📍 Location and contact

1 The RopeWalk, Castle St - >BT22 1NZ, Newtownards
+442842728062

📷 Photos from Exploris Aquarium

ℹ️ Information

Kid-friendly oasis featuring sea life & reptile exhibits, a seal sanctuary, live shows & an eatery.

Exploris Aquarium is a must-visit destination for families, offering a captivating experience filled with aquatic wonders and educational opportunities. This charming aquarium features:

  • Interactive Exhibits: Engage with marine life in unique ways, including a wonderful underwater tunnel where visitors can immerse themselves in an aquatic atmosphere surrounded by fish.
  • Exciting Animal Encounters: Witness playful seals and charming penguins, which are sure to delight both children and adults.
  • Family-Friendly Facilities: The aquarium is well laid out with plenty of activities for children, including a soft play area and picnic spots outside where families can relax.
  • Informative Staff: The knowledgeable team is committed to animal care and shares valuable insights during feeding times and talks, enhancing the overall learning experience.
  • Great Dining Options: Enjoy delicious meals at the Kraken restaurant, which provides a cozy atmosphere to refuel after exploring.

Overall, Exploris Aquarium promises a delightful day out, with something interesting around every corner, making it a fantastic adventure for visitors of all ages.

🕒 Opening hours

  • SUNDAY: 10H-17H
  • MONDAY: 10H-17H
  • TUESDAY: 10H-17H
  • WEDNESDAY: 10H-17H
  • THURSDAY: 10H-17H
  • FRIDAY: 10H-17H
  • SATURDAY: 10H-17H

🎟️ Buy your ticket

🗣️ Exploris Aquarium: Reviews

4.3/5 (210 Reviews)
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Crew C 1 month ago

Fantastic experience: We loved our visit. We took our time walking around and had lunch in the cafe. I advise you to take your time and enjoy each area. There is a small soft play for younger children which is great too but the main attractions of the sea life, seals, penguins and other animals are greet to view. I would definitely recommend eating lunch in the cafe as it was really lovely and you get a view of the seals from the cafe. We also bought a few things in the gift shop as it was reasonably priced ice-cream is also sold in the gift shop. Great family day out

Liz Glass 1 month ago

Positive experience: Great for everybody. But do we really need it. Feel sorry for the penguins out of their environment and the seal pups sitting on their own without water.

Amy Mcauley 1 month ago

Fantastic experience: Awesome place for the whole family to visit, and the restaurant the food was very well priced and good quality

lydia0981 1 month ago

Fantastic experience: We had such a beautiful day out. Would highly recommend for every age. Thank you for the valuable information today, Emmet.

Goran “Daemon” Peuc 1 month ago

Fantastic experience: Great aquarium. A nice gem in this area. It’s not huge but what it has is great quality. Kids will love the under-sea tunnel with fish swimming above them.

Anne Simpson 1 month ago

Positive experience: A thoroughly enjoyable time was had by my Grandchildren and myself on our last visit to Exploris. The staff were friendly and helpful and the exhibits well layed out.

Chloe Hammond 1 month ago

Fantastic experience: Great day out, the kids loved it.

Jonathan Sproule 1 month ago

Positive experience: Great experience for children and the displays are very well put together. Unfortunately the experience was marred by the gift shop, where staff didn't seem friendly which is odd considering this should be an exciting area for children to end their visit. The staff gave the impression that we were distracting them from their admin. When they did come to the checkout they didn't have any emotional intelligence or soft skills whatsoever.

Erwin Weyers 2 months ago

Negative experience: What a terrible hospitality here, you bring a coach with a group and you’re not even allowed in unless you pay the full entrance.

Ian Culbert 2 months ago

Positive experience: Whilst it was a great experience for the children it is overpriced for what it provides.

Suzy Scase 3 months ago

Fantastic experience: First visit in years. The updates and new layout are brilliant. Loved the underwater Tunnel and the Penguin and Capybara additions as well as the stamps kids can add to their map as they go round.

