Blue Planet Aquarium
Immerse yourself in underwater worlds at Blue Planet Aquarium, featuring a mesmerizing shark tunnel and diverse marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere.
Blue Planet Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Immerse yourself in underwater worlds at Blue Planet Aquarium, featuring a mesmerizing shark tunnel and diverse marine life.
"A great day out with plenty to see, the underwater tunnel is a highlight for all ages."
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Purchase tickets and parking online at least an hour before arrival to guarantee entry. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially with the outdoor trail. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Underwater Tunnel
Main Aquarium
Walk through a mesmerizing tunnel surrounded by sharks and rays. A truly immersive experience.
Shark Feeding & Talks
Main Tank
Witness thrilling shark feeding sessions and informative talks by aquarists.
Otter Exhibit
Outdoor Trail
Watch playful otters frolic in their dedicated outdoor habitat.
Reptile and Amphibian Zone
Indoor Area
Discover a challenging and enjoyable collection of frogs, lizards, and snakes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets & Parking in Advance
Allocate Sufficient Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Purchase tickets and parking online at least an hour before arrival to guarantee entry. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially with the outdoor trail. :athletic_shoe:
🗣️ Shark Talk Tips
Try to position yourself closer to the speaker for the shark talks; it can be hard to hear over noise. :microphone:
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera or phone for photos, but be mindful of reflections on the glass. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Purchase tickets and parking online at least an hour before arrival to guarantee entry. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially with the outdoor trail. :athletic_shoe:
🗣️ Shark Talk Tips
Try to position yourself closer to the speaker for the shark talks; it can be hard to hear over noise. :microphone:
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera or phone for photos, but be mindful of reflections on the glass. :camerawithflash:
💰 Gift Shop Prices
Be aware that the gift shop items are generally quite expensive. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find Blue Planet Aquarium a good way to spend a few hours, with the underwater tunnel and shark feeding being major highlights. While enjoyable for families, some feel the exhibits are starting to look dated and could benefit from refurbishment. The outdoor trail and play area add value, but the dinosaur exhibit is underwhelming.
"A great way to spend a couple of hours, You're able to walk around as many times as you like. Parking booked online at the same time as tickets so wasnt an issue on the day. Staff pleasant and happy to answer any questions. Shame the tunnel wasn't turned on - that was the only disappointment. But for a first time visit we really enjoyed it!"
Rebecca Allen
"Kids loved it! We found the outdoors trail path and play area was a nice way to fill some time at the end, as it doesn't take too long to walk around the aquarium.
The shark talk was interesting, but some was hard to hear as kids were screaming."
Devyn Marah
"I've been here before in the past, and unfortunately now its looking a little dated and could do with a bit of a face lift to get it back up to scratch. The upholstery around the shark tank was frayed and coming away from the walls and the glass is fairly scratched and could have done with a bit of a clean. Its sad, as I remembered it as an amazing day out and for the money I'd expect a little more.
That being said, I did enjoy wandering around and looking at all the creatures, tho, unfortunately on this day the octopus one of my favorites was being exceptionally shy and refused to come out to play and the lack of jellyfish was somewhat disappointing.
On this visit we spent roughly 3 hours wandering around, taking photos and trying to get our moneys worth. The reptiles area tho small was quite enjoyable as trying to spot the frogs, lizards snakes and spiders was quite challenging. The pelicans were indoors due to an outbreak of bird flu which is understandable, so we had a wander around the "dinosaurs". This was in reality, pretty underwhelming. Its a few, small to medium sized plastic dinosaur models which don't really offer much. I particularly enjoyed the overly small T-Rex.
Just next to the child's play area which my child seemed to enjoy more than the aquarium itself, is a small ice cream shop. The vanilla and caramel ice cream I got was thoroughly enjoyable until my child decided that it was now theirs.
We arrived at around 10am and there was no queue to get in, the lady on the desk scanned our ticket and we were straight in, it did, however seem to get busier around 12.
The gift shop is as you'd expect overly expensive for what it is."
Rik
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Blue Planet Aquarium is located in Chester. It's easily accessible by car via the M53 motorway. There is ample parking available on-site, which can be booked online in advance.
While specific details on direct public transport routes can vary, Chester has a main train station. From there, you would likely need to arrange a taxi or local bus service to reach the aquarium. It's recommended to check local transport schedules.
Parking is available at the aquarium and can be booked online when purchasing your tickets. It's advised to book this in advance to avoid any issues on the day.
Yes, the aquarium is generally accessible for wheelchair users, with staff on hand to explain safety procedures. Exhibits are designed to be viewed from a seated position.
