SEA LIFE İstanbul – Permanently Closed as of January 2025

For many years, SEA LIFE İstanbul in Forum İstanbul Shopping Mall (Bayrampaşa) was one of the city’s most beloved family attractions.
Opened in 2009, it introduced thousands of visitors to the fascinating world beneath the sea with over 15 000 marine species and one of Europe’s longest underwater tunnels. Families came to walk beneath the sharks, explore coral reefs, and join educational talks that inspired a love of marine life.

However, as part of a global restructuring, Merlin Entertainments, the British company operating SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds İstanbul, and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, officially withdrew from Türkiye at the end of 2024.
Consequently, SEA LIFE İstanbul permanently closed its doors on 1 January 2025.

The closure marked the end of an era for İstanbul’s indoor family attractions.
Visitors who wish to enjoy similar experiences can still explore other active aquariums in the city, such as:

• [İstanbul Aquarium (Florya)] – Europe’s largest thematic aquarium.

• [Emaar Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (Üsküdar)] – a tropical underwater world on the Asian side.

Even though SEA LIFE İstanbul is no longer operating, it remains a fond memory for countless families who experienced its shimmering tunnels and lively sea creatures.

How to Get There (Former Location)

Forum İstanbul Mall, Kocatepe Mah., Paşa Cd. No: 3, Bayrampaşa / İstanbul
Easily reachable by the M1A metro line (Kocatepe Station) or bus 32T from Eminönü.
The site continues to function as part of Forum İstanbul Mall, but the aquarium area remains closed.

Best Alternative Visits

Families seeking a similar experience can visit:

• [İstanbul Aquarium in Florya] – featuring 17 thematic zones and a rainforest section.

• [Emaar Aquarium & Underwater Zoo] – offering a diverse range of tropical species and interactive zones.