Name: Exploris Aquarium
Rating: 5.0

Exploris Aquarium

Exploris Aquarium, The RopeWalk, Castle St, Portaferry, Newtownards, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Website

Contact

Message

Description

Exploris Aquarium is Northern Ireland's only public aquarium and seal sanctuary, standing out as one of the best things to do with kids in Portaferry. Operating as an engaging indoor and outdoor aquatic centre.

Prices start from £12.00 for children and £14.50 for adults, while toddlers aged under 2 enter completely free. It invites families to explore native lough ecosystems alongside a tropical paradise zone.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this scenic coastal destination delivers an educational adventure overlooking Strangford Lough. Children and parents can journey together along interactive rockpools, view active rescue seals, and explore the newly opened Under the Sea Experience.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

What makes Exploris Aquarium unique?

Northern Ireland’s only public aquarium serving as the region's exclusive dedicated facility for marine life and coastal conservation.
Active seal sanctuary facility dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured or abandoned seal pups along the local coastline.
Diverse habitat zones combining native lough displays with tropical reef tanks, a reptile exhibit, and an expanded outdoor animal area.
Interactive family learning offering tactile touchpools, indoor soft play, and daily keeper talks designed to engage young minds.

What are the top 5 highlights to see?

What can you experience at the Native Lough & Irish Sea Zone? This opening zone introduces families to marine creatures natively found splashing around Strangford Lough and local coastal waters. Children love spotting local fish species weaving through simulated rocky reefs and kelp beds.
How does the Tropical Paradise Zone captivate visitors? This vibrant indoor space transports families to warm international waters filled with colourful coral reef fish and exotic species. Young explorers find the bright patterns and darting movements of tropical marine life endlessly entertaining.
What is special about the Seal Sanctuary and Outdoor Area? This newly expanded open-air zone houses the rescue seal rehabilitation pools alongside playful residents. Families can watch recovering seal pups splash about and learn about real-world marine rescue operations.
What can families discover in the Otter and Capybara Enclosure? This outdoor habitat is home to mischievous Asian short-clawed otters and Hector the capybara. Children enjoy watching the otters zip through the water and interact with their expert keepers during feeding times.
Where can you view the New Under the Sea Experience? This major feature brings visitors right into a dynamic aquatic world with immersive viewing windows and modern exhibits. It provides a captivating, up-close look at specialized marine habitats.

Facilities

Toilets: Accessible public restrooms and baby-changing facilities are positioned throughout the centre, including adult changing rooms.
Buggy Accessibility: The venue features flat, level indoor pathways designed with full wheelchair and pushchair accessibility in mind.
Sensory Considerations: Dedicated quiet sessions are hosted daily from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM to support visitors with sensory sensitivities.
Food Options: The on-site restaurant and bistro offer full family menus, while outdoor picnic areas are available for packed lunches.

Pro-Tips for visiting parents

Book Online in Advance: Secure tickets online ahead of time to guarantee entry during peak weekends and holidays.
Check Quiet Hour Timings: If your child prefers a calmer environment, plan your arrival toward the late afternoon quiet session slot starting at 4:00 PM.
Combine with the Ferry: Turn the day out into an adventure by taking the pedestrian and car ferry across Strangford Lough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Exploris Aquarium worth it for toddlers? Yes, toddlers love looking at colourful tropical fish, watching playful otters, and enjoying the indoor soft play area. The compact layout and low-level viewing windows keep very young children engaged and entertained throughout the entire visit.
How long does a visit take? A standard family visit takes between 2 and 3 hours, giving everyone plenty of time to walk through all indoor zones and explore the outdoor animal areas. This duration fits comfortably into a half-day family itinerary along the Ards Peninsula.
Where is the best place to park? The most convenient parking is found right outside the entrance in the venue's complimentary visitor car park. This parking zone provides level, easy access straight to the main reception desk and ticket office.
Are there cheap family days out in Portaferry? Yes, Exploris Aquarium offers great value family ticket bundles starting from £34.00, with children aged under three entering completely free. It stands out as a brilliant, educational coastal day out for families exploring Northern Ireland.

