At Easter I spent 5 days at a conference in Bournemouth. I arrived a few hours ahead of time on the Sunday and wandered down to the seafront. After a stroll to stretch my legs after a long drive I thought I’d make the most of my spare hours by popping into the Oceanarium.
It was surprisingly expensive for what looked like a small aquarium – I can’t remember exactly what I paid, but I’ve just checked their website and it’s currently £16 to pay on the door – so I did hesitate, but then decided to go for it anyway.
So was it a good decision? Is Bournemouth Oceanarium worth a visit? It certainly wouldn’t be worth making a special trip for or visiting regularly, but I quite enjoyed my couple of hours there. It wasn’t too crowded (maybe that’s an advantage of a high price?) and there was quite a lot to see.
Once inside there were various levels, pools and aquariums. I was in time for feeding time at this pool, but it was all quite calm. Even the sharks were well-behaved.
It was quite difficult to get good photos as I was taking them through water and often through glass as well. The light levels were sometimes low and some of those fish moved pretty quick.
I was still able to see well enough though and went round a couple of times. A lot of pools and aquariums had more than one viewing point, so if it was difficult to see something on one side I could just walk round to the other side.
It wasn’t just fishy things – there were otters, lizards, crocodiles and penguins as well.
There’s a viewing area for the penguins where you can see them out of the water and then another where you get to see them swimming underwater. I couldn’t get any good pics of them underwater though.
This turtle isn’t the best photo, but I just loved its expression. And how it seemed to be waving at me.
Of course they have one of those underwater tunnels that all aquariums have now. Probably the nearest I’m going to ever get to scuba-diving.
So is Bournemouth Oceanarium worth a visit? As I enjoyed my time there, I have to say yes. But only if you’re in the area anyway. There are better aquariums in other places, but if you’re in Bournemouth and don’t mind the price tag then go for it.
Do you like aquariums? Would you go to this one? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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