Skegness Aquarium
Skegness Aquarium
4.1
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Transport yourselves into an enchanting journey through tropical waters! Skegness Aquarium is home to exotic fish, sharks and species from around the globe. Check out Long John Silver's Storeroom for all sorts of wacky creatures, head through Treasure Island and the Sunken Hold, viewing our Shark Nursery, Octopus and Clown Fish. See our wonderous waters in the immersive and educational Aqua Theatre. Then, step outside into Jurassic Falls, our Dinosaur Park featuring over 25 roar-some species, and hunt for fossils in The Dig! Enjoy our Bistro with tasty snacks, and let the little ones burn off steam in our Coral Cove soft play. Walk through the awesome Sea Caves, whilst finishing your quiz trail. There's something for everyone, adventure awaits!
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.1
1,453 reviews
Excellent
774
Very good
320
Average
198
Poor
86
Terrible
75
Barry G
King's Lynn, UK84 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
We visited here on a stormy day with gale force winds and heavy rain. The lady at the front desk made sure all available discounts were applied, senior citizens and a disabled. We posed for a photograph, before entering with a quiz in our son’s hand and the promise of treasure when completed. The aquarium is not huge, but a wonderful array of specimens on view. There are lots of interactive things for kids, using the latest technology, and an easy route to follow to answer the quiz questions. There was a stroller park, and a lift to the upper floor where there is another viewing area for the big shark tank, and a very reasonable cafe with a kids play area. The aquarium offer an opportunity for children to snorkel in the shark tank, need to book in advance I believe, not aware of the cost. Back downstairs and outside to the dinosaur park, again with a quiz, and some mechanical interactive models. The route is all ramps, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The exit is through the gift shop where we bought our photos, the deluxe package was only £20. which we thought was very reasonable, you also get the rights to download your pics. Our disabled son really enjoyed his visit, and the treasure of chocolate gold coins at the end. A really good visit, hope to bring our granddaughter one day.
Written 22 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily M
1 contribution
Feb 2025 • Family
We visited on Saturday, February 22nd, for our son's long-awaited shark diving experience, which he had requested for Christmas after thoroughly enjoying the snorkeling experience last year. He was beyond excited! However, when he first entered the water, he became anxious and struggled with not being able to verbally communicate, asking to come back up. It was such a moment of disappointment for him, but Andy, a member of the staff, was absolutely exceptional. He was incredibly understanding of our son’s additional needs and did a remarkable job of gently building his confidence, helping him feel safe, and guiding him back into the tank.
Words cannot express how proud and thankful we were for Andy's support. Our son was beaming with pride and absolutely loved feeding the fish and fulfilling his dream of swimming with sharks. It was a truly emotional moment for our family, and we even shed a few tears!
A heartfelt thank you to all the staff for being so friendly and professional, but especially to Andy for making this experience so memorable. Your kindness and patience meant the world to us!
Words cannot express how proud and thankful we were for Andy's support. Our son was beaming with pride and absolutely loved feeding the fish and fulfilling his dream of swimming with sharks. It was a truly emotional moment for our family, and we even shed a few tears!
A heartfelt thank you to all the staff for being so friendly and professional, but especially to Andy for making this experience so memorable. Your kindness and patience meant the world to us!
Written 25 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful and emotional review. We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that your son had such a memorable shark diving experience, and we’re incredibly grateful for your kind words about Andy. It means the world to us to know that his patience, understanding, and support helped guide your son through what was initially a challenging moment. We’re so proud of him for overcoming his anxiety and fulfilling his dream of swimming with sharks! We’ll be sure to pass on your thanks to Andy and the rest of the team, and we’re so glad we could be a part of such a special moment for your family. Your feedback is deeply appreciated, and we’d love to welcome you all back for more unforgettable experiences in the future🐠🦈🩵
Written 28 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joanne Gill
Stoke-on-Trent, UK286 contributions
July 2024 • Family
We visited today - 2 adults, a 4 year old and 2 year old. We loved it! We got an offer £21 for all 4 of us but I’d have paid the full £41 and still thought it was worth it.
The aquarium itself is great. There’s a sand part with sensory fish etc. that kids can experience which is great. The dinosaur experience tagged on to it (included in entry fee) is really fun too - lots of dinosaurs and a dinosaur sand area for playing as well.
There is also a small soft play area in the cafe which our girls enjoyed. We didn’t eat there but the food looked nice especially the pizza.