What to see

Key Exhibits and Named Features

Native & Tropical Tanks: Comprehensive displays featuring regional and international aquatic species.
Seal Sanctuary Pools: Active rehabilitation areas for rescued seal pups.
Asian Short-Clawed Otter Holt: Outdoor stream enclosure for river otters.
Reptile & Amphibious Exhibit: Specialized terrariums housing cold-blooded creatures.
Indoor Soft Play Area: Dedicated padded play zone for babies, toddlers, and juniors up to age eight.
The Kraken Bar & Grill: On-site bistro serving hot meals, snacks, and children's menus.
Gift Shop: Fully stocked retail store featuring marine toys and souvenirs.
Outdoor Picnic & Play Spaces: Open-air seating zones for family relaxation.

What Visitors Love

Meaningful Rescue Focus: Parents frequently praise the active seal sanctuary, giving kids a powerful look at real animal rescue and rehabilitation work.
Compact and Manageable Layout: The facility size is ideal for families, letting children explore all marine zones without getting exhausted.
Indoor Soft Play Addition: The inclusion of an indoor soft play area provides a brilliant space for younger kids to burn off extra energy.

What Visitors Don't Like

Busy Peak Holidays: School holidays and weekend afternoons can experience heavy foot traffic around popular viewing tanks.
Weather Exposure Outside: Walking between the indoor aquarium buildings and the outdoor animal areas can feel chilly during windy coastal days.
Gift Shop Exit Route: The main path leads directly through the retail store, which can test patience with younger children wanting toys.

What is near the attraction for secondary activities?

Portaferry Castle: A historic 16th-century tower-house located just a short walk away from the aquarium.
Strangford Lough Ferry: Scenic crossing connecting Portaferry to Strangford village across the lough.
Winterfell Castle Location (Castle Ward): Famous filming location situated a short drive and ferry ride away.

Website

Contact

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Exploris Experience

Adult: GBP 14.50
Child: GBP 12.00
Concession: GBP 12.00

Under the Sea Experience Family Experience

Family Ticket – 1 Adult, 2 Children: From GBP 32.00
Family Ticket – 1 Adult, 3 Children: From GBP 42.00
Family Ticket – 2 Adults, 1 Child: From GBP 32.00
Family Ticket – 2 Adults, 2 Children: From GBP 42.00
Family Ticket – 2 Adults, 3 Children: From GBP 49.00
Family Ticket – 1 Adult, 4 Children: From GBP 49.00

Experience Days

Evening Beneath the Sea: From £25.00
Capybara Lunch Experience: From £99.00
Shark Feed Experience: From £65.00
Aquarist for a Day: From £149.00

Pricing URL: https://explorisni.axess.shop/en/Products/Tickets/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Yes, children's birthday party packages are available to book for celebrations. For package availability, group inclusions, and party pricing, contact the visitor services team directly via email at [email protected] or [email protected].

Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Last Admission: 3:45 PM.
Quiet Sessions: Monday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–11:00 AM.

Address: Exploris Aquarium, The RopeWalk, Castle St, Portaferry, Newtownards, UK

Post Code: BT22 1NZ

Council: Ards and North Down

County: County Down

By Car: Drive towards Newtownards and follow the scenic A20 coastal road straight down the Ards Peninsula into Portaferry. Use postcode BT22 1NZ for sat-nav mapping.
By Bus & Ferry: Ulsterbus routes run directly from Belfast to Newtownards and Portaferry. Alternatively, pedestrian passengers can take the scenic car ferry across from Strangford to the Portaferry slipway, leaving a brief 5-minute walk to the entrance.
Car Parking: The venue offers dedicated free car parking on-site, along with designated parking bays for disabled visitors and touring coaches.