Rory McHugh 3 months ago

Negative experience: Absolute awful. It was fantastic years ago when it first opened.

Roberta Hanlon 3 months ago

Negative experience: Do not waste your money as I was so disappointed as we had driven a fair distance to bring the children here, it was very rundown looking and a sad choice of fish and animals to see. We were in and out in 30 minutes and that was us taking our time and to be honest I was absolutely disgusted by the experience as it definitely wasn’t one that I would do again or recommend to anyone else

Rutu Patel 4 months ago

Fantastic experience: Loved the exploris aquarium! Had an amazing time visiting. ❤️

Michelle Myatt 4 months ago

Fantastic experience: Lovely experience at Exploris. It was brilliant seeing the seals. The Kraken restaurant serves delicious food, would highly recommend it.

ALAN VANCE 4 months ago

Fantastic experience: A great day out for the family, always enjoy coming here.

Neill Walker 4 months ago

Positive experience: A great day but I really miss the way you can touch the fish , the added animals was nice.

Kirsty Gault 4 months ago

Negative experience: I was looking forward to going here with my family for a wee day trip. I was a bit taken back by the aquarium. The tanks were dirty so it wasn’t always easy to see and I felt the sea life looked a bit on the rough side. I thought it was maybe just my interpretation of my trip but a friend of mine had went a week apart from me and shared the same view. I’m not sure if they need more funding perhaps but definitely needs a revamp and maintenance done in my opinion.

Ryan Lynn 4 months ago

Positive experience: It's a bit disappointing after driving all the way there, to be around it in 30 minutes,

Martin Millar 4 months ago

Fantastic experience: Great for kids, plenty to see, outdoor sections with capybara penguins and otters, interactive activities for kids and parents, access for wheelchair users, go on weekday as can get very crowded, went for son's first birthday and he absolutely loved it. Highly recommend & helpful informative staff.

S Fowler 4 months ago

Negative experience: Booked 12 hours before attending and child awoke with vomiting bug , Exploris wouldn’t let us come or exchange that dates, £70 wasted as couldn’t attend, a bit of customer service wouldn’t go a miss. Not hard to let someone reschedule. I will not be back ever again

Niall O'Hagan 4 months ago

Negative experience: Was not great- seems extremely dated. Old and tired looking environment. Interaction levels not great either due to half the animals not on display. The 3 busiest zones are the soft play, the kitchen and the shop on the way out. Staff seem 100% however it genuinely feels like your going back in time. It's a shame, needs a few million spent on it to upgrade.

Pamela Smith 4 months ago

Positive experience: Went with my 2 kids aged 8 and 12, all had a brilliant day. The talks were very informative, the staff were very pleasant. Would love to see more information at each area though and the food at the Kraken restaurant was very poor, my daughter's pizza was inedible, my scone was very dry my cup was dirty. Will definitely return to Exploris, just not the restaurant!

Connie Allen 5 months ago

Fantastic experience: Great experience for all the family, lots to see and beautiful food in the Kracken. Only downside was trying to get parked, it was extremely busy, give yourself extra time for parking.

Allison Goodman 5 months ago

Positive experience: Took our grand daughter here Easter Monday We had a fab day there were two people in particular who made our day brilliant the girl at the penguin enclosure she answered all our questions and the fella who spoke to us about the capybara he was so knowledgeable. We thank them both. It was a busy day but sure you have to just go with flow . Keep up the good work Exploris ❤️❤️

