The Istanbul Dolphinarium, located in Eyüp along the beautiful Golden Horn, is the largest indoor dolphinarium in Europe. Offering exciting dolphin and marine animal shows, the venue is a perfect day out for families, marine life lovers, and tourists looking for a unique experience in Istanbul. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit, from booking Istanbul Dolphinarium tickets to exploring show times and activities like swimming with dolphins.
Fast Facts
- Book Tickets Online: Purchasing Istanbul Dolphinarium tickets online ensures skip-the-line access and better pricing, especially for swimming with dolphins or VIP seating.
- Show Schedule: The dolphin and marine shows run from Tuesday to Sunday at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM, with Mondays being closed.
- Family-Friendly: The Dolphinarium is fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, with seating for 1,000 guests, making it ideal for families.
- Interactive Experiences: Book a swim with dolphins Istanbul session for an unforgettable experience with the dolphins.
- Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with nearby destinations like Eyüp Sultan Mosque or Vialand for a full day of activities.
What to Expect?
In the waning days of 2008, its doors swung open, marking the beginning of a unique collaboration between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Turkey—a testament to the enduring cultural and social ties between two nations.
Here, you can enjoy the dolphin shows, discover the world of the sea mammals such as dolphins, playful fur seals, massive walruses and the gorgeous white whale and spend great time at the Istanbul Dolphinarium.
Nestled along the newly adorned shores of the Golden Horn, the show center is a sanctuary for marine creatures, meticulously designed and constructed to meet international standards for their well-being. The setting, surrounded by lush parks and green spaces, paints a picturesque backdrop for an unforgettable experience.
As you approach, a complimentary parking lot awaits, accommodating up to 120 vehicles, ensuring a stress-free start to your adventure. For those opting for public transport, a short 5-minute stroll leads to bus, minibus, and tram stops.
Entering the show arena, a marvel in itself, with a total capacity of 900 seats, including an exclusive VIP TRIBUNE for 50 guests. The story unfolds in this mesmerizing space where dolphins and their marine companions showcase their talents in a spectacle that transcends international standards.
Just outside, the cafeteria beckons—a cozy haven with a 60-person indoor space and an inviting 60-person outdoor garden. It’s the perfect setting for pre and post-show moments, where families and friends can share warm conversations in a serene atmosphere.
The cafeteria also transforms into a magical venue for special occasions, offering tailored menus for birthdays, weddings, graduation parties, and corporate meetings.
Attractions & Activities
You can watch the dolphin shows, swim with the dolphins, dive with the dolphins, interact with the dolphins or take dolphin therapy. The dolphin shows last about 1 hour and visitors may also take photos with the dolphins.
Swimming with the Dolphins
Dive into an extraordinary experience at Istanbul Dolphinarium by swimming with dolphins, touching them, and embracing the positive energy that will easily whisk away the stresses of your day. As the facility is indoors, you can enjoy swimming with dolphins all year round.
To Swim with Dolphins:
- Applicable for anyone aged 4 and above.
- It is essential to ensure that no jewelry (rings, hairpins, watches, earrings, necklaces, etc.) is worn during the swimming session.
For your dolphin swimming experience, please be sure to make a reservation by contacting the facility in advance.
Meet the Dolphins
“Meet the Dolphins” program specially designed for children aged 4-12 at Istanbul Dolphinarium. This exclusive experience allows young guests to forge a close connection with enchanting dolphins, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. The best part? No swimming skills required!
Children can interact one-on-one with the dolphins, touch them, and enjoy delightful moments together—all without the need to know how to swim. This unique program, tailored for children, takes place in 10-minute sessions under the supervision of their experienced trainers who specialize in working with both professionals and children.
Kids who don’t know how to swim can comfortably sit by the poolside and establish direct communication with the dolphins from an extremely close distance. Your children can join the ‘Meet the Dolphins’ program individually or in groups of up to 5 participants.
Children participating in the program will:
- Learn scientific facts about the physiology, behaviors, habits, and learning abilities of dolphins from our trainers.
- Greet and touch the dolphins.
- Engage in various games with the dolphins, just like our trainers do during the regular shows.
- Listen to the enchanting songs of the dolphins.
To join the program, you need to make a reservation. Don’t forget to bring swimwear, clean slippers, and a towel with you. While it’s not mandatory, you’re welcome to bring a life jacket for your child if you wish.
Special Swimming Program with Dolphins
At Istanbul Dolphinarium, the special swimming program with dolphins is individually tailored for each participating child, conducted under the guidance of professional trainers and a psychological counselor.
The recommended program duration, advised by experts to achieve progress and stability, is generally 10 sessions. However, depending on the child’s response and individual circumstances, this duration can be extended or shortened. Each session lasts for 45 minutes, with 30 minutes directly engaging with the dolphins.
Video Tour
Visiting Hours & Admissions
Opening Hours
Istanbul Dolphinarium operates seven days a week from 09:00 to 18:00.
However, the general visitations are only open during show hours. The timings for programs like swimming, diving, or getting acquainted with dolphins vary depending on reservation situations.
For these programs, please be sure to call in advance and make a reservation.
Ticket Price
Please double check hours, show schedule and admissions from istanbuldolphinarium.com
You do not need to reserve the show tickets in advance; you can buy them at the Dolphinarium’s ticket window on the day of your visit.
