SEA LIFE Scarborough

The breathtaking 200,000l Ocean Tunnel is a fan-favourite attraction, where you can walk beneath a tropical ocean and marvel at the sharks swimming overhead. The journey through different habitats, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Amazon, keeps the adventure fresh and exciting. You can discover a whole host of amazing creatures of the deep and learn all the fascinating facts about them as you explore the incredible beauty of their habitat - from where the seals live to all about shark eggs!

From Blacktip Reef Sharks and rescue seal pups to coral reefs, adorable Asian short-clawed otters, and many more fascinating sea creatures, there is so much to discover. It's not all about coastal waters here either - wander into the Rainforest Adventure and immerse yourself in a world of creepy crawlies, lurking lizards and curious critters. Come just centimetres away from Green Tree Pythons and be mesmerised by the incredible colours of Poison Arrow Dart Frogs. It's an amazing experience that will blow you away!

Yorkshire's Only Seal Hospital

SEA LIFE Scarborough is home to Yorkshire's only Seal Hospital, where you can follow the journey of seal pup patients from rescue to rehabilitation and release. The centre rescues injured seal pups each year, nursing them back to health before returning them to the wild. Make sure to keep an eye out for the resident seals during your visit!

Penguin Island - A Walk-Through Experience

Head outside and say hello to the cheeky colony of Humboldt penguins on Penguin Island - and get closer than ever before as you make your way through their walk-through home. This is genuinely one of the highlights of the whole visit, and we'd definitely recommend spending a good amount of time here. It is worth every minute!

Meet Pumpkin the Otter

Venture outside and meet Pumpkin, SEA LIFE Scarborough's resident Asian short-clawed otter! Asian short-clawed otters are around 70cm long and can live in groups of up to 12. These adorable creatures are always a crowd favourite, known for their lively antics and social behaviour. If you come at the right time, you may even spot some cubs!

Outdoor Adventures

When the British weather turns sunny, head outside for a round of pirate-themed mini golf - the perfect family-friendly activity to round off your aquatic adventure. Or take the kids to the Beach Bites Adventure Playground and watch as they explore and navigate through fun obstacles, clamber through tunnels and play with amusement games. It's a wave-tastic outdoor adventure that keeps the fun going long after you've explored the tanks!

Interactive Experiences

What sets SEA LIFE Scarborough apart is its focus on interactive experiences. The Rockpool Encounter allows children to touch a starfish or hold a crab - an opportunity that delights and educates simultaneously. It's not just about observing; it's about engaging with the natural world hands-on.

VIP Experiences

Want to take your visit to the next level? SEA LIFE Scarborough offers a range of exclusive VIP experiences that go far beyond a standard day out:

Breakfast With The Seals - Join resident seals Ed, Boo, Pendle and Mando for an exclusive early morning VIP tour and feeding session before the doors open to the public. One of our trained staff members will take you behind the scenes for an unforgettable start to the day.

Sharks After Dark - Get a private after-hours guided tour of the whole aquarium and discover the secrets beneath the seas long after the last visitor has gone home.

Keys to the Aquarium - Brand new for 2026! Have you ever wondered what it's like to open an aquarium? Join us for an unforgettable VIP morning as you help unlock SEA LIFE Scarborough and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience before the public arrive.

Marine Biologist Experience - Become a marine biologist for the day with a special one-on-one experience alongside an expert member of our animal care team. Learn all about the amazing creatures at the centre, their habitats, feeding habits and much more - whilst helping to feed them along the way.

All VIP experiences must be booked in advance.

Conservation at Its Heart

Conservation is a key part of SEA LIFE Scarborough's ethos. The centre's Breed, Rescue, Protect initiative educates visitors on the importance of marine conservation, offering insights into what families can do to help protect ocean life. There's a big emphasis on recycling plastics and caring for the planet - the team have even organised their own beach clean-up!

Food and Drink

Head to the Adventure Cafe for hot and cold food, light refreshments, snacks and ice cream. There are picnic benches to relax on beside the seal pool - perfect for a breather between the penguins and the sharks. The Beach Bites Kiosk by the seal pool also serves hot drinks and snacks.

If you'd like to take the sea home with you, head into the gift shop and browse a selection of sea-themed goodies.