Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth Review – An Underwater Family Adventure in Southsea
Ad | Gifted Visit 🦈
We were kindly invited to Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth and received complimentary admission. All opinions and experiences shared in this review are our own.
Ever wondered what it’s like to walk beneath the ocean with marine life swimming all around you? 🦈🐠
This weekend, we were invited to visit Blue Reef Aquarium in Portsmouth, located right on Southsea seafront overlooking the beautiful Solent.
If you’re looking for an indoor family day out in Hampshire, especially when the weather isn’t great, this is one worth considering.
With more than 40 underwater displays, fascinating marine creatures and an impressive walkthrough ocean tunnel, there’s plenty to discover. From colourful tropical fish to rays, seahorses and sharks, it’s a chance to get a closer look at the underwater world without getting wet!
Here’s what you can expect from a visit, along with some useful tips to help you plan your own trip.
Exploring Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth 🐠
Blue Reef Aquarium takes visitors on a journey through several different aquatic habitats, starting with creatures found in British waters before moving into the colourful world of tropical marine life.
One of the things we like about aquariums is that there’s always something interesting to stop and watch. Some creatures are constantly on the move, while others are surprisingly good at hiding!
The aquarium is divided into different areas, including:
- Solent Seas: Discover marine creatures found in our local waters, including rays, lobsters, starfish and anemones.
- Tropical Treasures: Explore warmer underwater environments featuring colourful reef fish, seahorses, eels and other tropical species.
- Freshwater Fun: Learn more about freshwater habitats and the creatures that live in them, including turtles and amphibians.
There’s a good mixture of smaller displays and larger tanks, giving visitors the opportunity to see marine life they might never encounter in the wild.
The Highlight – The Underwater Ocean Tunnel 🦈
Without a doubt, the standout feature of Blue Reef Aquarium is its underwater walkthrough tunnel.
Located within the Tropical Treasures area, the tunnel takes you beneath a large tropical marine tank, offering a completely different perspective of life underwater.
Rather than simply looking through a viewing window, you can walk through the tunnel with fish swimming alongside and above you.
It’s a fascinating experience, particularly when the larger fish glide past the glass.
For us, this was the highlight of the visit and definitely a part of the aquarium worth taking your time to enjoy.
Our tip: Don’t rush through the tunnel. Stop for a few minutes, look around and see what swims past. It’s also one of the best places to capture photos and videos during your visit.
Sharks, Rays and Colourful Marine Life
There’s much more to discover beyond the underwater tunnel.
Blue Reef Aquarium is home to a variety of marine creatures, from familiar fish found around the British coastline to more unusual species from tropical waters.
Sharks are always an interesting sight, while rays are fascinating to watch as they move through the water.
You’ll also find colourful reef fish, seahorses, starfish and other creatures that make the different displays worth exploring.
It’s an enjoyable way for children to learn more about marine habitats and the importance of protecting our oceans.
And with so many different creatures to see, there’s plenty to talk about as you make your way around.
Daily Feeding Demonstrations and Talks
Another feature worth planning around is the aquarium’s programme of daily feeding demonstrations and educational talks.
These sessions give visitors the opportunity to learn more about the animals, their behaviour and how they are cared for.
Depending on the daily timetable, sessions can include tropical fish feeding, rays, sharks and turtles.
If you’re visiting with children who are particularly interested in marine life, these talks are worth fitting into your visit.
Top tip: Check the feeding schedule when you arrive so you can plan your visit around any demonstrations you’d like to watch.
How Long Do You Need at Blue Reef Aquarium?
According to the aquarium, most visitors spend around one hour exploring the displays, although this can vary depending on how much time you spend watching the animals and attending talks.
One particularly useful feature is that your admission ticket is valid for the whole day.
This means you can leave the aquarium, explore Southsea seafront, grab something to eat and return later for another look around.
It’s a great way to make your visit feel less rushed, especially if you’re trying to catch a feeding demonstration.
Just remember to arrange a re-entry hand stamp at reception before leaving.
Food, Drink and Facilities ☕
Blue Reef Aquarium has an onsite café called Driftwood Kitchen, offering hot and cold food, snacks and drinks.
The menu includes options such as sandwiches, pizzas, burgers and children’s meals.
There are also toilets, accessible facilities and an outdoor children’s play area.
During the warmer months, families can enjoy the seasonal outdoor splash pool, making it an additional attraction when the weather is suitable.
