Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth

Do you have a love for aquatic animals? From the hidden world of UK waters, Blue Reef transports visitors to the spectacular 'underwater gardens' of the Mediterranean and the stunning beauty of tropical waters home to everything from seahorses and puffer fish to living corals and native sharks.

This amazing experience offers kids the chance to explore ocean displays like the underwater, walk-through tunnel, and attend educational talks - you may even get to do a spot of animal feeding! Enjoy extraordinary encounters with coral reef fish in the feeding talks and keep your eye out for  brightly-coloured reef fish. They are one of many interesting creatures at this fascinating aquarium. Discover a rich variety of aquatic life from starfish to stingrays, and black tip reef sharks! You're sure to uncover many fantastic creatures at the Blue Reef Aquarium, Portsmouth.

So without further ado, let's plunge into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, and see what we find...

Things to do
Enjoy the closest of undersea encounters in an underwater walkthrough tunnel through the reef, from inside a glass cavern and via the large ocean window. More than 30 other naturally themed displays reveal the sheer variety of life in the deep from crabs and rays to amazing turtles.

Blue Reef is a great place for visitors of all ages to find all about the wonders and aquatic creatures of the deep. There's a full programme of entertaining and informative talks and feeding displays throughout the day as well as a busy calendar of events to keep the whole family entertained!

Check out the VIP experiences and become the assistant to a senior aquarist at the aquarium. Feed and learn about tropical fishes like sting-rays, red-bellied piranhas and seahorses! Oh, and you'll also receive a year's membership to the Blue Reef Aquarium... Are you in?

If you're looking to have a fantastic time with your family, Blue Reef is one of the most exciting aquarium attractions in Portsmouth and is a must visit!

Wildlife
Where do we begin? There is an incredible variety of sea life to explore at Blue Reef Portsmouth. Learn about the snapping turtle! Ferocious in its nature, yet motionless, the snapping turtle lives in the shallows and comes from North America!

Want to go deeper? Find out about other tropical species like the Bamboo Sharks! These tropical sharks live in coral reefs, so it's no coincidence you'll find them zipping around coral reef displays in the Tropical Treasures exhibit!

Say hello to the adorable Axolotl. These cartoon-like, milky-coloured amphibians are native to Mexico City and have an extremely distinctive appearance. Did you know that the Axolotl is the only amphibian that stays in its juvenile phase for the rest of its life? These juvenile species are also known as 'water dogs' and are known to live in freshwater lakes. They even have links to ancient Aztec Gods... The Axolotl is a real family favourite at the aquarium. 

There are so many colourful reef fish to spot amongst the rest of the marine wildlife. Each one is completely unique to the next. If you take a peek at the giant ocean displays / ocean tanks you're sure to be stunned by the dazzling beauty and gracefulness of each fish. Watch the majestic Regal Tang, the Porcupine Puffer Fish, the Red Bellied Piranha or the Archer Fish! Check out the mesmerising seahorses or the waterline of stingrays.

There are so many hidden treasures, tropical reefs and aquatic life to uncover at the Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth. Where will you stop by first?

Food & Drink
With stunning sea views across the Solent, the Driftwood Kitchen is an idyllic spot to share a meal with your family. Sit outside in the summertime or take shelter in the colder winter months with a hot cup of tea and endless sea views. Munch on snacks as well freshly prepared hot & cold food.

The cafe is wheelchair accessible and there is also a disabled toilet onsite too.

Travel & Parking for Visitors
By Car:
If you are travelling from the north or across from the south west, join the M27/A27 and follow the brown tourism signs to the seafront. There are plenty of local signs near Portsmouth seafront that will direct you to the aquarium.

Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth does not have its own parking facilities. However there is seafront parking operated by the City Council along the Esplanade, directly out front of the entrance. It is Pay & Display parking, and is on a first come first serve basis.

By Train:
There are regular train services from across the UK. The closest station to the aquarium is Portsmouth Harbour Station, which is about a 30-minute walk away along the city’s picturesque seafront.

By Bus:
You can catch a bus from anywhere in the city, heading to Southsea Shopping Centre. The aquarium is just a 10-minute walk on the other side of the Southsea Common.

Finding Your Route
For satellite navigation, use the postcode PO5 3PB. Or contact a member of our team by calling 02392 875222.

Other Locations
Are you planning a trip to another Blue Reef Aquarium? Here are all the Blue Reef Aquarium locations...