Exploris Aquarium
Newtownards, County Down
About Exploris Aquarium
Welcome to the Exploris Aquarium, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Portaferry, Northern Ireland! This magical underwater world offers an exciting journey into the depths of marine life, perfect for families seeking a blend of fun, education, and awe-inspiring experiences. Known affectionately as the "Portaferry Aquarium" by locals, Exploris presents a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of aquatic creatures in a captivating and family-friendly environment.
The Exploris Aquarium in Northern Ireland offers an array of key attractions and features that showcase the beauty and diversity of the local loughs and the Irish Sea. Visitors can explore hands-on experiences with native marine species, including interactive touch tanks where they can learn about and interact with creatures such as starfish and sea urchins.
There's also a range of activities and events for all ages, making it a must-visit destination for families, school groups, and marine enthusiasts alike!
Things To Do
Explore the fascinating world beneath the waves and come face to face with a mesmerising variety of marine life including colourful fish, graceful rays, and majestic sharks with their NEW Under the Sea Experience!
In this 250,000-litre Ocean Tank, you can discover a whole host of aquatic creatures and marine life. From native species to coral reefs - it's a sight to see! You can see tropical fish like clownfish, native fish species, baby sharks, crocodiles, rays and even reptiles!
Next up, why not meet the Humboldt Penguins? You can get up close and personal with these playful and charismatic birds as they waddle and swim in their specially designed habitat. These quirky penguins will be a delight to see with the whole family!
Watch adorable and playful otters as they frolic in their naturalistic environment, showcasing their agility and intelligence. You'll discover another family of Asian small-clawed otters too!
A really amazing experience is when you visit the seal sanctuary and rescue centre. It's been open since 1989 and they aim to rehabilitate sick, injured and abandoned seal pups! Meet some of the resident seals who have been rescued and are on their way to recovery.
Don't miss the opportunity to witness the aquarium's expert staff feeding the animals and sharing fascinating insights and information about their behaviour and habitats!
The Exploris Aquarium offers a unique and engaging experience for visitors of all ages, whether it's learning about marine conservation, enjoying the playful antics of the otters, or marvelling at the beauty of the underwater world in the Under the Sea Experience. With a range of activities and exhibits, it's the perfect destination for anyone with a love of the ocean and its extraordinary inhabitants.
Food & Drink
After discovering the underwater ecosystem, it's time to settle those rumbly bellies! Head over to The Kraken Bar & Grill for a selection of tasty snacks and hot meals. You can choose from juicy burgers and delicious paninis to salads, soups and so much more.
They have vegan, vegetarian and dairy-free options. As well as a range of refreshments.
"Our family visit to the Exploris Aquarium was nothing short of magical. From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted with the marvels of the underwater world." - Faith
- Unique and awe-inspiring events
- 1000s of underwater creatures to see
- Meet playful otters!
Adopt a seal
At Exploris Aquarium you can adopt a seal! You won't be able to take it home of course...but you'll help provide all the necessities to look after it.
Explore an underwater adventure
Discover tropical fish, jellyfish and sting rays in the ocean tunnel!
Fill up on delicious food
At The Kraken Bar & Grill you can lick your lips as you enjoy a tasty meal. Ther's plenty to choose from!
Opening Times
- Monday, 10:00 - 00:00
- Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (4-17) : £10.50
- Adult (17-18+) : £13.00
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Exploris Aquarium by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 1 - 2 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Contact Details
Exploris
Portaferry Aquarium
Castle Street, Portaferry
Newtownards
County Down
BT22 1NZ
Northern Ireland
Tel: 02842728062
Visit Website
Verification
Claim Status:Claim
This attraction has not been claimed and verified. Own this attraction? Claim it now.
Exploris Aquarium Reviews
Recent blog posts
World of PAW Patrol opens spring 2026 at Chessington World of Adventures, a £15m investment over 1.4 acres recreating Adventure Bay. Enjoy 4 kid-friendly rides: Chase’s Mountain Mission coaster, Skye’s Helicopter Heroes, Marshall’s Firetruck Rescue, and UK-first Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure. Features pup meets, Lookout Tower, play areas. Book via Day Out With The Kids for discounts, arrive early to beat queues for perfect preschool family fun!
McDonald’s Friends Box launches UK-wide on 3 February 2026 at 11am, featuring adult Happy Meals with Big Mac, McPlant or 9 Chicken McNuggets, medium fries, drink, Monica’s Marinara sauce and one of six exclusive figurines (Rachel, Phoebe, Monica, Joey, Chandler, Ross). Collect all via off-peak visits, app orders and swaps. Add Pizza Mozzarella Dippers for the ultimate nostalgic family treat!
Legoland Germany Harry Potter Hotel opens in 2026 next to Günzburg resort, featuring world’s first LEGO Wizarding World stay with Hogwarts house rooms and family suites. Fly from UK to Munich or Stuttgart (under 2 hours), then drive or train 1-1.5 hours. Expect immersive land, 2-day park tickets in packages. Book early via newsletters for best deals; visit May/September to dodge crowds. Ultimate magical family adventure!
Alton Towers launches the world’s first Bluey coaster, Bluey the Ride: Here Come The Grannies, in CBeebies Land Spring 2026, replacing Postman Pat. Expect 0.9m height limit, gentle dips and twists for toddlers, streamed 770 million times on BBC iPlayer. Book via DOWTK for discounts, arrive early mid-week, use FastTrack. Secure tickets now for ultimate family coaster fun!
Warner Bros. Discovery’s Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure launches in the UK by late 2026, featuring immersive Platform 9¾, interactive onboard challenges, Butterbeer, and merchandise. Expect live actors, digital windows, and magical thrills in London, Manchester, or Birmingham. Tickets will sell fast with tiered pricing; book early via Day Out With The Kids for the ultimate family outing. Over 600 million books sold worldwide!
Win a Magical Christmas Experience for the Whole Family at Cockfields Farm! We’ve teamed up with Cockfields Farm to give one lucky family an unforgettable festive day out this Christmas — worth over £420! Get ready for twinkling lights, festive fun, adorable animals, and heart-warming memories that will last a lifetime. …
COMPETITION TIME: WIN a Year of Wild Adventures at Marwell Zoo! 🐆🤩 We’ve teamed up with Marwell Zoo to give one lucky family the chance to enjoy an unforgettable year of wildlife, adventure and discovery. Worth £395, this amazing prize lets you explore Marwell again and again with an annual Explorer Membership for…
We’ve teamed up with Chester Zoo to give one lucky family an unforgettable festive adventure! You could win two adult and two children’s ‘anytime tickets’ to the brand-new Winter Lanterns & Light event PLUS £100 in zoo vouchers to enjoy during your visit. Total prize value: £250. Prepare to be dazzled as Chester Zoo…