There is an outdoor picnic area available, suggesting that bringing your own food is permissible. However, it's always best to check their official policy for confirmation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's recommended to check the official Blue Planet Aquarium website for the most current pricing. Booking online in advance is often more cost-effective and guarantees entry.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tickets online at least an hour before your arrival. This ensures your entry and helps manage visitor numbers.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Blue Planet Aquarium website for the most up-to-date opening times for your planned visit.
Reviews suggest you are able to walk around as many times as you like during your visit, implying a single entry ticket allows for re-entry within the same day.
While specific discount information isn't detailed in the provided reviews, checking the official website or looking for family packages is usually a good strategy for potential savings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Many visitors highlight the underwater tunnel with sharks and rays as a standout experience. The shark feeding talks and the playful otters are also popular attractions.
Most visitors spend around 3 hours exploring the aquarium, including the indoor exhibits and the outdoor trail. Families with young children might extend their visit.
While not explicitly detailed as 'interactive' in the traditional sense, the challenge of spotting creatures in the reptile zone and the feeding demonstrations offer engaging experiences.
The outdoor trail includes an otter exhibit and a children's play area. It's a nice way to extend your visit and enjoy some fresh air.
The 'dinosaur' exhibit is described as underwhelming, featuring small to medium-sized plastic models. It may not be a significant draw for most visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site. While meals can be a bit expensive, the quality of food and drinks has been noted as surprisingly good.
The cafe offers meals, and there's also a small ice cream shop. An outdoor picnic area is available if you prefer to bring your own food.
Food prices at the cafe are described as 'a tad expensive,' which is common for attractions. However, the quality is considered good.
Yes, snacks and drinks are available for purchase at the on-site cafe and ice cream shop.
There is an outdoor picnic area, making it a good option for families or budget-conscious visitors to enjoy their own packed lunches.
📸 📸 Photography
The underwater tunnel offers incredible photo opportunities with sharks and rays. The playful otters and diverse fish species also make for great shots.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but be mindful of reflections on the glass when taking photos inside the aquarium tanks.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to avoid using flash photography in aquariums as it can disturb the marine life.
The lighting inside the aquarium is designed to showcase the exhibits, which can sometimes create challenging conditions for photography due to reflections and low light.
The main shark tunnel is consistently praised for its photographic potential. The vibrant tropical fish tanks and the otter exhibit are also popular subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the day smoother, book tickets and parking online in advance to skip queues. Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in the designated area to save on costs, though the on-site cafe offers decent food. The aquarium is generally accessible, making it a comfortable experience for families with strollers or young children.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the aquarium itself is the main cost, focus on enjoying the free-to-explore areas like the outdoor trail and play zone. The main exhibits, especially the shark tunnel, offer a lot of visual value for the admission price.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for challenging lighting conditions and potential reflections on the glass. While flash photography is generally discouraged in aquariums, focus on capturing the ambient light and the movement of the marine life. The otter exhibit can also yield some dynamic shots if you're patient.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Exhibits
Don't miss the otter exhibit on the outdoor trail, where these playful creatures are a delight to watch. For those interested in smaller wonders, the reptile and amphibian zone presents a challenging yet rewarding exploration of frogs, lizards, and snakes. While the aquarium is generally well-maintained, some reviews mention areas looking a bit dated and in need of a refresh, particularly the upholstery around the shark tank and the clarity of the glass.
Be aware that exhibits like the pelicans might be moved indoors due to health outbreaks, as happened during a bird flu incident. The 'dinosaur' area is described as underwhelming, so manage expectations for that particular section.
Planning Your Visit: Timing and Tickets
The aquarium can typically be explored thoroughly within approximately three hours. However, this timeframe doesn't always account for extended enjoyment of the outdoor trail, the children's play area, or attending specific feeding events. Families, in particular, may find themselves spending longer to fully engage with all the attractions.
For a less crowded experience, mornings before noon are generally quieter. Weekday afternoons, after the initial lunch rush, also tend to be more manageable than weekends or peak holiday times. Arriving around 10 am on a weekday can mean no queues, with crowds building up closer to midday.
Family Fun and Amenities
Beyond the aquarium itself, the site includes an outdoor picnic area, making it convenient for families to bring their own lunches. There's also a cafe on-site offering meals and snacks, though prices are noted as being on the higher side. The quality of the food, however, has been positively reviewed.
Accessibility for wheelchair users is also a consideration, with staff available to assist and exhibits designed for viewing from a seated position. This ensures that most families can enjoy their visit comfortably.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit