Aquamarine Projects - SEA LIFE Istanbul Aquarium

SEA LIFE Istanbul Aquarium (originally TurkuaZoo Aquarium) stands as Turkey’s first and largest public aquarium, a landmark achievement in marine conservation, education, and tourism. Designed and developed by Aquamarine, this pioneering project brought the underwater world to life beneath Istanbul’s urban landscape and set new standards for public aquariums across the region.

Opened in 2009 within the Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall, the two-story underground aquarium spans 8,500 m² and contains over 7 million litres of water, housing more than 15,000 sea creatures from 1,000 species. Aquamarine provided a complete turnkey solution, including concept design, architectural and technical design, interior and exhibit design, and visual communication. The result was a fully immersive marine attraction that captured the imagination of millions.

The aquarium’s 21 thematic zones take visitors on a journey from the seashore to the deep sea, showcasing diverse habitats such as the Mediterranean, tropical coral reefs, shipwrecks, and rainforests. A highlight of the design is its 83-metre-long conveyor tunnel, offering 270-degree panoramic views and creating one of Europe’s most unforgettable underwater experiences.

Since its debut as TurkuaZoo, the facility has evolved into SEA LIFE Istanbul Aquarium, now part of the Merlin Entertainments Group, one of the world’s leading leisure and entertainment companies. Under this global brand, the aquarium continues to expand its educational mission and visitor engagement, featuring over 40 exhibits, including Europe’s largest collection of sharks, a turtle rehabilitation facility, and interactive rockpool displays for children.

Recognized as a pioneering attraction in Turkey’s tourism industry, the aquarium earned 'Superbrand’ status from the Superbrands Council of Turkey in 2012 and received TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2013. To date, SEA LIFE Istanbul has welcomed over 60 million visitors, remaining a powerful symbol of marine education, innovation, and conservation in the heart of Istanbul.