Blue Reef Aquarium

It may be winter outside but we are open all year (closed Christmas Day only) and you are guaranteed a warm welcome - whatever the weather!  With naturally themed tropical displays and underwater walk through tunnels, the aquarium is an oasis of light and colour, even on the darkest days.  Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of a bustling coral reef, it's easy to forget the winter blues and imagine yourself basking in the sunshine of another perfect tropical day!  And what better day to relax and unwind than to watch graceful Black Tip sharks glide effortlessly by or hundreds of brightly coloured reef fish go about their daily lives!

The annual stock-take takes place this weekend at Blue Reef with our very own 'fishy census'.  Blue Reef is inviting you to volunteer to help spot and record the number of certain species including sharks and lionfish!

In celebration of the amazing Octopus, join us for Suckers Week. Discover how these fascinating creatures have adapted to survive in our oceans.

This week-long event highlights a selection of gross behaviour ranging from starfish who throw up their stomachs, to fish who eat poo!

National Science Week is an annual event to celebrate science and highlight its importance to our everyday lives. All week Blue Reef is offering you the chance to become a marine biologist for the day and to take part in some observational and hands on experiments around the aquarium.

Celebrate Mother's Day and come along to Blue Reef and find out all about hardworking fishy mums 

As part of our ongoing commitment to environmental awareness, Blue Reef is running a competition in association with local and national conservation groups to highlight the environmental issues facing our marine world.

From stingrays to sharks, deadly stone fish to piranhas the aquatic world is divided into the hunters and the hunted. Discover the amazing techniques different species have evolved to catch their prey and come face to face with the oceans' ultimate predators - the sharks!

From comical hermit crabs and 'fashion-conscious' decorator crabs to giant lobsters and crayfish, this exciting feature offers a fascinating insight into the incredible world of crustaceans. Follow the Claws Trail and quiz to discover all about these amazing armour-plated creatures.

Despite their reputation as man-eaters, sharks worldwide are under increasing threat from man. Learn all about the secret world of these amazing creatures and what we can do to help protect them in the wild. Regular talks and feeding demonstrations throughout the week

Learn about the different Conservation programmes that Blue Reef is involved in and how you can do your bit to help protect our seas.

World Ocean Day is an annual event aimed at raising awareness of the marine environment. Come and join Blue Reef's day of activities and be part of a worldwide celebration of the planet's seas and oceans.

A selection of sea-going super dads are taking center stage this weekend at Blue Reef. Along with talks and a special guided tour focusing on the aquarium's hard working fathers, Blue Reef is also showcasing some real fishy father figures including clownfish, bangaii cardinal fish and the famous seahorse

Swashbuckling fun for younger visitors - discover all about pirates, privateers and buccaneers. There's storytelling sessions, workshops, flag designing classes and even special talks about some real life Pirates!

Blue Reef is a great place for visitors of all ages to find out more about the wonders of the deep. Whatever the weather, Blue Reef's innovative displays, informative talks and feeding demonstrations keep the family fully entertained.