Kish Aquarium lets you meet the Persian Gulf’s rainbow of fish, giant turtles and rare reptiles from behind glass — no scuba gear required.
The sea is one of Earth’s most captivating phenomena and a blessing for any coastal land. Beyond the visual pleasures of the surface, the ocean’s underwater world reveals entirely new colors and forms. Watching the variety of fish, plants and other colorful marine life can be mesmerizing.
The waters of the Persian Gulf are a rich, surprising treasury of vivid fish. Exploring that treasure can reveal perspectives you won’t find on the surface. On Kish Island you can dive directly into the Persian Gulf to see marine life at close range — but if diving isn’t for you, Kish Aquarium offers the same spectacle in calm, accessible conditions.
When you visit the Persian Gulf and its many islands, you will find natural, historical and recreational attractions and memorable moments. Kish Island is one of Hormozgan province’s strongest tourist magnets. Among its most attractive sites is the aquarium, which sits on the island’s southern-eastern shore.
Kish Aquarium sits near several of the island’s attractions: Dolphin Park lies about 1 km to the west, Simorgh Beach Park is roughly 2 km to the northeast, and Marjan Beach is about 4 km to the north. The aquarium is about 12 km southeast of Kish International Airport.
Address | Hours |
|---|---|
Hormozgan Province, Kish Island, Ferdowsi Street, beside Ahvan Park, Art Center building | Saturday–Thursday: 08:00–20:00 |
Kish Aquarium is one of the island’s most beautiful and entertaining attractions, where various sharks and fish are on display. The aquarium preserves the Persian Gulf’s diversity and presents a wide frame of the southern sea’s life for visitors.
If you prefer not to dive, the aquarium is an excellent alternative: its colorful displays let you watch the Persian Gulf’s fish and sharks through glass without getting wet. This polished attraction provides access to rare and vivid species in two major aquaria.
Aquarium tanks | Notes |
|---|---|
Large tank: 50,000 liters | Hosts sharks and large marine species |
Small tank: 20,000 liters | Dedicated to rare, colorful fish (about 70 species) |
The smaller aquarium contains up to 70 fish species. In addition to fish, the complex houses about 100 types of reptiles — such as boa constrictors, flying snakes from Thailand, iguanas and African black scorpions. You can also see a large sea turtle about 2 meters in length. The aquarium is not limited to live exhibits: a taxidermy section displays crocodiles, snakes, mammals and birds.
Dolphin Park is about 1 km to the west and includes the bird garden. Simorgh Beach Park lies roughly 2 km away. Ahvan Park, on Ferdowsi Street, is very close to the aquarium. Other nearby attractions include Hengam, the Twin Beaches, and a man-made waterfall.
Nearby attraction | Approximate distance |
|---|---|
Dolphin Park (and Bird Garden) | ~1 km west |
Simorgh Beach Park | ~2 km northeast |
Marjan Beach | ~4 km north |
Ahvan Park | adjacent |
Hengam, The Twins, Waterfall | short drives |
After you leave the colorful underwater world, many shopping centers are nearby for further exploration and shopping.
Shopping center | Approx. distance/direction |
|---|---|
Paniz Mall | ~6 km northwest |
Morvarid Mall | ~6 km northwest |
Diplomat Mall | near Paniz/Morvarid |
Sarina 1 (and branch) |
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There are several ways to view marine life on Kish: diving with professional guides, visiting the aquarium, or boarding the aquarium boats.
The aquarium boats are a particularly engaging option. Unlike displays where animals are brought to you, these boats take you into the animals’ environment. Their hulls and floors include glass so that under and around your feet you can see colorful fish, turtles, starfish, marine plants and other species. The boat tours — named Gardeshgari (Tourist), Simorgh, Setareh and Totia — descend to about 5.2 meters and include hospitality and live music to enhance the experience.
The Persian Gulf is a geographic gift to southern Iran; its attractions are treasures for tourism. The islands in the gulf are unique natural phenomena, and you should not miss exploring them. On beautiful Kish Island, alongside historical, natural and surface recreational options, the island invites you to discover underwater attractions.
Diving, the island aquarium and glass-bottom boats are among Kish’s amenities for underwater adventure. Visit in winter or early spring for pleasant weather and colourful marine life — even if your tour package doesn’t include the aquarium, set aside time to visit. No matter which Kish hotel you stay in, you can reach the aquarium by taxi.
Item | Detail |
|---|---|
Two main tanks | 50,000 L and 20,000 L |
Small tank species count | ~70 fish species |
Reptiles on site | ~100 types (e.g., boa, flying snake, iguana, African black scorpion) |
Notable animal | Sea turtle approximately 2 m long |
Aquarium boat depth | Up to 5.2 m |
Opening hours | Sat–Thu 08:00–20:00 |
Location | Ferdowsi St., beside Ahvan Park, Art Center building, Kish Island |
Tip | |
|---|---|
The aquarium includes two tanks (50,000 L and 20,000 L) — the larger one hosts sharks and big species. | |
Glass-bottom boats reach about 5.2 m depth and offer live music and onboard service. | |
The small aquarium contains roughly 70 fish species; about 100 reptiles are also on display. | |
Opening hours: Saturday–Thursday, 08:00–20:00; the aquarium is near Dolphin Park and Ahvan Park. | |
If you’re not diving, the aquarium or glass-bottom boat are accessible alternatives to see Persian Gulf life. |
