The Astana Oceanarium is one of the most unusual and popular attractions in the capital of Kazakhstan. Located within the Ailand entertainment center, it is a unique facility that attracts thousands of visitors annually. Opened in 2003, the oceanarium was the first complex of its kind in Kazakhstan and the CIS. It is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's most remote oceanarium—the distance to the nearest sea exceeds 3,000 kilometers. The total volume of water in the aquariums is approximately 3 million liters. To create a natural habitat, over 100 tons of sea salt were delivered here, and modern life support systems were installed, ensuring comfortable conditions for the marine animals.
The oceanarium's exhibition includes several themed zones and more than 20 aquariums of varying sizes. It is home to nearly 3,000 marine animals, representing over 100 species from around the world—from tropical fish to sharks, rays, and sea turtles. One of the oceanarium's main features is a 70-meter-long acrylic tunnel. Walking through it, visitors can observe marine life swimming directly overhead, creating the effect of complete immersion in the underwater world. The oceanarium serves not only an entertaining but also an educational function. Tours, themed programs, and fish feeding demonstrations are held here, allowing visitors to gain a closer understanding of underwater ecosystems. Today, the oceanarium is one of the most visited attractions in Astana and an important family recreation center, where visitors can see a variety of marine flora and fauna without leaving the steppe region.