I read on one review that they got around it in 30 mins. It took us 2 hours! I suppose it depends on your child. Ours spent time playing in the various areas so that added time on. 2 hours was a good amount of time there and absolutely worth the money.
Parking close by at £1 per hour. Friendly and helpful staff at the aquarium.
Would definitely return on another rainy day in Skegness.
The aquarium itself is great. There’s a sand part with sensory fish etc. that kids can experience which is great. The dinosaur experience tagged on to it (included in entry fee) is really fun too - lots of dinosaurs and a dinosaur sand area for playing as well.
There is also a small soft play area in the cafe which our girls enjoyed. We didn’t eat there but the food looked nice especially the pizza.
I read on one review that they got around it in 30 mins. It took us 2 hours! I suppose it depends on your child. Ours spent time playing in the various areas so that added time on. 2 hours was a good amount of time there and absolutely worth the money.
Parking close by at £1 per hour. Friendly and helpful staff at the aquarium.
Would definitely return on another rainy day in Skegness.
Written 16 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristopher S
Sunderland, UK112 contributions
Feb 2025 • Family
February half term trip whilst away, one of the best aquariums that we’ve been too packed to the rafters with different fish all well displayed. Plenty too keep the little ones entertained even some dinosaurs outside. Play area in the cafe was a great hit kept little legs entertained till her food arrived.
Written 1 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, Thank you for your amazing review! We're so happy to hear you had such a great time during your February half term trip. It’s fantastic that you enjoyed the variety of fish and the fun dinosaur displays! We’re also glad the play area in the café was a hit with your little one. We truly appreciate your feedback and look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable visit!🐠🦖🩵
Written 7 March 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
paw1983
Mansfield, UK75 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
Big shout out to the cleaning lady we met this morning sorry we never got your name.
Couldn't do enough to help us when my autistic child started having issues.
Gave us tips to try, took time out of her day to chat with us and try to help console the little one.
This took some stress out from our side too, never easy with special children
Got us hand stamps incase we had to leave and come back and pointed out there was soft play
Due to this we spent 30 min or so having a breather and due to that my little one calmed down significantly
This meant we got another 2 full laps of the aquarium, 2 laps of dino land and another 30 min or so of soft play
In the end we didnt need to leave and the morning was rescued
As without this we were going to have to leave after only being there 20 minutes (expensive morning).
So a massive thanks from myself, my wife, my little one and his sister
Couldn't do enough to help us when my autistic child started having issues.
Gave us tips to try, took time out of her day to chat with us and try to help console the little one.
This took some stress out from our side too, never easy with special children
Got us hand stamps incase we had to leave and come back and pointed out there was soft play
Due to this we spent 30 min or so having a breather and due to that my little one calmed down significantly
This meant we got another 2 full laps of the aquarium, 2 laps of dino land and another 30 min or so of soft play
In the end we didnt need to leave and the morning was rescued
As without this we were going to have to leave after only being there 20 minutes (expensive morning).
So a massive thanks from myself, my wife, my little one and his sister
Written 17 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stef V
1 contribution
May 2024 • Family
We went to do the kids snorkel with sharks experience, when we arrived we booked in without issue, were asked if we would like to do it early which we did, we had a wander around the aquarium then went to meet the team for the kids to get changed and get in the water. Initially the kids were a little nervous but the staff put them at ease, made them laugh, explained everything, gave plenty of reassurance, they got in the water, started to be told about the 9 sharks in the tank, given information about the different breeds, general information about sharks and their habits, within minutes the kids were giggling, watching and having sharks rub against them, bump them, swim around them, the sharks were given food to help, the kids had an amazing time and loved every second of it, the ending was some more information about shark eggs, the impact the world has on shark populations and a couple of questions from the kids were answered with no issue, there was no pressure, rushing or stress in anyway, I cannot recommend this enough if you have kids!! I now want to go again and do the adult dive.
Written 23 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gerry w
Fairford, UK212 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
Diving experience… first time I have ever dived(61 years old ) absolutely fantastic experience the diving instructors are amazing and very professional and take good care of you ,the whole experience is fantastic from the very start from your briefing to the dive it’s self if you are thinking of doing this then I would go to Skegness Aquarium to dive ,I can only tell you my personal experience from start to finish ,Amazing !!!! and don’t worry about anything they will look after you and answer any questions you have also will look after you 200% …you won’t regret it !!!