Louise O 5 months ago

Fantastic experience: This might be alot to read but worth the read if your unsure if it's worth the trip Me and my six year old travelled here today after many years ago since I last went (I was kid). We enjoyed every bit of it we took our time going round it all as it not a massive place but it's lovely when you do spend time looking and reading. The fish/starfish/seahorses and sharks etc are very lively and plenty of windows to see them. The wee turtles are beautiful. The sealions are happy and well looked after we couldn't see them when we first came to that enclosure but near the end there's a wee window and luckily we made it for feeding time which was great to see them up close. There's an inside part with a crocodile and a huge open tank with fish and starfish in it and the fish were friendly like coming up to the top. The penguins were so funny it's like they had a wee game going on which was entertaining. We also packed a picnic (money saver!) Even though there is a restaurant but it was packed out and probably expensive as a small redbull was ÂŁ2.50. So wee sat on the wee benches near the penguins. Overall the place its self is clean and there's bins everywhere the animals are looked after and that's what really matters. I do want to comment on the staff at the gift shop weren't overall helpful as we were sent the wrong way when we first went in to be honest I got the vibe she didn't want to work today. The second time in the gift shop a different girl was being abit off too didn't tell me the price of stuff I was buying just kinda took money and set the change down and left... I don't expect staff or anyone to be overly excited or anything but maybe a nicer attitude I guess. (The staff at feeding time or even when you seen them around were lovely). Overall we enjoyed ourselves and definitely planning to go back in the summer

Val G 5 months ago

Fantastic experience: Really good day out. And spotless and all the animals seems healthy and well taken care of.

A L 5 months ago

Positive experience: Been here a few times, even since the renovations. Pleasantly happy to find capybaras there and love the otters. Food at the kracken was very nice and staff are nice. My 2 daughters enjoyed it. However the soft play area is a bit small, little seating area and unmanned. The aquarium for NI is good but compared to the international ones it's a bit small and not much to see.

Ali H 5 months ago

Fantastic experience: Lovely experience brought my 4 month old baby who loved it. Staff all very friendly and nice and helpful

Helen Di Duca 5 months ago

Positive experience: Some enclosures were looking a little tired. The plcae could do with some investment. Best to see the seals when it's not feeding time as there's not much space to see them. Aim to see them 10/15mins after and your will have them all to yourselves.

Ethan 5 months ago

Fantastic experience: My visit to Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry was a truly enriching and enjoyable experience. I was thoroughly impressed by the diverse collection of marine life and wildlife on display, and it was evident that the utmost care and attention were given to their well-being. The habitats provided for each species appeared meticulously maintained, reflecting a strong commitment to their health and comfort. Furthermore, the staff members I encountered were exceptionally knowledgeable and welcoming, readily offering insights and demonstrating a genuine passion for the animals under their care. Their kindness and dedication contributed significantly to the positive atmosphere of the aquarium. Overall, the entire experience was not only educational but also deeply reassuring, highlighting the commendable standards of animal husbandry and the dedication of the team at Exploris Aquarium.

Greg Wallace 5 months ago

Fantastic experience: Great experience for both adults and children. Great to see and know how care and love goes into helping the rescued seals, don't ever try to do this, if see a seal on rocks or on a beach. Leave it alone, it will be resting. Unless it is injured then phone Exploris.. go have fun and enjoy.

Dave 5 months ago

Fantastic experience: Very good, kids really enjoyed it. It's vastly improved since I was last there. Bit expensive but just take your time going round it

T&J 6 months ago

Positive experience: First time visiting and I was genuinely surprised at how good it is. It is particularly good for kids and is very interactive.

Catherine McGratten 6 months ago

Fantastic experience: I recently had the pleasure of visiting Exploris Aquarium, and I can't say enough good things about it! The experience was nothing short of fantastic. First off, the food at the café was divine. Each dish was prepared with care, and the flavors were exquisite, making it a delightful treat for the whole family. The gift shop was another highlight of our visit. It was spectacular and offered a wide variety of items to choose from. Whether you're looking for souvenirs, educational toys, or unique gifts, there's something for everyone. I could have spent hours browsing through all the wonderful selections! What truly impressed me was how well the animals are looked after. It was clear that the staff genuinely cares for the creatures, ensuring they are healthy and happy. Plus, the soft play area was a massive hit with my kids! They had an absolute blast running around and exploring. Speaking of staff, they were amazing—friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. Overall, Exploris Aquarium is a must-visit destination for families. We can't wait to go back!

