Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary
| County: | Co. Down |
| Tel: | 028-4272 8062 |
| Fax: | 028-4272 8396 |
| Email: | info@exploris.org.uk |
Exploris-the Northern Ireland Aquarium is located in the conservation village of Portaferry on the shores of a marine nature reserve and site of specific scientific interest-Strangford Lough. At Exploris Aquarium you can see how animals and plants live in communities in the wild, with a themed journey through Strangford Lough and into the Irish Sea. Children love to see the spiny starfish and prickly sea urchins in the discovery pools.
A feature for visitors is the Seal Sanctuary, in which sick or orphaned seal pups are rehabilitated and then released back into the wild. Two unique viewing areas for visitors have been built into the sanctuary. Once they are moved into the swimming pools, the seals are visible through an underwater viewing area, as well as from higher vantage points in the café and in the new exhibition area. Exploris have a regular programme of events which can be seen on our website exploris.org.uk
General Information
| Address: | The Ropewalk, Castle Street, Portaferry, Co. Down, BT22 1NZ |
|---|---|
| Telephone; | 028-4272 8062 |
| Fax: | 028-4272 8396 |
| Email: | info@exploris.org.uk |
| Website: | http://www.exploris.org.uk |
| Location: | On the shores of the marine nature reserve & site of scientific interest - Stranford Lough |
| Season: | All Year |
| Tours: | Max No: 70, Duration: Approx. 2 hours Languages: English |
| Booking Contact: | info@exploris.org.uk |
| Manager: | Helena Challinor |
| Average Visit Length: | 2+ hours |
| Entrance Fees: |
Adult: Stg£6.90 OAP/Student: Stg£4.00 Child: Stg£4.00 (U4 Free) Family: Stg£20.00 (2A + 4C) |
| Audio Visual: | Yes, throughout. Languages: English |
| Exhibition: | Summer: Endangered Seas Languages: English |
| Restaurant: | Tides café, serving a range of snacks, tray bakes, meals and soft drinks |
| Picnic Area: | Yes |
| Shop: | Yes |
| Information Guide: | Yes |
| Coach Parking: | Yes |
| Group Booking Necessary: | Yes |
| Car Parking: | Yes |
| Disabled Access/Parking: | Yes |
Opening Times
Oct - Mar:
Mon - Fri: 10.00 - 17.00 / Sat: 11.00 - 17.00 / Sun: 13.00 - 17.00
Apr - Sept:
Mon - Fri: 10.00 - 18.00 / Sat: 11.00 - 18.00 / Sun: 12.00 - 18.00
Virtual Visit
Want to take a Virtual Visit of Exploris Aquarium? You can see what many attractions are like before visiting with this 360 degree view! Click on the button below to see:
Schools
Exploris is the perfect venue for an Educational or group visit for all ages with various activities including: DISCOVERY POOLS: A chance for your group to discover a variety of living animals at close hand. For example observe Rays, Starfish and Sea Urchins. Exploris Discovery Pools are run by experienced guides who help to break down inhibitions and develop an appreciation of nature.
AQUARIUM TOUR: A guide leads your group on a journey through the aquarium starting with displays focusing on Strangford Lough, moving on to the Irish Sea via Exploris themed display tanks. Also learn about seal rehabilitation from the rescue of seals to their release back into the wild.
SHORE WALKS: Shore walks are available at certain times depending on the tides in Strangford Lough. These afford pupils the opportunity to learn about life on the shore. Educational staff accompany your group to a local rocky shore to study living things in their natural habitat.
WORKSHOPS: Use the Exploris Educational Suite for one of our themed workshops, Conservation, Pollution and The Seashore
Adopt a Seal
Adopt a seal with Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary. For more information on how you can play a part in the rehabilitation of these amazing animals by adopting a rescued seal pup click here
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