Cretaquarium first opened on the site of the former USAF Iraklion Air Station near the town of Gournes in December 2005 and underwent a major expansion during the winter of 2008–9, when 25 new tanks were installed.

[5] The second section of the aquarium displays animals living in the pelagic zone of the Mediterranean Sea.

[7] Many of the animals living at the aquarium are constantly observed through cameras for the purpose of studying their life cycle and behavior.

Particular emphasis is given on species that are lessepsian migrants, in order to understand the impact that these introduced fish have on the marine ecosystem of Greece.

[7] In collaboration with local agencies and environmental organizations, Cretaquarium is also taking care of sick or wounded animals that are then reintroduced into the wild.