Oceanarium Bournemouth

Description

Oceanarium Bournemouth is a family-friendly aquarium located right on Bournemouth seafront. It offers an exciting journey into the underwater world with a wide variety of sea creatures from around the globe. The centre is open daily and provides visitors with a mix of education and fun, perfect for both children and adults.

The aquarium is home to animals such as penguins, sharks, turtles, otters, stingrays, crocodiles, seahorses, and many colourful fish. Visitors can explore themed displays from the Amazon to the Abyss, and enjoy interactive experiences like feeding penguins or being an Aquarist for a day. There are also engaging exhibits that showcase different ocean environments.

Online ticket prices start at £13.99 for adults, £8.99 for children (3–15), with family tickets at £32.99. Gate prices are slightly higher, with adults at £16.99 and children at £11.99. Under 3s go free.

A visit to the Oceanarium is more than just seeing marine animals—it’s about getting close to them and learning in a fun way. With birthday party packages, hands-on experiences, and plenty of facilities like cafes and play zones, it makes for an exciting and educational day out. This is a must-visit attraction in Bournemouth for families looking to create unforgettable memories together.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

  • Animals: The Oceanarium showcases an impressive range of marine life—from iconic species like clownfish, loggerhead sea turtles, southern stingrays, red-bellied piranhas, Epaulette sharks, West African dwarf crocodiles, and Humboldt penguins, to diverse ocean inhabitants such as Inca terns, pig-nosed turtles, African mud turtles, blacktip reef sharks, green moray eels, seahorses, long-spined sea urchins, Oriental small-clawed otters, lobsters, regal tangs, moon jellyfish, Chinese water dragons, and dogface pufferfish. These animals span fish, reptiles, invertebrates, birds, and mammals, offering a rich, immersive marine experience.
  • Displays: The ocean has so many different sides to it. From the Humboldt current of South America, where the perky penguins thrive, to the balmy waters of Key West, teeming with fish of every colour. Then there's the mysterious Amazon, where fish have teeth, and the dark depths of the Abyss, a place where humans are aliens. Discover all our fascinating displays and uncover some of the mysteries of the other half of our planet.
  • Animal Experiences: Would you like to get even closer to our amazing creatures? Have a penguin take a fish right out of your hand, see a shark’s teeth in action, or look closely into the eyes of our gentle turtle, Carrie. There are many different opportunities to get behind the scenes and really experience these beautiful creatures. You can even be an Aquarist for a whole day!

Facilities

  • Parking: Car parking available.
  • Food & Drinks: Cafes available. 
  • Toilets: The Oceanarium has three main toilets, one accessible toilet and four child changing tables. 

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Online prices

  • Adult: £13.99
  • Child (3-15): £8.99
  • Under 3: Free
  • Family (2+2): £32.99
  • Senior/Students: £11.99

Gate price

  • Adult: £16.99
  • Child (3-15): £11.99
  • Under 3: Free
  • Family (2+2): £39.99
  • Senior/Students: £14.99

Pricing URL: https://www.oceanarium.co.uk/opening-hours-and-prices/pricesvisitors

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Make it a birthday to remember at the Oceanarium and celebrate with your friends and all your aquatic favourites including curious sea turtles, mischievous otters, playful penguins and colourful clownfish!  

We offer you a unique venue for birthday parties and includes:

  • The birthday child will be given the special opportunity of assisting their dedicated host with a scatter feed in our Key West tank, giving them a chance to have an up close and personal experience with a range of exotic fish!
  • Admission to the Oceanarium.
  • 10 x free adults to accompany birthday party. Additional adults pay £8.99.
  • A dedicated Oceanarium host for the duration of your party.
  • You will have an area reserved next to the Kids' play zone where you will be served your birthday party food.
  • Party bags.
  • Oceanarium party invitations.
  • Free return visit for the birthday child, valid for up to a year.

Parties run for 2 hours and are available on both weekdays and weekends (subject to availability & excluding school holidays). A birthday party must have a minimum of 10 children and a maximum of 15 and is suitable for children 3-10 years old. Visit the website for more information. 

  • Only £22.95 per child
  • 10 x free adults to accompany the birthday party
  • Additional adults just £8.99

The Oceanarium is open daily from 10am throughout the year, except for Christmas Day. Closing times vary depending on the season (mostly 18pm). You can find full details here.

Address: Oceanarium, Pier Approach, Bournemouth BH2 5AA, UK

Post Code: BH2 5AA

Council: Bournemouth

County: Dorset

You’ll find the Oceanarium on Bournemouth seafront next to the Pier and a short walk from the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC).

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