Our new Under the Sea Experience!
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Exploris Aquarium

4.3
·3k reviews·Portaferry, United Kingdom

Captivating aquarium showcasing diverse marine life, reptiles, and a seal sanctuary, perfect for family fun.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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Our new Under the Sea Experience!

Exploris Aquarium

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Captivating aquarium showcasing diverse marine life, reptiles, and a seal sanctuary, perfect for family fun.

4.3
(3k reviews)

"An absolutely amazing visit, with a great range of aquatic animals and adorable baby seals!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Take Your Time

Don't rush! Enjoy each exhibit; the aquarium is compact but packed with wonders. :stopwatch:

Seal View Cafe Lunch

Dine at the cafe for lovely food and a seal view! Reasonably priced too. :sandwich:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underwater Tunnel

Underwater Tunnel

Ocean Tank

Walk through a mesmerizing tunnel surrounded by a 250,000-liter ocean tank, offering incredible views of marine life.

Seal Sanctuary

Seal Sanctuary

Seal Exhibit

Adorable baby seals and adult seals are a major draw, with opportunities to observe them in their dedicated sanctuary.

'Under The Sea' Experience

'Under The Sea' Experience

New Exhibition Area

Explore five unique perspectives of sea life, both above and below the water, in this exciting new exhibit.

Penguin & Capybara Additions

Penguin & Capybara Additions

New Exhibits

Discover the charming penguins and fascinating capybaras, recent and popular additions to the aquarium's collection.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Exploris Aquarium

Exploris Aquarium offers a captivating journey through marine and reptile life. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid peak crowds, especially if you have young children. The aquarium is relatively compact, making it ideal for a few hours of exploration. Don't miss the 'Under The Sea' experience for immersive views.

Family Fun & Dining

Exploris is a fantastic family day out with a dedicated soft play area for younger visitors. The on-site cafe offers reasonably priced meals and a unique view of the seals. Many visitors recommend enjoying lunch here to enhance the experience. The gift shop also offers affordable treats like ice cream.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon on weekdays
Why
Quieter after lunch rush
Crowd
Medium
When
During school holidays
Why
More activities for kids
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Exploris Aquarium opens exciting new underwater exhibition

Take Your Time

Don't rush! Enjoy each exhibit; the aquarium is compact but packed with wonders. :stopwatch:

Seal View Cafe Lunch

Dine at the cafe for lovely food and a seal view! Reasonably priced too. :sandwich:

reddit.com

Exploris: Northern Ireland's only aquarium to remain open as Executive secures funding for Portaferry attraction

reddit.com

Went to Exploris last week and I must said that I was pleasantly surprised, definitely will recommend it

Kid's Soft Play Area

Little ones will love the dedicated soft play zone. Perfect for a break! :child:

Interactive Map

Kids can collect stamps on their map as they explore. Fun and engaging! :map:

reddit.com

Planning for a holiday.. on the Ards Peninsula?

Tips

from all over the internet

Take Your Time

Don't rush! Enjoy each exhibit; the aquarium is compact but packed with wonders. :stopwatch:

Seal View Cafe Lunch

Dine at the cafe for lovely food and a seal view! Reasonably priced too. :sandwich:

Kid's Soft Play Area

Little ones will love the dedicated soft play zone. Perfect for a break! :child:

Interactive Map

Kids can collect stamps on their map as they explore. Fun and engaging! :map:

Gift Shop Finds

Reasonably priced souvenirs and ice cream available in the gift shop. :ice_cream:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Exploris Aquarium for its engaging exhibits, particularly the underwater tunnel and seal sanctuary. The family-friendly atmosphere, complete with a soft play area and interactive stamp map, makes it a hit with younger guests. The cafe's seal view and reasonably priced offerings are also frequently highlighted as positive aspects of the visit.

"We loved our visit. We took our time walking around and had lunch in the cafe.

I advise you to take your time and enjoy each area. There is a small soft play for younger children which is great too but the main attractions of the sea life, seals, penguins and other animals are greet to view. I would definitely recommend eating lunch in the cafe as it was really lovely and you get a view of the seals from the cafe. We also bought a few things in the gift shop as it was reasonably priced ice-cream is also sold in the gift shop.

Great family day out 😊"

Crew C

"What an absolutely amazing visit to aquarium. Took our 3 month old granddaughter and here face was an absolute picture she loved the under water tunnel . Great range of all aquatic animals and seeing the baby seals was so cute. A great couple of hours was had very well recommended"

Craig Schonenberger

"It was a good experience and some very interesting sites. The aquarium is quite small so does not take that long to go round. There is a soft play area for the smaller children and a lovely restaurant that is reasonably priced."

C MCV

What People Like

Engaging marine exhibits
Family-friendly features
Seal sanctuary

What People Dislike

Can be small for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Exploris Aquarium is located in Portaferry, County Down. Visitors can reach it by car, with parking available. Public transport options include bus services, though check schedules in advance as they can be less frequent. The scenic drive through the Ards Peninsula is also part of the experience.

Yes, there is parking available for visitors at Exploris Aquarium. It's generally convenient for those arriving by car.

Absolutely! Exploris Aquarium is a perfect destination for a day trip, especially for families. It's compact enough to explore thoroughly in a few hours.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official Exploris Aquarium website or their social media pages for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Generally, they are open daily.

Ticket prices can vary based on age and any special offers. It's recommended to check the Exploris Aquarium website for current admission fees and to book tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons.

While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is often recommended, particularly for weekends and school holidays, to guarantee entry and potentially save time queuing. Check their website for booking options.

Exploris Aquarium may offer discounts for children, seniors, students, or family packages. Keep an eye on their website or inquire directly about any available promotions.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attractions include the impressive underwater tunnel, the seal sanctuary, a variety of marine life exhibits, reptile displays, and the 'Under The Sea' experience. There's also a soft play area for younger children.

