Walk through the Ocean Tunnel
The Ocean Tunnel is one of the headline parts of the visit. It lets you see sharks, rays and turtles swimming above and around you as you move through the display.
Book timed entry and save on family visits
Step into an underwater day out with sharks, turtles, rays and more than 2,000 creatures to spot across SEA LIFE Manchester. You can wander through themed aquarium zones at your own pace, including the Ocean Tunnel, Stingray Bay and Rocky Hideout.
Right now, families can also explore Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a themed experience running throughout 2026 and included with standard admission. It adds an interactive layer to the aquarium visit, bringing Tom Nook and Isabelle into the underwater world alongside the sea life.
Tickets are timed, so booking ahead helps you secure your preferred slot and pay less than the on-the-day rate. Tickets can also be rescheduled free of charge up to 24 hours before your arrival time if your plans change. If you want to make more of your day at Trafford Palazzo, you can also book combination tickets with LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester.
Looking for more animal-filled days out? Browse our aquarium tickets.

Standard Ticket includes entry to SEA LIFE Manchester aquarium with admission at your chosen 10-minute time slot. This ticket gives you access to the main aquarium experience, including the themed zones and current included event during its live dates.
SEA LIFE Manchester is built for families who want an easy indoor day out with plenty to see in one visit. You can walk through the aquarium at your own pace and stop at each zone for as long as your group wants.
Inside, you will find the Ocean Tunnel, sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, clownfish and other marine life spread across themed areas. The route is buggy-friendly and works well for younger children as well as older kids who want to spend longer reading displays and spotting different species.
The Ocean Tunnel is one of the headline parts of the visit. It lets you see sharks, rays and turtles swimming above and around you as you move through the display.
You can move between zones including Rocky Hideout, Stingray Bay and other marine habitats. The self-guided layout makes it easy to keep the visit short for toddlers or slower-paced for older children.
Travel to a tropical island with Tom Nook and Isabelle in this Animal Crossing: New Horizons themed experience, running throughout 2026 at SEA LIFE Manchester. The experience is included with standard admission - no extra ticket needed - and adds an interactive adventure layer to the aquarium visit for families and fans of the game alike.
When the aquarium closes to daytime visitors, the mermaids come out to play. After Hours with the Mermaids is an evening experience running on selected dates from 5pm to 9pm, with last entry at 8pm. Your little ones can meet real-life mermaids in the depths of SEA LIFE Manchester - a magical after-dark experience that runs on set dates throughout the year.
Opening hours may vary during school holidays and for evening events such as After Hours with the Mermaids. Check the official SEA LIFE Manchester website before you travel for the latest schedule.
SEA LIFE Manchester
Barton Square, Trafford Centre, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M17 8AS, England
Tel: 08712212483
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last updated: 11:07 08/08/2026
Most asked questions relating to SEA LIFE Manchester.
A standard SEA LIFE Manchester ticket includes entry to the aquarium at your chosen 10-minute time slot. It covers all main aquarium zones including the Ocean Tunnel, Rocky Hideout and Stingray Bay, plus the Animal Crossing: New Horizons themed experience currently running throughout 2026. VIP experiences such as Snorkel with Sharks and the VIP Turtle Experience are separate, as is the VR experience unless you book the SEA LIFE + VR ticket.