Isobel Boyd 6 months ago

Positive experience: Interesting visit enjoyed by all, other than eating in the onsite Cafe. Food was extremely disappointing as was the wait. Recommend you eat elsewhere or bring your own picnic.

Laza 6 months ago

Negative experience: We love going to exploris. But this time I have been very underwhelmed. There were very few animals to see, lots of places empty, the beautiful pirate decor nearly all gone… for 30 pounds and a 15 minutes visit. I don’t know what happened, it used to be really lovely. I hope things will improve so we can come back more often

Cat Bailey-Norton 6 months ago

Fantastic experience: Had a fantastic day! Hadn’t been in many years and the aquarium has had a great revamp since then! Clean facilities throughout and animals all showing content, natural behaviours. I will be back

Hannah McIntyre 6 months ago

Fantastic experience: Love Exploris Aquarium - have been the to aquarium a few times as a child and it was always an enjoyable experience, been back twice as an adult and it's just as enjoyable, if not more as I now am able to take in the information. Clean place, great food in the Kraken, and easy to navigate around the aquarium as there are signposts the entire way round.

Mike Nixon 6 months ago

Negative experience: Some time ago me and my daughter went here. Place was nice but an enclosure was full of goats and other land animals INSTEAD of marine animals like promised! Place was good the rest of the time though. No clue why kid’s play area is age restricted for “3-8” years the “older kids” area and “6 months- 2 years” for younger! I get the 6 mths - 2 yrs restriction but my daughter is over the max big area age and she can still fit in there! Unbelievable! Also zoos are hurting animals so we’ll boycott this place. Everyone should! Two stars. Would be five if that big area issue was resolved and animals were no longer being forced to interact with tourists and visitors.

Dana Enache 7 months ago

Fantastic experience: Nice aquarium. Has a soft play area for babies and toddlers. Cafe too

Marc Scott 7 months ago

Fantastic experience: Fun and educational,its been years from i last went to exploris

Nicola McGuire 7 months ago

Fantastic experience: Visited with large family of 7 adults and 6 children from 1-6 years old. We had an amazing time, the kids loved everything. Staff were very helpful, informative and kind to the children. We ate in the cafe afterwards and it was lovely. Definitely a place we would visit again.

shannon snyman 7 months ago

Negative experience: Really disappointing. This was our 1st time back in 8 years and taking our little 5 month old boy. I knew they had put money into it so had expected better things but it was worse than ever before. What seems like way less animals and a lot of empty or sparse tanks. Some places in disrepair and dirty just lacking in a lot of aspects. As for the cafe, oh my goodness can hands down say worse panini of my life!!! ÂŁ8.95 for 2 thin slices of chicken and the (tikka) colour can only be described as something that comes out of my babies back end. The bread was stale it was just awful. Not to mention this was my second choice as the first choice I wanted to was (not available). Honestly such a let down!!

Martin Harris 7 months ago

Negative experience: Animals were playing hide and seek and they won and so was the food as we got about 10 chips for a portion of chunky chips which were then undercooked

Sharon Mohan 7 months ago

Negative experience: Had a lovely morning spent at Exploris. However this was spoilt by the quality of some of the restaurant food.The kids burger meals had blood visible on the burger bun and was served cold.

Neethu Elizabeth Varghese 8 months ago

Positive experience: Great experience for kids and parents.Brilliant Exposure to marine animals especially seals and penguins .Kids will enjoy the display initially and the best part ;they would love the soft play area for sure .Tickets bit costly .

