
Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth
Discover vibrant marine life, from tropical fish to sharks, in an immersive underwater tunnel. A compact yet engaging aquarium experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover vibrant marine life, from tropical fish to sharks, in an immersive underwater tunnel. A compact yet engaging aquarium experience.
"The most healthy aquarium I’ve seen in a while! The fish were very good and the whole space was easy to navigate."

Re-entry is allowed! 🚶♀️
Get a stamp on your ticket to leave and re-enter the aquarium anytime during the day. Perfect for a break or exploring nearby attractions.
Check feeding times 🐠
The stingray feed is a highlight! Plan your visit around scheduled feeding times for an engaging experience.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underwater Viewing Tunnel
Main Ocean Display
Walk amongst sharks and rays in this immersive tunnel, offering a unique perspective on marine life.
Stingray Feed and Talk
Ocean Display
Witness the fascinating feeding ritual and learn interesting facts from knowledgeable staff.

Tropical Species Displays
Various Tanks
Explore vibrant tanks filled with colorful tropical fish, seahorses, and other fascinating aquatic creatures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Relaxing Visit
Manage Expectations for a Better Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Things to do with a baby
Re-entry is allowed! 🚶♀️
Get a stamp on your ticket to leave and re-enter the aquarium anytime during the day. Perfect for a break or exploring nearby attractions.
Check feeding times 🐠
The stingray feed is a highlight! Plan your visit around scheduled feeding times for an engaging experience.
Things to do in Southsea?
Baby-friendly outing 👶
Suitable for very young children, offering a calm environment for a short outing. Consider the ferry from Gosport.
Outdoor play area 🤸
There's a basic play area out back, though some find it uninviting. It can be a good spot for kids to burn off energy.
Tips
from all over the internet
Re-entry is allowed! 🚶♀️
Get a stamp on your ticket to leave and re-enter the aquarium anytime during the day. Perfect for a break or exploring nearby attractions.
Check feeding times 🐠
The stingray feed is a highlight! Plan your visit around scheduled feeding times for an engaging experience.
Baby-friendly outing 👶
Suitable for very young children, offering a calm environment for a short outing. Consider the ferry from Gosport.
Outdoor play area 🤸
There's a basic play area out back, though some find it uninviting. It can be a good spot for kids to burn off energy.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth offers a generally well-maintained collection of marine life, with highlights like the underwater tunnel and stingray feed. While some visitors find it smaller than expected and lacking in interactive elements, others appreciate its peaceful atmosphere and healthy exhibits. The ability to re-enter throughout the day is a significant plus for visitors.
"The most healthy aquarium I’ve seen in a while! The fish were very good and the whole space was easy to navigate. You can leave and enter at any time after buying a ticket, and there’s a cool gift shop at the end.
As a fish enjoyer this was such a great experience, I recommend it."
Sparrow
"Really had a great time! Go in with an open mind as most of these reviews are negative but myself, partner, 7 year old and 8 month old had so much fun! They would of course benefit from selling ice lollies and drinks on hot days. The lady who done the 11am talk and feed in the tunnel was brilliant very informative and knew what she was talking about."
Ashleigh
"Superb, if you're in the area a visit is a must. You get a stamp so you can go in and out all day! A good play area out the back and a great selection of well presented marine life awaits.. fabulous."
John Dixon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can easily reach the Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth from Gosport by taking the Gosport Ferry. The aquarium is a short walk from the ferry terminal.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, being near the ferry terminal suggests potential parking options in the Portsmouth city center. It's advisable to check local parking apps or websites for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, the aquarium is accessible without a car, especially if you're coming from Gosport via the ferry. Public transport options in Portsmouth are generally good.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth website for the most current opening times before your visit.
Yes, the aquarium is considered a good outing for babies due to its calm environment and manageable size.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's recommended to check the official Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth website for current admission fees. Some reviews mention a price of around £60 for a family, though this may be an older price or include extras.
Absolutely! You can get a stamp on your ticket to leave and re-enter the aquarium at any time during the day, which is a great perk.
Information on discounts isn't readily available in reviews. It's advisable to check the aquarium's official website or inquire directly about potential discounts for groups, seniors, or children.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance online can sometimes save time and guarantee entry, especially during peak seasons or holidays. Check the aquarium's website for their booking policy.
Some visitors report completing the entire aquarium in as little as 39 minutes, including a stingray feed. Others suggest it can be a more relaxed experience if you take your time.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of marine life including local fish, sharks, rays, tropical species, seahorses, starfish, and lobsters.
Yes, there is a popular underwater viewing tunnel where you can walk amongst sharks and rays, offering an immersive experience.
Some visitors feel there's a lack of interactive activities for younger children, with more emphasis on fact posts. However, the stingray feed is an engaging event.
There is an outdoor play area, but reviews suggest it's basic and can appear unkempt, with minimal activities.
Generally, the aquarium is described as nicely maintained with healthy fish, though some older reviews suggest a decline over the years.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a cafe located outside the aquarium. This means you cannot easily access it for a coffee break while inside with children.
Information on bringing outside food is not explicitly stated in reviews. It's best to check the aquarium's policy or plan to purchase from the external cafe.
Given its location, there are likely various dining options available in the Portsmouth city center, a short walk from the aquarium.
Some visitors noted that the aquarium would benefit from selling ice lollies and drinks, especially on hot days, suggesting this is not currently a prominent offering.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside aquariums, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions. Be mindful of flash photography, as it can disturb the marine life.
The underwater viewing tunnel offers unique photo opportunities with sharks and rays. The tropical fish tanks also provide colorful backdrops.
While not explicitly mentioned, avoid using flash photography, especially in darker areas or when photographing sensitive species, to protect the animals.
Yes, the stingray feed is a popular event for photos and videos. The staff member conducting the feed is often informative and engaging.
Low-light settings will be beneficial, especially in the tunnel. Consider a camera with good low-light performance or a fast lens. Avoid using flash if possible.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
👶 Travelers with Babies
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Aquarium with Young Children
Consider visiting during quieter times, like weekday mornings, to make the experience more enjoyable for little ones. The ability to leave and re-enter with a stamp is also a plus, allowing for flexibility if a child needs a break or if you want to combine the visit with a stroll along the waterfront.
Understanding Visitor Feedback: A Balanced View
On the positive side, many appreciate the health of the fish, the cleanliness of the space, and the informative talks, especially the stingray feed. The underwater tunnel is consistently mentioned as a highlight. The ability to leave and re-enter with a stamp is also a well-received feature. For those looking for a short, relaxed visit focused on marine life, it can be a good option, especially if traveling with very young children or seeking a quiet experience.
Accessibility and Ferry Travel
It's worth noting that while the aquarium is navigable, the external cafe location might present a slight inconvenience for those needing constant access to refreshments or a place to sit with children. Planning your visit with these factors in mind can help ensure a smoother experience.
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