National Marine Aquarium

About us

New safety measures in place   

- We will be employing a one-way system, including in our Ocean Waves gift shop

- Visitors will have designated three-hour time slots in which to enter the aquarium - Tickets are only available to purchase in advance online to limit capacity and ensure at least one metre distance between visitors.

- The aquarium’s Ocean Discovery Rangers will be positioned around the aquarium, helping to ensure everyone maintains a suitable distance from one another – ensuring a safe day out as you re-aquaint yourself with your favourite Ocean animals.

- We have installed additional hand-wash and sanitisation facilities around the aquarium and there will be floor markings to help visitors to stay apart. - Staff will be managing toilet facilities to control numbers of people in and out and ensuring that regular cleaning takes place.

- The team have installed lots of guidance on hygiene, social distancing and safety measures around the aquarium as friendly reminders to everyone about how to enjoy their day.

- The Loola Land Soft play, however, will remain closed, in order to safely uphold social distancing measures and limit people’s contact with hard surfaces.

Normally during the summer months, our Aquarium would be welcoming and inspiring thousands of visitors, but to ensure safety there will a huge reduction in daily tickets available to limit visitor numbers.

Visit the UK's largest Aquarium, be amazed by their fascinating underwater world, and how we all play a part in conserving it. All day tickets come with a free 12 month pass so pay once and return as much as you like throughout the year!

The National Marine Aquarium is run by the Ocean Conservation Trust, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the Ocean. A visit to the Aquarium will take you on a journey across the world's Ocean, from the shores of Plymouth Sound to the coral reefs of the tropics of Australia. With over 4,000 animals to meet including sharks, sting rays, octopuses, jellyfish and a cheeky turtle, there will be something different on every visit.

Their Ocean Discovery Rangers host the Aquarium to connect all visitors to the animals who call it home. With four main zones, their exhibits include the UK’s deepest and largest tank, the UK’s largest native exhibit, the UK’s largest single viewing panel and many more interactive displays.

Not only are they a fantastic day out, but the National Marine Aquarium is a truly unique venue in the stunning location of Sutton Harbour. Its relaxed environment and breath-taking views make it the perfect venue for a variety of functions and events, from birthday celebrations to wedding receptions. With several spaces available to hire and a variety of catering options available. Enjoy fine dining for 120 guests on round tables in our auditorium looking at the amazing Eddystone Reef exhibit or a buffet for 75 in Horizons, with views to die for across Plymouth Sound.

Their events calendar has something for everyone, from yoga sessions, late night lecture series and even a chance to enjoy an evening in one of the most unique settings for a dine at the Aquarium experience.  And if you live a little way a way and want to explore the Aquarium virtually before visiting Plymouth, why not try one of their virtual tour experiences? The perfect treat or present for any budding marine biologists.

Make sure you visit the National Marine Aquarium website for an updated list of all the events and activities upcoming. 2021 marks the beginning of the globally significant UN Ocean Decade.  Places for the people to engage with and understand our Ocean cultural heritage are required now more than ever.  The UK is an island nation, no-one is ever more than 70 miles from the coast.  The Ocean and its underwater and natural heritage is intricately intertwined with our cultural heritage.