Jeff Smyth 8 months ago

Negative experience: We went today. A wet Saturday with a 4YO and 1YO. Whilst they seemed suitably impressed I was underwhelmed. Half of the exhibition is outside which is not ideal in the rain - most of these outside exhibitions were empty. The internal exhibition could be viewed in 15 minutes.m so not really worth the £36 for 2 adults and 1 child (the infant being free). It all smacked of run down seaside town attraction. I have grown up in Co. Down and wouldn’t return.

Claire Lagan 8 months ago

Fantastic experience: Lovely day out with the family, the best aquarium in Ireland that we've visited so far

Johnny Mits 8 months ago

Fantastic experience: Exploris Aquarium is a fantastic destination for all ages, offering an engaging and educational experience. The variety of marine life is impressive, and the interactive exhibits, like the touch tank, make it even more enjoyable. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to share interesting facts. A great day out for families and nature enthusiasts! Highly recommended!

James Harris 10 months ago

Positive experience: All round good time, good variety of fish and animals. Could do with a face lift, niece loved it though!

Jason kirk 10 months ago

Fantastic experience: Have you say this place is well worth the visit great range of animals and well laid out, we also had bite to eat and where well impressed with the quality and price of the food on offer.

Alexander 10 months ago

Fantastic experience: Its quite small but very educational and the kids loved it. Fairly priced and we stopped off for some food afterwards which was nice. I'm sure we will be back again.

Pigzy XXX 11 months ago

Fantastic experience: Fantastic day out. The new tunnel under the water is brill for the kids. The restaurant for lunch is beautiful & excellent quality. Also a indoor soft play area for the kids. The interaction tank is also great for kids to learn & play.

Martin Cooper 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Well laid out family friendly and lots to do and interact with, the staff have a great knowledge of all the animals and great to interact with.

Nadine Finnegan 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Went as A family outing being an animal lover it was a great experience for all ages. So much to see but id take my time next time as we went through it too quick. We had our dinner in the restaurant afterwards food was delicious and quick service would definately recommend. Will most certainly visit it again

Laura Henry 1 year ago

Positive experience: Enjoyed it but the price at ÂŁ14.50 felt a little steep, but the I guess it goes towards the care of the animals. Felt so sorry for the parrot, it was shredding it's wee tail feathers. The environment was clean and the young staff friendly. The kids seemed to get a lot out of it.

Brian Irvine 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Great place for a family day out. I hadn't been in a long time, and it was a great experience at the underwater tunnel.

M H 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: It's not very big, but lots of fun. Very nice for a day trip. As we are from Belfast, it takes a nice trip to get there. Some areas didn't have animals, but this could be due to the time we went or renovations. Still, child loved it.

Michael Boden 1 year ago

Positive experience: Brilliant been here a few times everytime we have been here though seals have been away other from the baby ones that they rescue! Would love to have a pay for experience where you can hold a seal would be amazing but definitely would recommend takes about an hour to do! Staff are excellent, food in the restaurant was actually decent as well!

Rachel Graham 1 year ago

Positive experience: It's expensive for what it is. We have been twice in the last few months and each time it has felt unfinished with tanks empty etc. Staff not terribly helpful and nowhere to store buggy's but very congested with them in the aquarium. Sadly nowhere to picnic under cover as they want you to eat in the restaurant which seems unreasonable as it's already an expensive visit. It just seems a bit sad compared to 20 years ago - bring back the touch tanks, they were the best bit!

belfastladdie 1 year ago

Positive experience: Worth going to see if you take your time over the exhibits. Large skates very impressive. Some of the exhibits were closed and there was no crocodile in the crocodile enclosure, no seals and nothing at all in the outside exhibits. Expensive for a family though

Emma Mitchell 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Really nice aquarium to keep the kids amused and we loved the new "underwater" tunnel to walk through. It was lovely to see close ups of the fish and sea life. My kids love the penguins and otters outside and there's a picnic area outside too.

elizabeth rose oneill 1 year ago

Negative experience: Visited yesterday after years of taking the grandchildren to exploris it was time to take the great grandchildren for their first visit. Drove an hour and a half and was sorely disappointed. The price charged for entry was absolute extortion considering the fact that half the enclosures were either empty or under construction. Highly do not recommend.