Yes, Exploris Aquarium is highly recommended for kids! It features a soft play area, interactive elements like the stamp map, and engaging exhibits that fascinate children of all ages.

Most visitors find that Exploris Aquarium can be explored thoroughly in about 2-3 hours, making it a perfect half-day outing. You can spend longer if you wish to linger at exhibits or enjoy the cafe.

Yes, Exploris Aquarium offers interactive elements, such as a stamp map for children to collect stamps as they journey through the exhibits, adding an engaging layer to the visit.

The 'Under The Sea' experience is a newer feature at Exploris Aquarium, offering visitors five different perspectives of marine life, both from above and below the water, providing an immersive encounter with the ocean's wonders.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Exploris Aquarium has a cafe that offers a range of food and drinks. It's a popular spot for visitors to refuel during their visit.

The cafe typically serves a selection of meals, snacks, and beverages. Visitors have praised the food as 'lovely' and 'reasonably priced'.

Yes, one of the highlights of the cafe is that it offers a view of the seal enclosure, allowing you to watch the seals while you dine. This is a unique and enjoyable feature for visitors.

While specific menus can change, most cafes at attractions aim to offer a variety of options. It's advisable to check the current menu at the cafe or inquire about vegetarian or vegan choices upon arrival.

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside Exploris Aquarium. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask staff about restrictions, especially regarding flash photography which can disturb the animals.

The underwater tunnel offers spectacular photo opportunities with marine life swimming all around you. The seal enclosure and the various themed exhibits also provide great backdrops for memorable pictures.

When photographing through glass or water, try to avoid reflections by positioning yourself at an angle. Using a lens cloth to clean the glass can also improve image clarity. Avoid using flash, as it can startle the animals.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Exploris Aquarium is a top-tier choice for families. The dedicated soft play area is a lifesaver for parents with younger children, offering a safe space for them to play. Don't miss the interactive stamp map that keeps kids engaged as they explore the exhibits. The cafe's seal view is a huge hit, providing entertainment during meal times. It's a compact aquarium, making it manageable for little legs and short attention spans, ensuring a fun and stress-free day out for everyone.

Budget-Conscious Travelers

For those watching their spending, Exploris Aquarium offers good value. The cafe provides reasonably priced meals, and the gift shop also has affordable treats like ice cream. While admission fees apply, the compact nature of the aquarium means you can experience all the highlights in a few hours, making it a cost-effective half-day activity. Consider visiting on weekdays for a potentially less crowded and more relaxed experience.

Couples and Adults

Exploris Aquarium offers a charming and educational escape for couples. The 'Under The Sea' experience provides a visually stunning and immersive journey, perfect for shared discovery. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the exhibits, perhaps followed by a relaxed lunch at the cafe with its unique seal view. It's a peaceful and engaging outing, offering a break from the everyday and a chance to appreciate the wonders of marine life together.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the 'Under The Sea' Experience

Exploris Aquarium's 'Under The Sea' experience is a significant draw, offering visitors a multi-faceted encounter with marine life. This new exhibition allows guests to view aquatic creatures from five distinct perspectives, immersing them in the underwater world. It's designed to be both educational and awe-inspiring, showcasing the diversity and beauty of ocean ecosystems.

The 250,000-liter Ocean Tank is a centerpiece of this experience, providing a vast habitat for a variety of sea creatures. Walking through the underwater tunnel that encircles this tank is a highlight, making visitors feel as though they are truly part of the marine environment. The careful curation of species and habitats within the aquarium reflects a commitment to animal welfare and educational engagement, making it a valuable learning opportunity for all ages.

Visitors have praised the immersive nature of this exhibit, noting how it enhances the overall visit. The combination of visual spectacle and informative displays ensures that guests leave with a deeper appreciation for marine conservation and the wonders of the ocean. It's a testament to Exploris Aquarium's dedication to providing engaging and up-to-date attractions.

Family-Friendly Features at Exploris

Exploris Aquarium is widely recognized as an excellent destination for families. A key feature that delights younger visitors is the dedicated soft play area, providing a safe and fun space for children to burn off energy. This is particularly beneficial for parents looking for a brief respite or an activity tailored to toddlers and preschoolers.

Beyond the soft play, the aquarium incorporates interactive elements designed to engage children. The stamp map activity, where kids can collect stamps as they progress through different exhibits, adds an element of adventure and accomplishment to their visit. This makes the educational journey through marine life more exciting and memorable for them.

Furthermore, the cafe's seal view is a unique selling point for families. Enjoying a meal or a snack while watching the seals adds an extra layer of entertainment that children (and adults!) will find captivating. The overall atmosphere and the variety of exhibits cater well to the curiosity and energy levels of young visitors, making it a stress-free and enjoyable outing for the whole family.

Dining and Amenities

The on-site cafe at Exploris Aquarium is more than just a place to grab a bite; it's an integral part of the visitor experience. Many reviewers highlight the reasonably priced and lovely food, making it a convenient option for lunch or a snack. The cafe's unique selling proposition is its direct view of the seal enclosure, allowing diners to observe the playful antics of the seals while enjoying their meal.

In addition to the cafe, the gift shop offers a selection of souvenirs, including popular items like ice cream, which are noted as being reasonably priced. This provides an opportunity for visitors to pick up a memento of their visit or a treat without breaking the bank.

These amenities contribute to the overall convenience and enjoyment of a day at Exploris Aquarium. The thoughtful integration of dining and shopping, coupled with unique viewing opportunities, enhances the visitor's experience, ensuring they have everything they need for a comfortable and memorable outing.

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