National Marine Aquarium

Discover an exciting new world where science and conservation come to life in the ocean experience of a lifetime. Britain’s biggest aquarium has just got even bigger thanks to their brand new three-floor, multi-million pound interactive centre at the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth.

Explorocean is a new and exciting attraction within the aquarium, showcasing the very latest ocean technology and is full of unique experiences for the whole family to enjoy. From underwater obstacle courses and Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) games to virtual sonar tours, latest satellite images from space and 3D deep-sea journeys, there’s something fun for everyone.

Explorocean features Aqua Theatre, Ocean Energy and Seabed Futures, which are home to over 20 brand new exhibits in the aquarium. Covering three floors, Explorocean is jammed packed with hands-on fun and thought-provoking exhibits, where you can try your hand at flying a real ROV to the seabed on a mission against time, take part in ROV races, manoeuvre your way around a sea-bed obstacle course and watch exciting demonstrations of the latest ocean technology, all in their huge purpose-built tank within Aqua Theatre.

You can also learn more about the Ocean Pharmacy and how it could harbour cures for all sorts of diseases or view weird and wonderful specimens through their virtual electron microscopes.

Discover how the latest technologies in wave and current energy actually work in their demonstration tanks and learn about the different effects climate change will have on our oceans through their interactive exhibits such as Recipes for Disaster in the Soup Kitchen and Climate News in their virtual studios. From oil wells to ocean waves, get to grips with the different technologies that enable us to use the seas for our own benefit.

For the first time here in the UK, Explorocean’s amazing 3D theatre will take you on a journey of a lifetime, where you’ll get the chance to meet sharks, dolphins and countless other sea creatures as you experience what life is like on the ocean floor. Take a virtual tour of Plymouth Sound using the latest in sonar technology or view live images from actual ROV’s on the ocean floor and see mysteries of the deep never previously seen – what amazing discoveries will you make?

The fun doesn’t end there as the remaining aquarium has over 3,000 fish to be discovered. In over 50 tanks, the biggest being the height of a three-storey building, lives 11 species of sharks and 200 species of marine life, all waiting to introduce themselves to you and help you to experience the thrill of discovery.

Plunge beneath the waves and enter an alien world, where towering reefs and fish-packed coral seas are home to awe-inspiring creatures of the deep. Go and meet their impressive Sand Tiger sharks, gaze in wonder at one of the largest collections of seahorse species in Britain and watch these hay and delicate creatures perform a magical underwater ballet as they dance before your eyes.

Marvel at the coral seas, where thousands of colourful fish are waiting to entrance you. Here, you can discover Snorkel, the turtle with a big personality, Black-tip Reef sharks and thousands of exotic fish – you may even spot a diver delivering food!

It’s an experience guaranteed to open your eyes and change the way you look at the sea forever.

For opening times and special events, visit their website www.national-aquarium.co.uk or ring their switchboard on 01752 600301.

Opening Times

2008 Opening 1 Jan 2008 - 31 Dec 2008

Awards

• Green Awards Green Tourism Business Scheme (Silver) 2008
• Visit Britain Code of Practice 2008

Tickets Information

Road Directions

Nearest major road is A38. Follow brown and white fish signs. Take the A38 to Marsh Mills (Sainsbury) then along the A374 Embankment Road. The route to the Aquarium car park is signed from here.

Public Transport Directions

Nearest station is Plymouth station.

 Facilities

Provider Preferences

• In town/city centre
• Indoor Attraction
• No Smoking Attraction

Accessibility

• All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
• Guide Dogs Permitted
• Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
• Ramp/Level Access
• Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Catering

• On-Site café/restaurant - Self-service restaurant with panoramic views over harbour, serving hot and cold snacks and refreshments.
• Picnic Site

Payment Methods

• American Express accepted
• Delta accepted
• Groups Accepted - Essential to prebook.
• Maestro accepted
• MasterCard accepted
• Max group size - 100
• Min group size - 10
• TIC Staff Admitted Free
• Visa accepted

Establishment Features

• Toilets

Specialist Features

• Marketed towards families

Printed Material in Foreign Languages

• French printed material
• German printed material
• Italian printed material
• Spanish printed material

Tours and Demonstrations

• Educational Visits Accepted
• Guided Tours Available for Groups