Aquariums are fascinating tourist attractions that introduce us to the amazing world beneath the sea, and it's rare to find someone who isn't interested in visiting them. Stay with Saed News as we introduce you to the most captivating aquariums in Iran.
We all know well that nothing compares to the peace of the sea and ocean, and it's rare that we don’t find ourselves thinking about the underwater world. If you're looking for a moment of rest and an escape from the chaos of today's world, and you're eager to learn more about the amazing underwater universe—but are afraid of diving into the depths of the sea and ocean—there’s only one solution: visit aquariums.
In the following, we’ll introduce you to the most beautiful and best aquariums in Iran.
One of the most popular attractions in Isfahan is its aquarium, located in the heart of a forest park full of various attractions. Spanning 4,000 square meters, it features a 35-meter tunnel built 7 meters underground, housing diverse marine and freshwater species—from small fish to rare and dangerous sharks.
As the first tunnel aquarium in Iran, the Isfahan Aquarium consists of 33 tanks containing 1.5 million liters of water.
About 6,500 aquatic creatures live here, including 300–350 species of fish from five continents. Among them are 100 rare, dangerous, and exotic species, including six types of sharks in the tunnel section.
Address: Isfahan, Alfat Street, Nazhvan Park
Phone: 031-37780082
Visiting hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Located in Qeshm Island, the Golden Butterfly Aquarium is one of the most beautiful and top aquariums in Iran. Found in the basement of the four-story Simorgh Complex near major shopping centers, it spans around 1,000 square meters and houses 189 unique marine species from the Red Sea, including rare fish like Majestic, Emperor, and Blue Ring.
Interestingly, its marine life isn’t limited to the Persian Gulf—many are brought in from other oceans. These include Caribbean fish (lobsters, lipstick fish, moray eels, surgeonfish, and clownfish like Tomato, Clarkii, Pink, and African Clownfish), along with species like Foxface Rabbitfish, Azure Damselfish, and native Qeshm Island turtles.
Address: Qeshm, west side of Imam Qoli Khan Square, Simorgh Shopping Center
Visiting hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Another famous and high-quality aquarium located in the south of Iran is the beautiful and popular Kish Island Aquarium. It’s considered one of the most complete and well-equipped aquariums in the country and attracts thousands of tourists each year.
The aquarium has two main sections: one with a volume of 50,000 liters for large aquatic animals like sharks and massive fish, and another with 20,000 liters for freshwater species, including nearly 70 rare and unique fish.
It also includes a paleontology section for taxidermy aquatic animals. Reptiles such as snakes, crocodiles, scorpions, and massive 2-meter turtles are also housed here.
Address: Hormozgan Province, Kish Island, Marjan Blvd, Art Center Building
Visiting hours: Every day except Fridays, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Known as Iran’s largest aquarium, Anzali Aquarium is located in Gilan Province and has a tunnel-style design.
With over 40 aquariums, 40 underwater tunnels, and a total volume of 3 million liters of water, it features marine life from five continents. Opened in July 2018 in Anzali Free Zone, it hosts more than 200 aquatic species, along with over 5,000 aquatic reptiles and birds.
The large complex includes standard aquariums, open-air tanks, mini-aquariums, and tunnel aquariums. In the Persian Gulf Hall, visitors can see various fish from the Persian Gulf. The Amazon Section features native Amazonian fish like freshwater stingrays, parrotfish, and Oscars.
The Sea Cave Section houses 35+ fish species including moray eels and cube boxfish. The Caspian Sea Section features Caspian aquatic life, especially sturgeon—the fish that produces the world’s most expensive caviar.
Address: Gilan Province, Anzali Free Zone, 5th km of Shahid Fatehi Blvd, Trade & Tourism Phase, Entrance No. 1
Phone: 01334438596
Visiting hours: First 6 months of the year: 12 PM–9 PM / Second 6 months: 12 PM–8 PM
Though smaller than others, Marine City Aquarium in Mashhad houses a variety of saltwater and freshwater species.
You can find different types of crabs, octopuses, mollusks, and colorful fish in this aquarium.
Address: Mashhad, Khayyam Square, Sepad Trade & Tourism Zone, Almas Sharq Shopping Center, 4th Floor
Phone: 051-37113013
Visiting hours: Every day except holidays, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Among Iran’s most beautiful aquariums is Ganjnameh Aquarium in Hamedan. Designed like a natural cave and inspired by Ali Sadr Cave, this aquarium spans 1,000 square meters and includes pathways of varying heights, spread across two floors.
One floor is dedicated to reptiles like iguanas and chameleons. The other, containing the main aquarium and 21 tanks, houses a variety of freshwater and saltwater fish.
The main aquarium, holding 85,000 liters of water, is the largest lake-style aquarium in Iran. Species here include Sohanfish, angelfish, clownfish, boxfish, and stingrays.
Address: Hamedan, east side of Ganjnameh Square, Ganjnameh Tourist Village
Phone: 081-58211644
Visiting hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Which of these aquariums have you visited? In your opinion, which one is the most beautiful and diverse in terms of marine life? Share your experiences with us!