The aquarium is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, with ramps throughout the displays.
Facilities at a glance:
- Onsite café serving food and drinks
- Toilets and accessible toilets
- Wheelchair and pushchair access
- Outdoor children’s play area
- Seasonal outdoor splash pool
- Daily talks and feeding demonstrations
- Same-day re-entry
Please note that dogs are not permitted inside the aquarium, with the exception of assistance dogs.
Blue Reef Aquarium Ticket Prices 🎟️
Blue Reef Aquarium is a paid attraction, with different ticket options available for adults, children and families.
Admission prices (checked November 2026):
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard (ages 13+) | £16.10 |
| Junior (ages 3–12) | £12.90 |
| Under 3s | FREE |
| Concession (65+ or students) | £15.10 |
| Family of 4 (2 standard + 2 junior) | £56.00 |
It’s worth noting that children aged 13 and over require a standard ticket, so check the age requirements before purchasing a family ticket.
You can purchase tickets online or at the aquarium.
Money-saving tip: Blue Reef Aquarium accepts Tesco Clubcard Reward Partner vouchers towards eligible standard, junior and concession day tickets. These cannot be used for family passes or combined with certain promotions.
Prices and offers can change, so check the official website before visiting.
View the latest Blue Reef Aquarium admission prices
Opening Times ⏰
Blue Reef Aquarium is currently open:
Monday – Sunday: 10am–5pm
The aquarium is generally open throughout the year, including weekends and bank holidays, but closes on Christmas Day.
Opening hours can vary seasonally, so it’s worth checking before travelling.
Check the latest opening times
Where Is Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth? 📍
You’ll find the aquarium right on the seafront in Southsea, overlooking the Solent.
Address:
Blue Reef Aquarium
Clarence Esplanade
Southsea, Portsmouth
PO5 3PB
It’s a lovely location and easy to combine with a walk along Southsea seafront or some time exploring Southsea Common.
Parking at Blue Reef Aquarium 🚗
Blue Reef Aquarium does not have its own dedicated car park.
However, there is chargeable seafront parking along Clarence Esplanade, conveniently located close to the entrance.
These spaces are operated by Portsmouth City Council and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parking can become busy during weekends and school holidays, particularly when the weather is good.
We’d recommend allowing a little extra time to find a space, especially if you’re planning to attend a particular feeding demonstration.
Is Blue Reef Aquarium Good for Families?
If your children enjoy animals, wildlife or discovering something different, Blue Reef Aquarium is a good option for an indoor family activity.
Younger children can enjoy watching the colourful fish and seeing the larger marine creatures up close, while older children may find the different habitats and educational talks particularly interesting.
The underwater tunnel is likely to be a memorable part of the experience for visitors of all ages.
It’s also a practical choice for families with pushchairs, thanks to the accessible layout.
One thing worth bearing in mind: The aquarium itself isn’t a full-day attraction for most visitors. If you’re travelling some distance, we’d suggest combining it with other activities around Southsea to make the most of your day.
Fortunately, there’s plenty to explore along the seafront.
Our Verdict – Is Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth Worth Visiting? ⭐
We enjoyed the opportunity to explore Blue Reef Aquarium and discover more about the fascinating creatures living beneath the waves.
The underwater walkthrough tunnel was definitely our highlight, offering a close-up perspective that makes the experience a little different from simply walking around traditional aquarium displays.
It’s a good choice for families looking for an educational indoor activity, particularly during the colder months or when the Hampshire weather isn’t on your side.
Although it’s not somewhere you’d necessarily spend an entire day, the all-day re-entry option and its fantastic location on Southsea seafront make it easy to include as part of a longer family outing.
If you enjoy marine wildlife, it’s certainly one to consider when planning your next visit to Portsmouth.
Have you visited Blue Reef Aquarium before? We’d love to hear what you thought and which marine creature was your favourite! 🐠
Plan Your Visit
📍 Location: Blue Reef Aquarium, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, PO5 3PB
🎟️ Admission: Paid entry, under 3s free
🚗 Parking: Chargeable seafront parking nearby
⏰ Opening Times: Currently 10am–5pm daily
♿ Accessibility: Wheelchair and pushchair friendly
🚻 Facilities: Toilets, café and seasonal outdoor splash pool
🐕 Dogs: Assistance dogs only
🌐 Website: Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth
We were invited to visit Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth. This article shares our experience alongside practical visitor information to help families plan their own day out.
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