Macduff Marine Aquarium
Discover Scotland's vibrant underwater world at Macduff Marine Aquarium, showcasing fascinating local sea life with interactive exhibits and expert ta...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Engaging talks & feeding
Macduff Marine Aquarium
Best Time
Engaging talks & feeding
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Scotland's vibrant underwater world at Macduff Marine Aquarium, showcasing fascinating local sea life with interactive exhibits and expert talks.
"One of the best aquariums I have ever visited, packed with wonderful sealife and the friendliest staff!"
🎯 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Staff are super welcoming and happy to share insights. Ask them anything!
🐠 All Scottish Species
Discover the amazing marine life native to Scottish waters.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Touch Pools
Interactive Area
Gently touch starfish, crabs, and anemones. A hands-on memory for all ages!
Baby Shark & Skate Exhibit
Hatchling Area
See adorable baby skates and sharks! Learn about their life cycles.
Scottish Marine Life Displays
Main Tanks
Marvel at a diverse collection of local Scottish fish and sea creatures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Focus on Local Marine Life
Check Feeding & Talk Schedules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Staff are super welcoming and happy to share insights. Ask them anything! +1
🐠 All Scottish Species
Discover the amazing marine life native to Scottish waters. +1
🖐️ Hands-on Starfish Fun
Don't miss the chance to interact with starfish and other sea creatures.
💰 Reasonable Admission
Great value for money, offering a high-quality family experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Staff are super welcoming and happy to share insights. Ask them anything! +1
🐠 All Scottish Species
Discover the amazing marine life native to Scottish waters. +1
🖐️ Hands-on Starfish Fun
Don't miss the chance to interact with starfish and other sea creatures.
💰 Reasonable Admission
Great value for money, offering a high-quality family experience.
👶 Kid-Friendly Activities
Fun checklists and engaging displays make it great for children.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Macduff Marine Aquarium for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, unique focus on Scottish marine life, and engaging interactive exhibits. It's considered a great value for money and a high-quality family experience, though some might find it smaller than other aquariums.
"A great place to visit what ever the weather. The staff were so friendly and the welcome was so warm. As we did out tour there's plenty to see!! Even an area you can interact with the starfish, we made it for the 3pm talk at the interactive pools very informative and inclusive. Great selection of fish and even some baby sharks !! We will be back again soon."
Leigh Young
"Superb aquarium. Weather was looking iffy so we looked for something to do indoors. One of our teens chose this so off we went. Friendly staff and a large variety of fish. What made this especially interesting was that all the species were Scottish. Staff were excellent and the presentations informative but also child friendly: the staff obviously knew their stuff. We spent two hours here but would happily have spent longer."
Memento Mori
"This is one of the best aquariums I have ever visited. It may not be the biggest, but you'll see a lot in the space that is there! Very friendly and knowledgeable staff- we caught the jellyfish feed, and the feeder, Hannah, was very knowledgeable and was happy to answer questions. The Price Is super reasonable, and there's definitely something for everyone to enjoy- a great attraction!"
Owen Glasby
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The aquarium is located in Macduff, Aberdeenshire. Driving is a common way to reach it, with parking available nearby. Public transport options might involve bus routes connecting to Macduff from larger towns like Banff. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there is typically parking available in Macduff, often close to the aquarium. It's advisable to check for any specific parking restrictions or charges on arrival.
Absolutely! Macduff Marine Aquarium is a perfect destination for a day trip, especially if you're exploring the Aberdeenshire coast. It's easily accessible and offers a fulfilling experience within a few hours.
Many visitors opt to drive, enjoying the scenic routes through Aberdeenshire. If coming from further afield, consider combining your visit with other local attractions in Banff and Macduff.
Yes, the aquarium is right beside a park with a 'fabulous starfish picnic bench',
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices are considered very reasonable, offering great value for the experience. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing for adults, children, and family tickets.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons or holidays, is a good idea to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the Macduff Marine Aquarium's official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any special holiday hours.
Information on discounts for seniors, students, or group bookings is usually available on their website. Keep an eye out for special promotions, especially during school holidays.
Yes, the aquarium is designed to be accessible for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see a fantastic array of Scottish marine life, including various fish, sharks, skates, jellyfish, and more. They focus exclusively on species found in local waters. +1
Yes, a major highlight is the interactive touch pool where you can gently handle starfish, crabs, and anemones under supervision.
The aquarium hosts regular talks and feeding sessions throughout the day, often focusing on specific species or habitats. These are highly recommended for an informative and engaging experience. Check the daily schedule upon arrival. +1
Children can enjoy fun checklist sheets, and during holidays, there are often special activities like eggcase trails and storytelling sessions.
Most visitors spend around two hours exploring the aquarium, but you could easily spend longer if you attend multiple talks and enjoy the interactive elements.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash, especially near sensitive exhibits.
The larger display tanks with diverse marine life offer great photo opportunities. The jellyfish exhibits can also be visually stunning. Look for areas with good lighting.
While general photography is permitted, some areas might have specific signage regarding photo restrictions. Always adhere to any posted rules.
Try to get close to the glass to minimize reflections. Steady your camera and experiment with different angles to capture the movement of the sea creatures.
Video recording is usually permitted, but be considerate of others. Short clips for personal memories are generally fine.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for special holiday activities like eggcase trails and storytelling sessions, which add extra excitement.
The aquarium's manageable size means kids can explore without getting overwhelmed, and the reasonable admission price makes it a budget-friendly option for a memorable day out. 🐠 Marine Life Enthusiasts
The knowledgeable staff are a great resource, often sharing in-depth information during talks and feeding sessions.
📸 Photography Buffs
The jellyfish exhibits are often a visual highlight, offering ethereal shots. To get the best shots, try to minimize reflections by getting close to the glass and experiment with angles to capture the movement of the sea creatures. While flash photography is generally discouraged to protect the animals, natural light in the tanks can create dramatic effects.
Consider visiting during less crowded times for more unobstructed photo opportunities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Focus on Scottish Marine Life
This focus means you won't find exotic tropical species here. Instead, you'll encounter the creatures that inhabit the North Sea and surrounding Scottish coastlines. This approach is not only educational but also fosters a deeper connection to the local environment. It’s a chance to see what lives beneath the waves just off the Aberdeenshire coast.
Visitors often praise this dedication, noting how informative and special it feels to learn about local marine life. It’s a refreshing change from many larger aquariums and offers a more targeted, educational experience.
Engaging Talks and Interactive Experiences
The interactive touch pools are a major highlight, allowing visitors to gently touch and feel creatures like starfish, crabs, and anemones. This hands-on experience is often cited as a memorable part of the visit, creating lasting impressions, especially for children.
During holiday periods, the aquarium often enhances these offerings with special events, such as 'baby shark' talks and eggcase trails, making it an even more exciting destination for families.
Family-Friendly Value and Atmosphere
The atmosphere is welcoming, with friendly and knowledgeable staff who contribute significantly to the positive visitor experience.
Many reviewers highlight that even though it might not be the largest aquarium, its charm lies in its focused collection and the engaging way information is presented, making it a thoroughly great afternoon out for the whole family.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit