Aquarium of Rhodes - Hydrobiological Station HCMR

Nestled on Rhodes Island at Enydreiou Sq, Ρόδος 851 31, Greece, the Aquarium of Rhodes, also known as the Hydrobiological Station HCMR, offers visitors a unique blend of marine life exhibits and historical architecture. Categorized as an aquarium, tourist attraction, museum, and point of interest, this establishment provides a quaint and informative glimpse into the underwater world of the Aegean Sea.

The Experience: A Dive into Marine Wonders 🌊

Architecture & Ambiance

The building itself is a point of interest, boasting a distinctive Art Deco style from the 1920s-1930s. Its exterior is frequently noted as a great photo opportunity, adding a touch of historical charm to your visit. Inside, the aquarium section is cleverly designed to simulate a deep underwater cave or grotto. Visitors walk along a pebble-studded pathway, creating an immersive atmosphere that enhances the marine viewing experience. Be aware that some sections can be dark, and those over 6 feet tall might need to duck through a few low-ceiling areas, adding to the cave-like authenticity.

Aquarium Exhibits

The main attraction is the array of tanks integrated into the grotto-style walls. These tanks house a variety of local Mediterranean sea life, including fascinating creatures such as sea urchins, sea snails, crabs, and a diverse range of small and large fish. While it may not compare in scale to the colossal aquaria found in other major cities, its focused collection and intimate setting provide a unique charm.

Museum & Educational Features 🐚

Beyond the live exhibits, the facility also functions as a museum. The first section showcases preserved specimens like sharks, impressive crustacean shells, and even a giant clam. Informative boards detailing marine facts and captivating fish-themed photography adorn the walls, offering educational insights. A notable feature is the touch pool, where visitors can gently interact with a starfish (and, on occasion, hermit crabs).

Practical Information for Your Visit

Size & Duration ⏱️

The Aquarium of Rhodes is described as "quite small" and "very limited" compared to larger, modern aquariums. Most visitors find that it takes approximately 30 minutes to walk through and experience everything it has to offer. It's an ideal stop if you have some time to spare or are looking for a brief, engaging activity.

Admission & Value 💰

Entry for adults is typically €6, which many visitors consider to be a reasonable price for the experience provided. Given its modest size and collection, it offers fair value for a quick and pleasant visit.

Accessibility & Tips

• Be mindful of the low ceilings in certain cave-like sections, especially if you are tall.
• The ambiance can be somewhat dark, enhancing the underwater cave feel.
• A bonus for visitors: your admission ticket often includes a discount for the 9D Experience in town, offering an extended entertainment option.

Location & Surrounding Area

One of the appealing aspects of the Aquarium's location is its proximity to the coast. It's situated right by the beach, making it a convenient stop if you're looking to cool off or enjoy the seaside before or after your visit. This proximity adds to its appeal as a casual tourist attraction.

Recommendation: Is It Worth a Visit?

The Aquarium of Rhodes is a charming establishment with a unique architectural and immersive design. While it is not a large-scale marine park, its modest size contributes to its quaint appeal. It's highly recommended as a lovely experience for those who appreciate marine life, enjoy historical buildings, or are simply looking for an interesting way to spend about half an hour. It offers a pleasant diversion, particularly if you are in the area or seeking a break from the sun, and provides a delightful, albeit brief, encounter with the fascinating creatures of the Mediterranean.

The aquarium is amazing! First of all, I loved how there were fossils of prehistoric animals, and a petting spot where you could touch shells. Next, I loved the fish and marine life that was on display! It was quite fun to look at all the different native, but also non-native species, and discover a little more about them. And, lastly, I loved the many other fossils of other sea creatures and or parts of their skeleton. I hope you enjoy your trip here because I definitely did!

Very small aquarium which is priced fair. A few intresting animals and nice layout. Could do with more information on each enclosure so is designed for kids. Has toilets inside. Staff is nice and friendly. No gift shop which is a shame as i love collecting magnets.

Good prices and lovely staff! They do good discounts on tickets for students, etc. It is a bit small and doesn’t take long to go through but it’s a great atmosphere and a nice variety of sea life to look at.

A nice little aquarium worth visiting. There aren't many fishes but definitely great to see the different native species to Rhodes!

Great little place, tanks are great and all the sea creatures look really healthy. It took us about half hour to go round but there’s plenty to see and the kids loved it, just the right amount for a 4 and 7 year old. Really well priced and even open til 8pm.