Enjoy the Exploris Aquarium

The completely redeveloped and remodelled centre – which still includes famous aquarium, educational open pools in the ‘Strangford Vikings’ and kids’ zone as well as the seal sanctuary – now boasts a reptile section and exciting additions to our deep-sea exhibit.

A sunken galleon, friendly sharks, super cute seals and an Asian otter family all showcase in Northern Ireland’s only aquarium.

Located in Portaferry on the shores of Strangford Lough, your journey will begin with a focus on the lough and Irish Sea where you will get a ‘hands on’ experience as you tickle the belly of a small shark and feel the spikes on a sea urchin.

Continue to the colourful coral reefs of the Tropical Ocean and see if you can find ‘Nemo’ and ‘Dory’ before entering the smugglers cove where sharks circle above you. Return to the shores to see the endangered but playful otters and witness conservation in action in the nursery seal pens and outdoor pools. Don’t forget to explore the dark depths of the Reptile filled Rainforest where a snappy crocodile and green geckos hide.

Highlights

See a sunken galleon, friendly sharks, super cute seals and an Asian otter family
Tickle the belly of a small shark and feel the spikes on a sea urchin
See if you can find ‘Nemo’ and ‘Dory’
Witness conservation in action in the nursery seal pens and outdoor pools
Explore the dark depths of the Reptile filled Rainforest

Open

Open Daily Year Round

Monday to Sunday 10:00–17:00

Last admission: 16:00

Prices

Admission Prices 2018

Adult: £9.50
Senior (aged 65+): £9.00
Student (with valid ID): £9.00
Child: £8.00
Family (2 adults + 2 children): £30.00

Book online for discount!

Useful Information

Check out their range of facilities, services, accessibility, and other useful information.

DINING: The Craken Café is a cafe and licensed restaurant providing space to relax and enjoy some amazing food made with local produce.

PICNIC: No picnic rule! There are some super tasty, locally produced treats that you can enjoy during your visit.

PARKING: There is a public carpark adjacent to Exploris which offers limited free parking onsite.

ACCESSIBILITY: Cafe is accessible by wheelchair users via a lift from the ground floor and visitors can enjoy the view over the outdoor pools and otter enclosure. Gift shop is also full accessible and is location on the ground floor and our friendly team are available to offer assistance, should you need it. There is also limited seating areas throughout the Aquarium which can be seen as rest points on the tour. Additional facilities including disabled car parking spaces, disabled toilets and discounted admission for necessary carers are designed to be accessible to guests with disabilities.

GROUPS: You must call to arrange your group visit.

Getting There

From Belfast take the A20 through Newtownards and on to Portaferry

Map Location: 54.381723, -5.549448

Contact Exploris Aquarium

The Rope Walk, Castle Street, Portaferry, Co. Down, Northern Ireland

Eircode: BT22 1NZ
T: +353 (0)28 4272 8060
E: info@explorisni.com
W: explorisni.com

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