Jessica McCabe 1 year ago

Positive experience: Lovely aquarium with beautiful animals. Lovely food in restaurant.

SteveMcGall 1 year ago

Positive experience: We went today having booked in advance but apart from public holidays you could probably just turn up and get in without any issues. Getting there was a long journey from Ballymena but we had a great time (especially our little girl who loved seeing everything and getting all of the stamps on the back of her map!) We made it there just in time to see the penguins being fed and the staff member who was doing it shared lots of great info about them - definitely check out the feeding times and try to get to one or two. The seals weren't out in the enclosure yet as they were still being looked after or rehabilitated - and the map said there were still a couple of new things coming soon - so it's definitely worth a visit. We actually spent 2hrs there which is longer than I imagined we would.

Wookie Howlett 1 year ago

Negative experience: Very disappointing. Inside was dirty, looked like outside of tanks had not been cleaned in months. When compared to what else is on offer for a day out, there are so many others for value for money.

Clare Barrett 1 year ago

Positive experience: Been coming here since 2007. Always improving. Looking forward to visiting again when current renovations are finished.

Bart Piasek 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: It is a very educational and well maintained Aquarium. A lot of interesting information that is displayed/presented in nice and modern way. Definitely worth a visit when in the area. Many of the display tanks with expected species but also a good few surprises which I won't spoil here. Just a nice glimpse into the endless capabilities of our Incredible mother nature.

David Palmer 1 year ago

Positive experience: Not a bad place to visit if you are gonna be in the area and the weather isn't great. Really young kids will get bored easily but the soft play area is pretty good at the end. You'll find the whole experience lasts 30-40 minutes, then you will find yourself in the restaurant and gift shop. The last couple of times we struggled to get parked so if you see a spot on the sea front grab it and dander up to the entrance. The price might seem steep, but the overheads to run this place are high and you can see they are doing their best to offer value for money.

Angela Vance 1 year ago

Positive experience: It's good place with the kids although it is a little steep in price for all it is 45mins to an hour and your through it

Debbie O'Neill 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: We're members for Exploris and have been many times. I enjoyed this visit as some of the fish had moved around and all the sick bay seals were out in the water looking fit and healthy and some cute ones too. The discount in the gift shop is a massive bonus for us

Jan Campbell 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Haven’t been in many years but went on Easter Tuesday with my granddaughter and son. Love the recommended route, the sea tunnel, exotics and the “new” additions of otters and the penguins. Soft play area is a great addition too. Cafe food looked amazing too. Well managed on a busy day. We will be back.

Paula McGahey 1 year ago

Negative experience: Really poor visit with TERRIBLE customer service... Really disappointed first visit to Exploris. After hearing mostly good things, we booked for two kids and two adults. I actually had to change the date that we had originally booked, I emailed to try and change the date and received no response (still waiting). I had to phone on two occasions to change the date and both times received awful customer service. The woman I spoke with was very matter of fact and not helpful at all, explaining that we had to "forfeit" the online rate and pay extra to change the date. This was with over a weeks notice. I just paid the extra and changed the date. Today we arrived at Exploris after a long drive to get there. The woman on reception was just so unhelpful and very unwelcoming, didn't crack a smile and it just felt very awkward. She then explained that the on site restaurant was closed but also that we weren't able to leave the premises for food and come back, if we left we wouldn't get back in. With a no picnic policy and me standing with 2 young children I was aghast. We had intended to stay all day and make the most of it, especially when it was so far away. It was bad enough what she was saying but it was how she said it - so matter of fact and it was just "policy". Thankfully the manager came along at that time who was a bit more helpful and explained that on this occasion we would be allowed back in and provided a recommendation of where to go for lunch. The woman just stood there and offered no help whatsoever. Some training in customer service would go a long way. Exploris itself is just okay - quite expensive for all it is. The site is very small, there isn't that much to see, the indoor bit that has been renovated is nice but the outdoor bit is so grubby and rundown. The toilets were disgusting and the smell coming from them was even worse. The place was freezing, it felt like the heating hadn't been put on in weeks, especially in the soft play bit. It is quite a far drive away from us and on this occasion it wasn't worth the drive and we wouldn't return or recommend.

