Cretaquarium, or "Sea World" - this is a public aquarium located near the town Gournes, 15 km east from the city of Heraklion. Earlier this site was located air base US Air Force.

The project was conceived by the aquarium staff members of the former Institute of Marine Biology of Crete as the first large aquarium Greece. Its construction was funded by the European Investment Bank and the Greek State. The main objectives of this project was to create a marine park for scientific research, education, culture and recreation, as well as the collection, exchange and dissemination of information about the underwater world and its inhabitants. Special attention is given to educational programs for elementary and junior schools, which are designed according to the level of students. Aquarium works under the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research and is based on the experience, knowledge and innovation scientists over the last 20 years.

Cretaquarium first opened its doors in December 2005. In 2008-2009, work was carried out to expand the exhibition space. The aquarium is presented elegant exhibition of marine fauna in all the Mediterranean region. More than 60 special containers of different sizes, you can see more than 250 species of a variety of marine organisms: sharks, seahorses, octopus, clownfish, starfish, jellyfish and many other inhabitants of the underwater depths of a wide variety of colors and shapes. Near each aquarium hangs a plaque with the information in 10 languages.

Visiting the Aquarium of Crete, you will make a fascinating walk through the mysterious depths of the Mediterranean Sea. Interesting aquarium will both children and adults. This place is considered one of the best aquariums in Europe.