Get ready to explore the deep blue without leaving dry land with some of the most exciting aquarium experiences in the UK!
From hands-on rock pools to immersive ocean tunnels, the UK is home to a fantastic range of aquariums that bring you face-to-fin with marine life from around the world.
Whether you’re watching sharks glide overhead, feeding rays, or meeting curious penguins, there are unforgettable aquarium experiences waiting across the country.
Many aquariums also offer behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and even snorkelling or diving experiences for those wanting to take their adventure to the next level!
Perfect for family days out, school holidays, or something a little different on your UK travels, these aquatic adventures offer fun, education, and inspiration all rolled into one.
So dive in and discover the most incredible aquarium experiences the UK has to offer—from coastal gems to city-centre marine worlds!
Aquarium Experiences To Consider
Skegness Aquarium
Tower Esplanade, Skegness PE25 3HH
The Shark Educational Dive is suitable from 10 years up and will allow participants the chance to immerse themselves in the wonders of the underwater world, and Dive with Sharks at Skegness Aquarium.
With an experienced instructor on hand to guide you, you’ll be getting up close and personal with an array of incredible sea life species, ranging from rays and unicorn fish to black top reef sharks and zebra sharks.
Breathe how nature intended with state of the art life support equipment which will allow you to breathe through your mouth or your nose whilst your instructor gives you verbal guidance and reassurance via a diver communication device.
For further information about the Aquarium Experience at Skegness Aquarium click here
Bristol Aquarium
Location : Anchor Rd, Bristol BS1 5TT
Meet the inhabitants of the Coral Reef and see how they train the rays and sharks to come to the surface for their breakfast!
Discover more about the shark species that can be found around our own shores!
Meet the inquisitive rays and learn about how they’re actually flat sharks.
For further information about the Aquarium Experience at Bristol Aquarium click here
National Marine Aquarium
Location : Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth PL4 0LF
Climb into the snorkel-pen and immerse yourself amongst animals such as stingrays, sharks and even a cheeky Green Turtle too!
You’ll have the best view in the Aquarium as you plunge into a snorkel experience like no other. The experience is for up to two people.
All participants must be over 10+ years of age, and at least one adult (18+) will need to accompany and be responsible for anyone under 16 in the snorkel-pen.
All those who book must be competent swimmers.
For further information about the Aquarium Experience at the National Aquarium click here
Oceanarium
Location : Bournemouth BH2 5AA
You could 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 a turtle.
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 or come face to face with the spectacular Black Tip Reef Sharks.
For further information about the Aquarium Experience at Oceanarium click here
Blue Reef Aquarium
Location : Clarence Esplanade, Southsea PO5 3PB
Join the team of aquarists and bring out your inner marine enthusiast, as you take part in an experience that you certainly won’t forget.
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium. You’ll be joined by a senior aquarist who will share their expert knowledge of the fascinating creatures they care for and the wonderful creatures you’ll meet.
Get your kitchen skills ready because you’ll even be helping to prepare lunch for the fishes and take part in specialist work required to care for the creatures.
For further information about the Aquarium Experience at Blue Reef Aquarium click here
Chester Zoo
Location : Chester CH2 1LE
Join the keepers as they take you on an immersive journey behind the scenes through the aquarium.
You’ll have the opportunity to feed and interact with some of the most interesting and endangered fish!
This is a one-on-one experience with the keeper which gives you a brilliant opportunity to ask all your questions.
Learning about the realities of life in the wild and what we do here to protect these species from extinction.
For further information about the Aquarium Experience at Chester Zoo click here
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Location : County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
Encounter green sea turtles, unlock secrets with exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, and marvel at ocean life from a different perspective.
Join their VIP Penguin Experience for an intimate encounter with the sub-Antarctic penguin colony. Secure your spot in the VIP Turtle Experience and enjoy a lunch date with Boris and Dougie, the Green Sea Turtles.
You could go on a 15 minute snorkel in a transparent cage with 360° views of our fin-tastic sharks, from the giant Sand Tiger Sharks to the Blacktip Reef Sharks.
For further information about the Aquarium Experience at SEA LIFE London click here
SEA LIFE Birmingham
Location : Brindley Pl, Birmingham B1 2HL
Meet the Northern Sea Otters, Ozzy & Ola, only at the National SEA LIFE Centre! Get up close to the Gentoo penguins, step inside their arctic home and hand-feed them their fishy banquet.
Get to know and feed the smaller animals of the aquarium with a fin-tastic experience. Perfect for families with children aged 5+.
Head behind the scenes of the UK’s only 360° Ocean Tunnel to feed some of its most iconic residents.
For further information about the Aquarium Experience at SEA LIFE Birmingham click here
Looking for a different animal experience, then check out the Animal Experiences Near Me