Justin Rafferty 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: I was absolutely enjoyed visiting to Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry today and all of fishers and animals are so adorable.

Libby O'Leary 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Lovely place to take the grandkids. Plenty to see and do. Very educational.

Elizabeth Leary 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Lovely place to take the grandkids. Very educational. Would definitely recommend.

Vincent 1 year ago

Positive experience: Great family day out. Be sure to take your time otherwise you will be around everything in 45 mins.

Megan-Jayne Thomas 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Myself and my Partner visited on 16/01/24 as we had some free time together during a trip visiting some family. We had an amazing day and went round the site twice to make sure we saw all the animals and made the most of our trip. The keepers / aquarists we had the pleasure of speaking with were amazing, lovely and welcoming staff with a plethora of knowledge regarding the animals and aquatics they look after. Myself and Callum had the pleasure of speaking in depth with Blair and Rebecca who exude passion for animal care, welfare and education whom made the day an all-round 10/10 experience. Special thanks also to Brendon from estates and maintenance who was more than hospitable, happily chatting away with us even if we distracted him from painting. Wonderful team, will recommend you to everyone, we will certainly be back. Thanks again - Megan and Callum. <3

Oscar Fishi 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: its awesome, there are so many types of different fish and so much detailed facts about them everywhere, i want to thank the person who drew the art for the fish facts on the screens around the aquariums because their art is just the one of the best i've ever seen. I went there for my birthday and it was so fun (personally because i love fish so so much) and i think anyone would find this aquarium really fun to be in. Not only do they have a wide variety of fish, they have (i think) crocidiles, seals, turtles, penguins, ducks, geese, a capybara (i think) and some other animals. there is also a list of times each animal is fed at and the staff (who are all so awesome) talk about and give facts about too. I cant talk much on the other animals in the aquarium because i mainly spent my time looking at the fish so idk. they also had a renovation since the last time i've been there and from what i've heard there are more fish to come soon like their black tip reef shark or sharks??(im not sure i dont remember right) Overall, great aquarium, also a really good gift shop at the end with a ton of fish stuff and other stuff at reasonable prices which i love so yeah awesome aquarium.

Sean Cavanagh 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Very entertaining and educational. The highlight was the seal pup feeding.

sidsan De gratia 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Exploris Aquarium offers a captivating underwater experience with diverse marine life.The tunnel tank adds an exciting dimension to the visit, allowing visitors to walk through a submerged tunnel surrounded by marine life. The immersive feel of being surrounded by water and sea creatures enhances the overall experience. The tunnel design is well-executed, providing clear views of the underwater world. The seals showcase playful behavior and are a delight for visitors, while the penguins offer a quirky and entertaining spectacle. Makesure, early visiting is quite appreciated, feeding time would be made appropriately during visit. The staff's expertise in explaining these processes enhances the overall experience, making it both entertaining and informative. There's a bar and grill at the top which would add more energy to the visitors

Jimmy Joe 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Fantastic. Been upgraded for the better. Kids enjoyed it. Highly recommended for young children.

Richard Phillips 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Great little spot with everything you'd expect from an aquarium of this size.

Josh Butler 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Well kept aquarium with lots of exciting sea creatures to look at! Staff are excellent and display great knowledge at feeding times. (Seals, otters, penguins.)

Juliette Hagan 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: I love how they rescue sick and abandoned seals then release them wen theyre better

Henry 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: This was definitely one of the best ever aquariums I have visited. The staff were very friendly and they had a wide range of animals from fish to capybaras. There was even a soft play area for kids!! I would definitely recommend going there if you are in town.

