times before your visit. Instagram

Yes, local bus routes often connect Protaras with surrounding areas, and some may stop near the aquarium. Check with local transport providers for specific route information. TikTok

Typically, visitor attractions like the Protaras Ocean Aquarium offer on-site parking facilities for guests. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, and it's recommended to check the official website for the most current rates. Some reviews mention prices being a little high but worth it for the experience. Reddit

Many attractions offer online ticket purchasing for convenience. It's a good idea to check the Protaras Ocean Aquarium's official website to see if advance booking is available. Instagram

Often, aquariums offer discounted rates for children, seniors, or family packages. Inquire directly or check their website for details on available concessions. Reddit

Booking directly through the official Protaras Ocean Aquarium website is usually the most reliable method. This ensures you get accurate pricing and availability. Instagram

If you are planning a visit with a larger group, it's worth contacting the aquarium in advance to inquire about potential group discounts or booking arrangements. Reddit

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of marine life, including freshwater and saltwater fish, sea turtles, penguins, crocodiles, and exotic birds. TikTokInstagram

Most visitors spend a couple of hours exploring the aquarium and its connected park. You can easily spend more time if you enjoy the exhibits and the playground. Reddit

Yes, there is a playground area, making it a great destination for families with children. Reddit

While not explicitly detailed in all sources, many aquariums offer scheduled feeding times or educational talks. It's best to check upon arrival or on their website for any such programs. Reddit

Many visitors highlight the sea turtle exhibit and the penguins as particularly enjoyable. The variety of fish and the connected park also receive positive mentions. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a coffee shop and a souvenir shop on-site. Reviews mention the cafes being open until 5 pm and having cheap prices. Reddit

Generally, outside food and drinks might be restricted in some areas. It's advisable to check the aquarium's policy on outside food. Reddit

The cafe typically offers snacks, light meals, and beverages. Reviews suggest the prices are reasonable. Reddit

While there's a cafe, it's more of a snack bar or coffee shop rather than a full-service restaurant. Reddit

Protaras has numerous restaurants and tavernas nearby if you prefer a wider selection of dining options outside the aquarium. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals. Always check for signage. Instagram

The main aquarium tanks with diverse marine life, the sea turtle exhibit, and the penguin enclosure offer excellent photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Yes, phone cameras are perfectly fine for capturing memories. Many visitors share their photos on social media. Instagram

Drone usage is typically prohibited in and around tourist attractions for safety and privacy reasons. Reddit

You can capture vibrant images of colorful fish, majestic sea creatures, and playful birds. The lighting inside can be moody, so be prepared. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Protaras Ocean Aquarium is a fantastic choice for families. The playground is a major plus, ensuring kids have plenty of fun beyond the exhibits. Reddit The variety of animals, from colorful fish to playful penguins and impressive crocodiles, keeps young minds engaged. Consider visiting during feeding times (if available) for an extra dose of excitement. Reddit

While the aquarium is generally well-received by families, some reviews have noted concerns about animal welfare. If this is a priority for your family, you might want to research further or have a discussion with your children about the importance of responsible animal tourism. The on-site cafe offers affordable snacks, which is always a win for parents. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Protaras Ocean Aquarium offers a relatively affordable day out, especially considering the range of exhibits. Reviews highlight the cheap prices in the cafe, which can help save money on food and drinks during your visit. Reddit While ticket prices are mentioned as potentially being 'a little high' by some, they are generally considered reasonable for the experience offered. Reddit

To maximize value, try to visit during off-peak hours to avoid potential crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Look for any family or group discounts that might be available. The aquarium provides a good amount of entertainment for the cost, especially for families looking for an engaging activity. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Diverse Marine Life

The Protaras Ocean Aquarium boasts a variety of species, showcasing both freshwater and saltwater environments. Visitors can expect to see a wide array of fish, from small, colorful reef dwellers to larger marine animals. The aquarium aims to provide an educational glimpse into the underwater world, highlighting the biodiversity found in different aquatic ecosystems. TikTokReddit

While the aquarium is praised for its variety, some reviews suggest that the number of animals might not be as extensive as in larger, international aquariums. However, the focus is on presenting interesting and diverse species, including those native to the Mediterranean. The sea turtle exhibit is frequently mentioned as a highlight, offering a chance to observe these gentle giants up close. InstagramReddit

It's important to note that some visitor feedback has raised concerns about animal welfare standards, particularly regarding solitary housing for social animals like penguins and macaws, and the lack of enrichment in enclosures. While the aquarium has potential, these concerns are worth considering for ethically-minded travelers. Reddit

Beyond the Tanks: Park and Play

The Protaras Ocean Aquarium experience extends beyond its aquatic displays. A connected park area allows visitors to explore and encounter other fascinating creatures. This includes a dedicated space for exotic birds, offering a splash of color and sound to your visit. InstagramReddit

For families, the inclusion of a playground is a significant draw. This provides a much-needed space for children to burn off energy and have fun, making the aquarium a well-rounded destination for a family outing. The combination of educational exhibits and recreational facilities caters to a broad range of visitors. Reddit

Additionally, the aquarium features enclosures for reptiles, such as crocodiles and terrapins, adding another layer of biodiversity to discover. Visitors can also enjoy the convenience of an on-site cafe and souvenir shop, making it easy to spend a few hours enjoying the facilities. Reddit+1

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