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A 131-metre acrylic tunnel, among the longest of its kind in the world, is the centrepiece of the Antalya Aquarium, a large attraction on the Mediterranean coast of southern Turkey near Konyaalti Beach. Opened in 2012 and built in a remarkably short time, the complex sits a short distance from the sea and has become one of the leading visitor draws in the resort city of Antalya. The journey begins with around forty themed tanks recreating habitats from coral reefs and shipwrecks to the rivers and seas of the wider region, home to sharks, rays, sea turtles and a great variety of fish, before visitors pass through the vast tunnel, where marine life glides overhead and on all sides. The aquarium forms part of a wider entertainment complex that has at various times included a snow-and-ice attraction with real snow, a reptile and insect house, and a multi-dimensional cinema, so a visit can be extended well beyond the tanks themselves. Tickets are bought on site or online, often with combination deals for the additional attractions, and the indoor, climate-controlled setting makes it an excellent option on a hot day or when escaping the sun. Easily reached by tram or bus from the city centre and close to the beach and shopping malls, the Antalya Aquarium offers an educational and entertaining few hours for families and travellers of all ages along the Turkish Riviera. Walking through the long curved tunnel, with water and marine creatures surrounding the visitor on every side, is the highlight that gives the aquarium its fame, and the themed tanks leading up to it are arranged to tell a story of the world's waters, from tropical reefs alive with colour to the wrecks and caverns where larger predators lurk. The displays are designed with families and education in mind, and feeding sessions and informative panels add to the appeal for children. As part of a larger leisure complex, the site has offered additional draws over the years, from a snow-and-ice attraction with genuine snow to a house of reptiles and a multi-sensory cinema, allowing a visit to fill several hours. Its position close to Konyaalti Beach and the city's shopping malls, and its cool, air-conditioned halls, make it a natural choice on a hot Mediterranean day or as a change from the beach and the archaeological sites of the region. Reached easily by tram or bus from central Antalya, with tickets available online and on site, the Antalya Aquarium is one of the most popular family attractions on Turkey's southern coast.