Jonathan Breen 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great place to visit kids, and adults loved it

Tim Green 2 years ago

Positive experience: Great day out learning about various fish& habitats. Alot to be seen and a lot of areas to visited - recommend going early to make use of the full day. They had various interactive feedings scheduled throughout the day so was nicely broken up as you walked around - only issue would be the lack of sound systems so you need to be there early to get a good spot so you are able to hear what is being talked about, if you are further back it is very hard to heard.

Stephanie Burke 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: It was a fantastic day out. The staff were lovely and helpful. The food was delicious. The aquarium was fantastic.

Alex Doherty 2 years ago

Negative experience: Took my nephews here for a ‘day out’ and we were finished in 20 minutes. One huge part was closed for refurbishment and we were still charged the same price. Everything is either closed or distracted by a mechanical toy that cost £1 to ride, every turn was another excuse to charge money. My nephew kept saying “where are all the sea creatures” and he was so disappointed. We were told the cafe wasn’t open until 11 so we went up at 10:55 to wait, as there was nothing else to do, and we were told to leave! Couldn’t believe it. The outdoor snack area… closed. All the seals in the seal hospital and you can’t get in to see them, have to just look at them through glass. No animals in the outdoor tanks. I think we should have been given a reduction seeing as there was nothing to do. The first 1/3 of the tour is great, the rest is such a let down, Don’t think I’ll be back. Prepare for an arcade, not an aquarium

Exploris Aquarium

Sorry to hear your experience isn't what you expected wasn't what you expected. Alex would really appreciate it if you gave us a call to discuss. 02842728062 between 10-4 and select general enquiries.

Peter McDonagh 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: It has been a while since last here and nice to see the aquarium is developing still and expanding. Good range of animals and sealife and talks were interesting and nice to see the care the animals are given. Area outside for picnic is great too.

XIX 2 years ago

Positive experience: It's much better from the last time I was here, but still not much different from their big "makeover" from years ago. Still had a good experience here though. Great for family days out, and they have a cafe/restaurant.

Andrew Mcwatters 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Fun afternoon out. Has been refurbished a little with some works still in progress so a few places unavailable. Car parking available with a bigger carpark up the lane beside it. Take the ferry back for extra adventure!

T S 2 years ago

Positive experience: Very average. When we got there it was expensive enough to get in, only for half of the place to be closed off with building work, it was poorly signposted and easy to get lost. While standing g looking at some of the tanks the building work was going on about 10 yards away, if I Had of been working there I would have requested ear defenders, so pretty poor site management for a start, I can speak from experience as I've been working in the construction industry for 20 years. Its just a very disappointing experience. Some interesting stuff but in general, won't be rushing back or recommending it to anyone I know any time soon at the current prices.

PastorV 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Wonderful! We paid for the private tour, and it exceeded our expectations. Brian was phenomenal and very entertaining. Tons of knowledge and a great sense of humour. The place was clean, presentable, and very enjoyable. Recommended to anyone!

Aneesh P M 2 years ago

Positive experience: A good place for kids exploration... We Really enjoyed it.. the restaurant is top notch.. the kid who is taking orders is the attraction I think, a role model. Yummy food, well trained staff. Don't forget to take the ferry to reach Downpatrick after viewing the aquarium,

Barry O'Donnell 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great visit over Easter with the family, besides struggling to park due to the crowds, we had a great day and loved seeing all the animals/fish/creatures. I especially liked the outdoor area with the otters and penguins! Will definitely be back again.

Steven E 2 years ago

Positive experience: The big shark tank is closed till June for refurbishment. That was our main reason to go but still had a great day out

Raymond 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: It’s worth an hours drive from Belfast! Good spot for a fun day out with the family plenty to see and kids loved the soft play area too. Tho the gift shop is quite expensive. I definitely recommend visiting here

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