Mevagissey Aquarium
A charming, donation-based aquarium showcasing native Cornish marine life, offering an engaging glimpse into local sea creatures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Mevagissey Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, donation-based aquarium showcasing native Cornish marine life, offering an engaging glimpse into local sea creatures.
"Exceeded expectations! Proper saltwater aquarian - loved it, sharks, fish, a huge eel, mermaids purses, crabs, lobsters."
🎯 Donation is Key
Entry is free, but donations are crucial! Drop some change to help keep this gem running. :moneybag:
🐠 See Local Wonders
All marine life is native to Cornish waters, caught by local fishermen. Learn about your surroundings! :fish:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Giant Eel
Main tank
Marvel at the impressive size of the resident eel, a captivating sight for all ages. It's a real showstopper!
Sharks and Dogfish
Various tanks
Get up close with sleek sharks and dogfish, showcasing the diverse predatory life in local waters.
Starfish and Crabs
Smaller tanks
Discover fascinating starfish, colorful crabs, and other fascinating crustaceans in these detailed displays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Donation Welcome
Native Cornish Marine Life
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Donation is Key
Entry is free, but donations are crucial! Drop some change to help keep this gem running. :moneybag:
🐠 See Local Wonders
All marine life is native to Cornish waters, caught by local fishermen. Learn about your surroundings! :fish:
⏱️ Quick & Engaging
It's a small aquarium, perfect for a 15-30 minute visit. Great for kids and adults alike! :clock:
🤝 Friendly Staff
The staff are super lovely, low-pressure, and knowledgeable about the exhibits. :smiley:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Donation is Key
Entry is free, but donations are crucial! Drop some change to help keep this gem running. :moneybag:
🐠 See Local Wonders
All marine life is native to Cornish waters, caught by local fishermen. Learn about your surroundings! :fish:
⏱️ Quick & Engaging
It's a small aquarium, perfect for a 15-30 minute visit. Great for kids and adults alike! :clock:
🤝 Friendly Staff
The staff are super lovely, low-pressure, and knowledgeable about the exhibits. :smiley:
🦈 Eel & Shark Spotting
Don't miss the impressive eel and the various sharks, including dogfish! :shark:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mevagissey Aquarium for exceeding expectations, especially given its free entry and donation-based model. The friendly staff and the fascinating collection of native Cornish marine life are major highlights, making it a worthwhile stop for all ages. Some note its small size, but this is often seen as a positive for a quick, engaging visit.
"Exceeded expectations! I wasn't even going to take my boys in as through too old (11 and 14 YO) but they wanted to go in and we all loved it. My son loves the big starfish curled around the pipes. Proper saltwater aquarian - loved it"
Dawn Evans
"Donation only. Super lovely staff - low pressure and down to earth. Such a lovely collection aquarists would love to have a set up like this. Sharks, fish, a huge eel, mermaids purses, crabs, lobsters. Information posters and signs too. Really fab cherry for any visit. Suitable all ages."
Kate Nicolson
"Lovely little aquarium to visit if you are in the harbour area. It’s small but free although they do welcome a small donation."
Russel Howes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mevagissey Aquarium is located on the quayside in the picturesque fishing village of Mevagissey, Cornwall. It's easily accessible on foot once you're in the village, situated just outside the inner harbour. Parking is available in Mevagissey, though it can get busy during peak season.
Yes, it's quite straightforward to find. Look for it along the harbour front. Its prominent location makes it a natural stop while exploring the village.
Mevagissey is served by bus routes, making it accessible without a car. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information on routes and times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Mevagissey Aquarium is free! However, they gratefully welcome donations to help maintain the tanks and care for the marine life. +1
No, booking in advance is not necessary as entry is free. You can simply turn up and enjoy the exhibits.
Opening hours can vary, especially outside of peak season. It's best to check their local listings or social media for the most current information before your visit.
There isn't a set amount, but visitors are encouraged to give what they feel is appropriate. Even a small donation makes a difference.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You'll see a variety of native Cornish marine life, including sharks, dogfish, a large eel, crabs, lobsters, and starfish. All are caught by local fishermen.
Most visitors find that a visit takes around 15-30 minutes, making it a perfect short stop while exploring the harbour.
Absolutely! Children love the interactive displays and the chance to see local sea creatures up close. It's a hit with all ages.
Yes, there are information posters and wall charts that provide insights into the marine life found in Cornish waters.
Photography is generally permitted, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography that might disturb the animals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Mevagissey harbour is lined with various eateries, from seafood restaurants like The Sharks Fin to places offering traditional Cornish pasties and ice cream. 
No, food and drinks are not permitted inside the aquarium itself to maintain the cleanliness of the tanks and exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
The close-up shots of the marine life, especially the large eel and the sharks, make for dramatic photos. The colourful starfish and crabs are also great subjects.
The lighting can be a bit dim in some areas, so a phone with good low-light capabilities or a camera with a fast lens can be helpful. Avoid using flash.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity to spark curiosity about marine life and conservation. The staff are friendly and engaging, often happy to answer questions. Combine your visit with rock pooling or searching for shells on the nearby beach for a full day of seaside fun.
💰 Budget Travelers
It's a perfect, quick stop that adds value to exploring Mevagissey harbour. You can easily spend 15-30 minutes here, learning about local sea life, and then continue enjoying the village's atmosphere and other free activities like walking the harbour.
🚶 Day-Trippers
It's an ideal way to add a touch of marine wonder to your exploration of the village, offering a glimpse into local wildlife before or after enjoying seafood or browsing the shops. The donation-based entry means you can tailor your contribution to your budget and enjoyment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Mevagissey Aquarium
Visitors consistently praise the friendly and down-to-earth staff who are passionate about their work and happy to share insights. The aquarium, though small, is meticulously maintained, with aquarists who clearly have a deep understanding of marine biology. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the intricate details of sea creatures, from the texture of a starfish to the stealthy movement of a shark.
It's the perfect addition to a day exploring Mevagissey harbour, offering an educational and engaging experience that doesn't break the bank. Whether you're an avid marine enthusiast or just looking for a quick, interesting stop, Mevagissey Aquarium provides a memorable encounter with local sea life.
+1Understanding Cornish Marine Life
Key species you'll encounter include various types of sharks and dogfish, a large and impressive eel, and a variety of crustaceans like crabs and lobsters. You'll also find fascinating creatures such as mermaid's purses (egg cases of sharks and rays) and a variety of starfish. Informative posters and wall charts further detail the habits and habitats of these animals, making the visit both entertaining and enlightening.
By focusing on native species, the aquarium fosters a greater appreciation for the marine environment and the importance of conservation efforts. It’s a small but impactful way to learn about the underwater world that is so integral to Cornwall's identity and economy.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit