Explore marine ecosystems at a waterside aquarium, plus feeding sessions and an underwater tunnel.
Marvel at fascinating creatures from above and below the waves! Come face to face with sharks, turtles, stingrays, a crocodile, jellyfish, clownfish and the very cute otter family.
Fall head over flippers in love and waddle with playful Humboldt penguins whilst getting up close and personal with inquisitive Inca terns.
Watch the water come alive while penguins, sharks, otters, stingrays and a loggerhead turtle grab a bite to eat during our daily feeding talks. Stop for a refreshment break during your visit at the Offshore Café and don’t forget to treat yourself to a souvenir from The Cove gift shop.
Take an underwater adventure around the waters of the world and come face to face with hundreds of awesome creatures.
Immerse yourself in a sea of colour, with ten spectacular recreated environments.
Planning on visiting on a wet weather day?
Please be aware that on wet days during school holidays and weekends, the Oceanarium can get extremely busy.
Although we don’t have any maximum capacity as we are classed as a walk through attraction, we are very aware of a sensible limit of visitors and will stop admitting people when we reach this. This means that if you visit on a wet day in the school holidays or on weekends, please be advised that you may have to queue for a long time to get in (some of which may be outside without cover), and that it will be very busy once you are inside the aquarium, particularly around feeding times.
We have a pushchair park which is on the first floor accessible by a lift. However if you can, we advise not to bring your pushchair on such days to help ease visitor flow. Please also be aware that Penguin Beach Encounter is an outside exhibit so wet weather clothing is advisable.
The Oceanarium is open 364 days per year (closed Christmas Day) and is an ALL weather attraction, suitable for any weather condition; not just rainy days. However we look forward to welcoming you whichever day you choose to visit.
ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL
The Oceanarium displays are situated on two floors with lift access, as well as stairs. Wide passageways are throughout the displays for ease of access. There are some steps within the Oceanarium but all of these are clearly marked and alternative routes are available. Disabled toilet facilities, the Offshore Café and Cove gift shop are all located on the ground floor.
PUSHCHAIRS & BUGGIES
Please note: In wet, rainy conditions when the Oceanarium is likely to be busier than normal, we advise visitors to leave pushchairs at home. However if this is not possible, you will be asked to fold down your pushchair and leave in the pushchair park (unsupervised area) or alternatively, take pushchairs around the aquarium with you.
BLUE BADGE PARKING
Unfortunately, due to the seafront location, we do not have our own car park. Please find below details of Blue Badge Parking in Bournemouth.
ON STREET
Badge holders may park free of charge and without time limit at on street “pay and display” machines unless a local traffic order is in force. Signs explaining any restrictions will be in place. The Blue Badge must be displayed.
There are disabled parking spaces available in the following town centre locations:
Please note that at some of these locations a time restriction may apply during certain hours. Please check the signs and display your disabled badge.
OFF STREET
In car parks operated by Bournemouth Borough Council, badge holders must pay unless the VEHICLE is tax exempt. The Road Fund Licence will show nil and the word disabled.
If you hold a disabled blue badge you may park in a disabled bay. Please purchase a pay and display ticket and clearly display your disabled badge.
