Located on Bournemouth seafront, the Oceanarium is a fun and educational all-weather attraction for all ages. Taking visitors on a magical underwater journey, the Bournemouth Aquarium brings you face to face with thousands of amazing creatures above and below the waves including penguins, otters, turtles, sharks and more! The walk through tunnel display allows visitors to get up close to over 75 creatures. Tickets are valid for the entire day of purchase so visitors can watch up to 4 feeding presentations. Visitors can make use of beachfront catering facilities which proudly serve Starbucks Coffee and find a host of gift options in The Cove. PLEASE CHECK our website for accurate winter opening times.
Took the kids here following a trip to Bournemouth. It was ok! About PS30-PS35 to get in for a family of 4, the kids enjoyed the animals and sea creatures. It was busy and it's smaller than you think so it doesn't take long to get round you can get some good pictures though. There is a cafe and it is right next to the beach!
Visited on a rainy Saturday during school summer holidays so predictably it was very busy. Queued about 10 minutes to get in (around 10am opening time) but queues got longer as the day progressed. Main attractions: jellyfish, stingray, penguins, shark and turtles, including giant turtles from different vantage points - from above the tank and especially from walking under it. Talks/feeding times throughout the day. Little area inside for little kids to climb, walk across wobbly bridge and rocking apparatus. Nice idea for littles needing a quick sensory/physical activity. Small cafe serving hot food and gift shop at the end. Advance online tickets cheaper or they do entry discounts on cereal boxes. We were told you can leave and return with the ticket anytime that day till 5pm. We finished within 45 minutes but you might plan to stay for particular talks/feeding time. Lots of information to read throughout as expected in these places. All across two levels, stairs and lifts for those who need them. Areas are wide for wheelchairs but a bit trickier to navigate in the crowds.
Although I don't support animals in captivity,I took the boys to their very first aquarium. It was lovely seeing all the different animals. We all especially loved the penguins. The gift shop was lovely too. It's right by the beach so there's loads to do around.
Lovely day out, compact but well laid out, lots to see. Perfectly coupled with a stop on the beach after. Ticket prices not too steep with the perk of returning throughout the day. Recommended parking at the Bic carpark, short walk and straight forward.
Was really good throughly enjoyed it Would visit again Staff were very friendly and helpful We parked in the multi-storey just down the road 2 mins walk. We booked online and received a great discount. Lots to look at and appreciate.
Animals all cute of course. Wish the same could be said of many bored young kids having tantrums. That, along with nearly tripping over pushchairs, and getting crushed between morons with no self awareness made this a bit of an endurance test. Was actually relieved to get out into the fresh air. Be lovely if they offered "adults only" slots, but wouldn't hold my breath.
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Getting tickets in advance recommended
Family discount
Good for kids
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Took the kids here following a trip to Bournemouth. It was ok! About PS30-PS35 to get in for a family of 4, the kids enjoyed the animals and sea creatures. It was busy and it's smaller than you think so it doesn't take long to get round you can get some good pictures though. There is a cafe and it is right next to the beach!
Visited on a rainy Saturday during school summer holidays so predictably it was very busy. Queued about 10 minutes to get in (around 10am opening time) but queues got longer as the day progressed. Main attractions: jellyfish, stingray, penguins, shark and turtles, including giant turtles from different vantage points - from above the tank and especially from walking under it. Talks/feeding times throughout the day. Little area inside for little kids to climb, walk across wobbly bridge and rocking apparatus. Nice idea for littles needing a quick sensory/physical activity. Small cafe serving hot food and gift shop at the end. Advance online tickets cheaper or they do entry discounts on cereal boxes. We were told you can leave and return with the ticket anytime that day till 5pm. We finished within 45 minutes but you might plan to stay for particular talks/feeding time. Lots of information to read throughout as expected in these places. All across two levels, stairs and lifts for those who need them. Areas are wide for wheelchairs but a bit trickier to navigate in the crowds.
Although I don't support animals in captivity,I took the boys to their very first aquarium. It was lovely seeing all the different animals. We all especially loved the penguins. The gift shop was lovely too. It's right by the beach so there's loads to do around.
Lovely day out, compact but well laid out, lots to see. Perfectly coupled with a stop on the beach after. Ticket prices not too steep with the perk of returning throughout the day. Recommended parking at the Bic carpark, short walk and straight forward.
Was really good throughly enjoyed it Would visit again Staff were very friendly and helpful We parked in the multi-storey just down the road 2 mins walk. We booked online and received a great discount. Lots to look at and appreciate.
Animals all cute of course. Wish the same could be said of many bored young kids having tantrums. That, along with nearly tripping over pushchairs, and getting crushed between morons with no self awareness made this a bit of an endurance test. Was actually relieved to get out into the fresh air. Be lovely if they offered "adults only" slots, but wouldn't hold my breath.
