Oceanarium, The Bournemouth Aquarium

Black Tip Shark Lighter

About

Dive in to a magical underwater journey and discover 1000’s of amazing creatures above and below the waves at Bournemouth Oceanarium.

Submerge yourself in our newly re-themed underwater tunnel, home to stunning sharks, Carrie the loggerhead turtle and many more. Get up close to a cunning croc, mischievous otter family, mesmerizing jellyfish, colourful clownfish and not forgetting our playful colony of Humboldt penguins!

Shark Wreck Reef! The newly refurbished walk through tunnel display which incorporates a shipwreck theme surrounded by stunning coral, encompasses an impressive 350 thousand litres of salt water! Visitors can get up close to over 75 creatures, including a variety of shark species, southern stingrays, moray eels and a giant turtle.

Don’t miss:

- Daily talks and feeds

- School holiday activities

- Kids’ quiz trail

- 11 themed zones

- Kids’ play zone

- Walkthrough tunnel

- Offshore café and Bayview Terrace

- Cove gift shop

There is so much to sea and explore, whatever the weather!

Creature feeding experiences are available at an additional cost and must be pre-booked at least 5 days in advance – see the website for more info.

Book online for great savings!

Creature feeding experiences are available at an additional cost and must be pre-booked at least 5 days in advance – see the website for more info.

Visitor Information:

- Accessible for all

- Super saver family tickets

- Under 3’s free

The Offshore Cafe and Cove gift shop are both open to all. Enjoy amazing views of the bay from our beachfront Offshore Café, open daily from 10am providing a variety of hot and cold food, and proudly serves Starbucks Coffee. The Cove gift shop is full of fascinating and unique merchandise to suit all ages, tastes and pockets.

The Oceanarium is located next to Bournemouth Pier, on the beach front, just a 5 minute walk from the town centre.

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Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£13.50 per person per day
Child£9.50 per person per day
Disabled Adult / Carer£11.50 per person per day
Disabled Child£8.50 per person per day
Family of 3 (2A + 1C)£27.50 per ticket
Family of 4 (2A + 2C)£29.95 per ticket
Family of 5 (2A + 3C)£34.95 per ticket
Family of 6 (2A + 4C)£39.95 per ticket
Senior£11.50 per person per day
Student£11.50 per person per day

Discounted ticket prices are available if visitors book online in advance via the website. See site for full website details.

Opening Times

Opening Times (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Jan 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 18:00*

* Christmas Opening Times:
The Oceanarium is open daily from 10am, last admission 5pm closing 6pm
With the exception of the following over the Christmas holiday:
Christmas Day – CLOSED
Christmas Eve & New Years Eve – Open from 10am. Last admission at 3pm, closing at 4pm.
Boxing Day & New Years Day - Open from 11am. Last admission at 4pm, closing at 5pm.

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

Video

  • Oceanarium
Pier Approach
West Beach
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH2 5AA
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Call direct on:

Tel01202 311993

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TripAdvisor

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      Map & Directions

      Road Directions

      Nearest major road is A35. A338 Wessex Way follow signs. The nearest pay and display car parks are located just a few minutes walk away from the Oceanarium: Bath Road South, Bath Road North and the BIC car park. Coaches can drop off their passengers in the turning area behind the Oceanarium, next to the BIC, just a minute walk from the Oceanarium

      Public Transport Directions

      By bus: Frequent buses running from Bournemouth Railway Station into Bournemouth Town Centre (via Yellow Buses): from Bus Stop 6 - number 3,4a, 4b, 4d, 5a, 5b & 6. The two main bus companies operating in Bournemouth and its surrounding towns are Yellow Buses and More Buses. The closest bus stop to the Oceanarium are situated on Bath Road (less than a minute away), Westover Road (less than five minutes) and Bournemouth Square/Town Centre (a five minute walk through Bournemouth Gardens). By train: Bournemouth Train Station is the main railway station serving the town of Bournemouth. It is just over one mile away from the Oceanarium, approximately a 20 minute walk. A taxi and bus station is immediately accessible upon exiting through railway platforms 3 and 4.

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