Opened in 1995, Aquaworld is a small, privately-built and run aquarium, which displays both marine life and reptiles, almost all of which are local. Fifteen tanks, two pools and several terrariums display some sixty or so species at any given time. These range from coastal fishes to groupers, octopuses and eels alongside local snakes, lizards and frogs. Also well represented is the turtle family, with Stephania, a near-blind green sea turtle, to freshwater and dry-land tortoises.

Guided tours are given each morning from ten until one in the afternoon, during which you can learn much about the local fauna and the staff will attempt to answer any questions you may have. You can also learn of local efforts to protect and care for animals in Crete, in particular the work of the Cretan Animal Welfare Group and the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece.

Children (large and small!) also get the opportunity to handle many of the species directly and learn to lose any fear they may have of them.

Finally, there are many overseas visitors on display. Snap, a baby Nile crocodile; Burma, one of the six giant snakes of the world, a pair of iguanas from S. America, and many more including a whole bunch of red-eared terrapins which, as unwanted pets, have found a new home at Aquaworld.