Written 26 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex M
Aylesbury Vale, UK4 contributions
May 2024 • Family
We visited the aquarium to do the Shark Diving Experience with my daughter, which was EXCELLENT. As a qualified diver, I recognised that the information and support that was being provided was very good. The staff were attentive and friendly, both above and under the water, and the kit was of very good quality. You'll never dive anywhere in the 'real world' like this, where the fish and sharks are essentially 'tame', coming right up to you to have sand showered over them like some sort of underwater beauty treatment....fascinating.
My only criticism would be that it was quite an expensive dive. Even having bought a Virgin experience voucher to try and keep the costs down slightly, there were 'no dates available' where our voucher could be used, so a 'top up' ticket had to be purchased. That was a bit unfair in our opinion, and just added to the faff of trying to book the dive.
All in all, a good experience, though would suggest that the rest of the aquarium is a bit limited in it's scale and scope, you could easily complete the whole thing in an hour. Perhaps they should consider binning off the dinosaur exhibits (which we didn't visit) and replace them with more sea life exhibits that should actually be in an aquarium?
My only criticism would be that it was quite an expensive dive. Even having bought a Virgin experience voucher to try and keep the costs down slightly, there were 'no dates available' where our voucher could be used, so a 'top up' ticket had to be purchased. That was a bit unfair in our opinion, and just added to the faff of trying to book the dive.
All in all, a good experience, though would suggest that the rest of the aquarium is a bit limited in it's scale and scope, you could easily complete the whole thing in an hour. Perhaps they should consider binning off the dinosaur exhibits (which we didn't visit) and replace them with more sea life exhibits that should actually be in an aquarium?
Written 2 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David O
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Family
What a Fantastic Aquarium!! We would never usually travel to Skegness, but have now been twice in the last 3 years just to visit the Aquarium. My Son absolutely loved snorkling with the young sharks the first time and loved it so much we returned to do the Shark Dive which was an incredible experience!!!!!! Every member of staff were fabulous, and very professional, taking extra time and care with our Son, providing encouragement, support, patience and so much enthusiasm. The Shark Dive was a fantastic experience we will never forget. Highly recommend the Aquarium to everyone.
Written 1 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annabelle J
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
The highlight for me is the dinosaurs at the back! Love the jurassic Park music as you walk around and there's a guy with a Dino puppet he's brilliant! Upstairs has really nice views as the little ones are in the soft play. Makes a really nice afternoon out.
Written 26 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
when will you be opening again after convid 19 and can you put your gift shop online so we may still support the aquarium those who cannot get to Skegness because of the travel ban unless you are an essensial worker and is the octopuss ok i miss her or him
stay safe
God bless
Written 28 March 2020
stephd1990
Glasgow, United Kingdom
How long do people generally spend there? We have an 8 year old and 3 year old twins
Written 7 March 2020
Hi, how long are you in main tank?, just been to Bear Grylls at the NEC And was really good but we’re only in main tank around 15 minutes so for £120 was a bit expensive. I’m a qualified open water diver so don’t need a long winded introduction. I understand the need for novices but it severely cuts down experience time in tank.
Thanks for your help
Written 7 January 2020
From my experience, both novice and experienced divers receive a briefing, skills check and roughly 30 minutes in the main tank.
Written 11 January 2020
Can someone with epilepsy who has been given the all clear who hasn't had a seizure for over 8 years do the diving experience?
Written 17 November 2019
I’m sorry I don’t know. I would recommend you ring them directly. I do know there are forms to fill in and a disclaimer.
Written 18 November 2019
No, I called them to ask the same question a couple months ago
Written 26 April 2019
Is this included on the merlin pass?
Written 6 July 2018
Skegness Aquarium
Skegness, United Kingdom
Unfortunately we have nothing to do with Merlin and therefore cannot accept any passes to do with them.
Many thanks,
Skegness Aquarium
Written 17 July 2018
States that it was £5 for adults to get in if it’s in the week, if you go onto there website it’s says £8.95, ?
Written 7 May 2018
It said £8.95 when we went earlier this week but when we got to the till she charged us £12... for just two adults so the prices seem a bit confusing!
Written 18 May 2018
pebz8
Derbyshire, United Kingdom
Is this indoors? Looking for something to do with children on this miserable day
Written 5 September 2017
As other reviewers have said, it is totally indoors, and if you bother to read the information that is up beside the exhibits which we found interesting, then you can spend quite a lot of time out of the inclement weather. As I said, we went rather out of the season but I imagine when the real holiday season is on they will put even more activities on. The price was £5 for adults but I don't know if this alters later on.
Written 10 May 2018
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