Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay
Discover a vibrant underwater world with sharks, turtles, and colorful coral reefs, all within a captivating aquarium experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a vibrant underwater world with sharks, turtles, and colorful coral reefs, all within a captivating aquarium experience.
"A decent hour's visit, especially for families, with a mesmerizing underwater tunnel."
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking, so comfy footwear is a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Underwater Tunnel
Main Tank
Walk beneath a mesmerizing tunnel as sharks and rays glide overhead. A truly immersive experience!
Majestic Sea Turtles
Turtle Tank
Marvel at the graceful movements of these ancient mariners in their dedicated habitat.
Vibrant Coral Reefs
Coral Reef Display
Explore a kaleidoscope of colors and diverse marine life in the stunning coral displays.
Creepy Creatures for Halloween
Seasonal Displays
Discover the aquarium's spooky side with special displays during Halloween.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Value
Accessibility Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking, so comfy footwear is a must!
📱 Check for Loyalty Cards
Look for Newquay loyalty card discounts, especially around Easter.
🚗 Plan Parking Carefully
Parking can be tricky; consider the steep hill if using mobility aids.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking, so comfy footwear is a must!
📱 Check for Loyalty Cards
Look for Newquay loyalty card discounts, especially around Easter.
🚗 Plan Parking Carefully
Parking can be tricky; consider the steep hill if using mobility aids.
📸 Capture the Moments
Plenty of photo opportunities, especially in the underwater tunnel!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay to be a decent attraction for an hour's visit, particularly enjoyable for families with young children due to its engaging exhibits like the underwater tunnel. However, some feel the admission price is a bit high for the size of the aquarium, and accessibility can be a concern due to its location at the bottom of a steep hill.
"The reviews for this attraction are quite harsh. Given the price of admission, there is a decent amount to see for a solid hour. We chose to take our time, while others appeared to rush through, which may explain why some visitors feel they do not get their money's worth."
Sky Findley
"The oceanarium is relatively small, but it offers a variety of fascinating species to discover. A visit typically lasts between 30 minutes and 1 hour. On site, visitors will find a café, a souvenir shop, and restrooms. Ticket prices could be slightly more affordable, particularly for families purchasing group passes."
Witek Pogoda
"Fantastic place to visit just off the beach at Newquay. Lots of different fish and sharks to see!! One thing I will say is it's a bit awkward for disabled access. My mum stayed on a bench at the top because she struggles with mobility and it was difficult for her to get down to."
Jane Price
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The aquarium is located in Newquay town centre, near the beach. If driving, there are car parks at the top of the hill, but be aware of the steep descent. Public transport options are available, but consider the hill if you have mobility issues.
Yes, there are car parks at the top of the hill. Blue Badge holders can park on the street nearby with a 3-hour limit. Be prepared for a steep walk down to the aquarium.
The aquarium itself is largely accessible with ramps and a lift. However, the steep hill leading to the attraction can be challenging for wheelchair users or those with mobility scooters.
It's advisable to get dropped off as close to the entrance as possible, especially if you have mobility challenges, to avoid navigating the steep hill.
If you have mobility issues, consider getting a taxi or being dropped off directly at the bottom of the hill to minimize the steep climb.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for adults are around £14.75 and for children aged 3-12 years, it's approximately £11.35. Toddlers and babies under 3 years old get in for free. Prices can vary, so checking their official website or booking in advance is recommended.
Yes, you can typically buy tickets at the door, but booking online in advance is often recommended to save time and potentially secure better rates.
Discounts may be available, especially if you have a Newquay loyalty card, which can offer 10% off tickets. It's worth checking their website or local offers for any current promotions.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay website for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
While specific family ticket options aren't always advertised, purchasing individual tickets for adults and children is the standard. Look out for any special offers or group rates that might be available.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of marine life including sharks, turtles, tropical fish, seahorses, and more. Highlights include the underwater tunnel and vibrant coral displays.
Most visitors spend between 30 minutes to 1 hour exploring the aquarium, depending on how leisurely they take their time.
Yes, the aquarium often has scheduled feeding sessions for various species, which can be a fascinating part of your visit. Check the daily schedule upon arrival.
Absolutely! It's a great place for children to learn about marine life in an engaging and accessible way. The size is often perfect for younger attention spans.
The aquarium has a café, a souvenir shop, and restrooms. There is also a disabled toilet available.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the marine life.
The underwater tunnel offers incredible opportunities to photograph sharks and rays swimming above you. The colorful coral displays are also very photogenic.
While general photography is permitted, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash in areas where it might disturb the animals.
A camera with good low-light performance and a macro lens can be beneficial for capturing the details of smaller creatures. However, most smartphone cameras will also produce great shots.
Yes, filming videos is generally allowed. Many visitors share their experiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, showcasing the aquarium's highlights.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Focus on the highlights like the sharks and turtles, and try to time your visit to coincide with feeding sessions for extra excitement. Remember to factor in the steep hill when planning your journey, and consider bringing a stroller or carrier for younger children.
♿ Visitors with Mobility Challenges
However, the primary challenge is the location at the bottom of a steep hill. Visitors with mobility scooters or wheelchairs should plan their parking and transport carefully. Being dropped off directly at the entrance is highly recommended to avoid the strenuous climb back up.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with low-light settings and try to avoid flash photography to get the best shots without disturbing the marine life. The vibrant coral displays also provide excellent subjects for colorful, detailed photographs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Newquay's Steep Terrain
For those with Blue Badges, street parking is available with a time limit, offering a more convenient option. However, if you're relying on public parking, the main car parks are at the top of the hill. This means a steep walk down to the attraction and, more importantly, a strenuous climb back up. Many visitors recommend being dropped off directly at the bottom if possible to avoid this arduous ascent.
Consider your mode of transport and your physical capabilities when planning your visit. If you have a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, ensure it has sufficient battery life for the return journey up the hill, or be prepared for assistance.
Maximizing Your Visit's Value
Many visitors find that an hour is sufficient to see everything, especially if they take their time. Focusing on the key attractions like the underwater tunnel and the feeding sessions can enhance the experience. Checking for any available discounts, such as those offered with a Newquay loyalty card, can also make the visit more budget-friendly.
For families with young children, the aquarium's size is often considered ideal, providing an engaging experience without overwhelming little ones. Visiting during quieter periods, like weekday mornings, can also contribute to a more relaxed and enjoyable visit.
A Glimpse into Marine Life
Key attractions include the impressive underwater tunnel, where you can witness sharks and rays swimming all around you, creating a truly immersive experience. The graceful sea turtles are another popular sight, as are the intricate displays of coral reefs teeming with smaller, colorful species.
Beyond the main exhibits, the aquarium also features other fascinating marine life, such as lobsters, seahorses, and terrapins, providing a comprehensive look at aquatic biodiversity. Scheduled feeding sessions offer an exciting opportunity to observe the animals' natural behaviors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit