While we were visiting Northern Ireland recently we made a trip to see Exploris Aquarium.…
A visit to the Blue Reef Aquarium: Tynemouth
We revisited the Blue Reef Aquarium, Tynemouth in November, it has been many years since we went. When my son was small he attended parties there and we visited a couple of times. Since then the aquarium has expanded to include an Amazon section with reptiles and monkeys. I was looking forward to seeing how it had changed. The Blue Reef Aquarium is situated on the seafront on Grand Parade, Tynemouth. It is easy to find and there is plenty of parking outside. The car park is pay and display so you need to pay.
Some time ago we visited Exploris aquarium in Portaferry, Northern Ireland. That aquarium showcased the fish and wildlife local to Strangford loch which it is situated opposite. The Blue Reef aquarium is different, as it showcases fish and wildlife from all around the world.
Before you go
It is a good idea to check online before you go. Tickets can be purchased online up to two hours before your visit and they are cheaper than purchasing at the desk. You can also check online for the times of the shows and feeding times, allow you to plan you visit around these. There are various activities though out the day, from monkey feeding time, to the seal show and the rock pool encounter. Seeing at least one of these will make your visit more interesting. The Blue Reef Aquarium is open every day from 10am, except for Christmas day.
Admission Prices
Standard: £10
Junior (3-12): £8 under 3 is free
Seniors and Students: £9
Family of four (2 adults and 2 juniors) £33.50
The aquarium is a short walk from the car park. Entry is past the admission desk, where you can purchase tickets. There is also a gift shop with a wide range of ocean based merchandise at varying prices. If you are hungry there is a cafe so you can stop for a bite to eat. At the desk you get a map of the aquarium and the times of the shows so you can get there in time.
Inside the Blue Reef Aquarium
There is a wide range of sea life to view at the Blue Reef Aquarium. The displays take you on an undersea tour from the British coastline to faraway tropical reefs. Brightly coloured and exotic looking tropical fish swim past. Watching them is restful.
Each of the displays gives information about the fish inside, where you find them and a little about their behaviour which is interesting. As well as the exotic fish there are also the more familiar local fish. One of the main displays is a large ocean tank, with an underground walk though tunnel. Shark and rays swim overhead making you feel as if you are under the ocean. There are close encounters with crabs and crayfish.
Exotic Animals
There is also a range of exotic animals. You will find gorgeous Cotton-top Tamarin monkeys, who were too fast to get a decent photo. They are an endangered monkey species from the South American rainforest.
Continuing the rainforest theme Green Iguanas lazed around, looking like something from a prehistory. They look old and wise, as if they could tell loads of secrets.
There are plenty of other creatures to find but one of my favourites are the otters. These playful and inquisitive creatures frolic around happily, oblivious to you passing by.
The Seal Show
We missed most of the shows but did managed to catch the seal show. This is in a large tank, situated at the back of the aquarium. The tank holds seals and sea lions, who have their own show later in the day.
Don’t stand too close to the glass as you are likely to get splashed as the seals jump out of the water. The show is really interesting and educational. As well as learning about the different types of seals found in Britain, you learn about their behaviour and habits. The seals perform tricks, but you also learn why they do these things in the wild.
As well as being a place to visit and learn about sea life the Blue Reef Aquarium is also a Marine Rescue Centre. They rescue and care for sick and abandoned seal pups as well as other marine wildlife. It is well worth a visit to the Blue Reef Aquarium. Walking around will not take that long so do plan your visit so you get to see a couple of the shows. I was very impressed with how much it had changed since I visited last time and look forward to going back again in the future. After our visit we drove along the coastline and stopped at Whitley Bay lighthouse. It is always pleasant to spend a day at the coast and even in November the views were stunning.
Kim Carberry says
Ohh I like the new additions….The last time we were there (years ago) they were just building the place for the seals….We’d queued so long waiting to get in my youngest had totally lost interest. She’d seen a fish that was enough for her. lol It sounds like there’s so much more there now!! My favourite was the Otters too 🙂
Dragons and Fairy Dust says
They didn’t have the amazon or the seals last time we went which was years ago. It was definitely worth a revisit.
Erica Price says
Aquariums are always popular places to visit for us. Love that you have some outside bits there and can see the seals as most of the ones I’ve been to don’t do that.
Dragons and Fairy Dust says
The seals were fab, so nice to learn more about them
Honest mum says
What a stunning aquarium, the one near us is part of Tropical World and the kids find it too hot but we used to visit a stunning one in Bristol when we lived there. Thanks for the fab linky, will link up now x
Dragons and Fairy Dust says
Tropical world sounds great but I guess it would be a bit hot
Honest mum says
I’ve linked up two, hope that’s OK x
Dragons and Fairy Dust says
Of course 🙂
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
Wow, so many awesome fish. I haven’t been to an aquarium in such a long time. The ones in the states are the best.
Dragons and Fairy Dust says
I went to sea world years and years ago and it was fab, bet its better now
Eileen Teo says
Such a beautiful place to visit! My kids will sure love to see those fishes!
Yes, I always try to buy online than desk as they always cheaper.
Dragons and Fairy Dust says
I wish I had realised before I went, but I know for next time
Galina V says
Beautiful photos, Alison! A wonderful place to visit. The only Aquarium we ever visited was in London, my older son loved it.
Dragons and Fairy Dust says
Thank you. I bet he did, fish are so restful to watch
Samantha Rickelton says
I’m just not much of a fan of the aquarium – as a family of 5 it is so expensive to get in for what it is and they don’t have the shows on regularly enough so like you – we end up missing them. I did used to like their toddler Tuesday deal and used to visit with this.
Dragons and Fairy Dust says
I would agree it would be better if there were more shows. I guess there are only so many times a day you can feed monkeys though. We went as a special birthday treat with grandparents but it does not take that long to look around.
Helen @ Witty Hoots says
We love the Blue Reef – the otters are really cute and playful!
Dragons and Fairy Dust says
Otters are one of my favourite things, so cute
The Diary Of A Jewellery Lover says
I would love to see the seal pups. It’s great that it is a Marine rescue centre too.
Dragons and Fairy Dust says
It would be lovely to see some seal pups as well
lisa prince says
been here a few times and i have to admit we loved the tropical fish so much we came home and bought our own we even inclided the lion fish, one of the most deadliest but most beautiful in my opinion fish ever which you have in your pics above x
Dragons and Fairy Dust says
I love tropical fish and the lion fish is really impressive. I have never tried keeping them though
Vicki Montague says
Wow this looks like a great aquarium! I have never been to one that has exotic animals too. Fantastic!
Dragons and Fairy Dust says
It is well worth a visit, great on a rainy day