For group visits (20 people or more) you need to make a reservation.
Visiting Tips for Families
To make the most of your visit, plan ahead using these tips:
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are generally less crowded, especially in the mornings. Arriving early allows you to secure good seating for the shows.
- Accessibility: The Dolphinarium is stroller and wheelchair accessible, making it a great family outing for all ages. There are comfortable seating areas for up to 1,000 visitors, ensuring everyone gets a great view of the shows.
- Duration: Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours at the Dolphinarium to fully enjoy the shows, grab a snack, and explore the other entertainment areas.
The on-site café offers light refreshments and snacks, so you can recharge after watching the performances.
After your visit, explore nearby attractions like the historic Eyüp Sultan Mosque, the Pierre Loti Hill, or the Vialand Amusement Park, which is only a short drive away.
How to Get There?
Location
You’ll find the Istanbul Dolphinarium on the far end northern coast of the Golden Horn coast, in the Eyup district. Across the Miniaturk on the opposite shore. See the location map.
Transportation
Public Bus
The most practical way to get to Istanbul Dolphinarium is via Municipal Public Bus.
The closest IETT bus stops to Istanbul Dolphinarium are named “Çeltik” and “Sakarya Mahallesi”.
You can find information about the bus numbers passing through these nearby stops by visiting our contact page.
Additionally, you can board minibuses traveling from Eyüp to Alibeyköy (such as Aksaray-Yeşilpınar, Aksaray-Alibeyköy, Aksaray-Cebeci Mahallesi, Göktürk-Eyüp minibuses).
You can also catch minibuses departing from Aksaray at the metro’s ‘Aksaray’ station and the metrobus’s ‘Edirnekapı’ stop.
Check Municipal public bus routes and timetables from iett.istanbul (just type the location on the search bar and it will show the bus lines with routes and stops)
Private Vehicle
If you are coming by private vehicle, follow the direction of Eyüp-Alibeyköy and use the exits from TEM or the ring road at Eyüp. The entrance to our parking lot is located across from Eyüp State Hospital.
Taxi
Most tourists find public buses not comfortable, if you feel so, than you should take a cab (check out Istanbul Taxi Guide) as Istanbul Dolphinarium is some far away from city’s popular tourist zones.
Contact Details
Address: Silahtarağa Mah. Silahtarağa Cad. No:20, Eyup, Istanbul
Tel: +90 530 511 45 16
Web: istanbuldolphinarium.com
FAQs
What are the Istanbul Dolphinarium opening hours?
The Istanbul Dolphinarium is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with shows scheduled at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. The Dolphinarium is closed on Mondays except for special events. It’s recommended to arrive early to get good seats, as the venue can get busy during peak hours.
Where is the Istanbul Dolphinarium located?
The Istanbul Dolphinarium is located in the Eyüp district along the Golden Horn, not far from popular attractions like Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Vialand. It is easily accessible via public transport, with nearby bus routes 47, 47Ç, and 47E from Taksim or Eminönü.
What are the main attractions at the Istanbul Dolphinarium?
The main attractions at the Dolphinarium include dolphin shows, performances by seals, sea lions, and beluga whales, as well as interactive sessions like swimming with dolphins. The dolphin shows, which last about 45 minutes, feature impressive acrobatic displays.
How do I get to the Istanbul Dolphinarium by public transport?
You can reach the Istanbul Dolphinarium by taking bus 47, 47Ç, or 47E from central locations like Taksim or Eminönü. The Dolphinarium is about a 5-minute walk from the Eyüp Sultan stop. If driving, there is parking available near the venue.
Will I be able to swim with dolphins at the Istanbul Dolphinarium?
Yes, the Istanbul Dolphinarium offers the option to swim with dolphins, a unique experience that lasts around 10 minutes. These sessions are available for an extra fee and require advance booking due to high demand. It’s an unforgettable experience, especially for families.
Why should I visit the Istanbul Dolphinarium?
The Istanbul Dolphinarium is the largest indoor dolphinarium in Europe and offers family-friendly entertainment featuring dolphin and sea lion shows. It’s a great place to watch these marine animals perform impressive tricks and even swim with dolphins. Located in Eyüp, it’s also close to other attractions like Eyüp Sultan Mosque.
What should I expect at a dolphin show in Istanbul?
At the dolphin show in Istanbul, expect to see dolphins, seals, sea lions, and beluga whales performing synchronized jumps, acrobatics, and other entertaining tricks. The shows last about 45 minutes and are suitable for all ages. Arriving early is recommended to secure good seating.
How long should I plan to spend at the Istanbul Dolphinarium?
Plan to spend about 2-3 hours at the Istanbul Dolphinarium, which allows enough time to watch the dolphin shows, participate in additional activities like swimming with dolphins, and explore nearby attractions like Vialand or Eyüp Sultan Mosque.
What are some nearby attractions to the Istanbul Dolphinarium?
Nearby attractions include the historic Eyüp Sultan Mosque, the popular Vialand Amusement Park, and Pierre Loti Hill, offering panoramic views of the Golden Horn. These sites are all within a short distance from the Dolphinarium, making it easy to plan a full day of activities in the area.