We recently visited Sea Life Scarborough, explored the underwater world, and interacted with fascinating sea creatures. Here’s our review and all you need to know about Sea Life Scarborough.
In this blog post, we’ll share our experience, including our favourite exhibits, how to get there and further information about the centre. So, join us on this aquatic adventure and discover all Sea Life Scarborough offers.
Our review of Sea Life Scarborough
We recently visited the Sea Life centre in Scarborough and had a great time. When you arrive, they stagger people going through by taking photos of you. You can view these at the end of the visit and purchase keepsakes if you wish, or you can walk through and avoid this if preferred. You’re given a timetable of talks and feeding times to plan your day around the ones you want to see.
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A fantastic learning opportunity
Our first impressions were that the site was much bigger than we expected! There are so many different sea creatures to learn about and witness. We were particularly impressed with the Sea Dragons; my son loved them. We learnt that they are a type of fish found in the waters near Australia and Tasmania. They tend to be brightly coloured and use camouflage to stay safe from predators. Despite having no teeth, they survive by feeding on small fish and crustaceans.
Immersive and hands on
We missed a few talks because we enjoyed the interactive sections so much and read plenty of information boards to learn about sea creatures. My son loved the interactive area where you weigh and care for a Sea Turtle and learn more about rescue, rehabilitation, and release in a hands-on way.
After viewing these indoor sections, we head to the Seal Hospital outdoors in time for the Seal show and talk. At the Seal Hospital, you can witness the incredible journey of injured Seals rescued from local coastal waters, rehabilitated, and eventually released back into the wild. They take great pride in providing a safe and nurturing environment. By visiting here, you are supporting the incredible work they do.
We spent roughly 3 hours at the attraction
We spent about 3 hours at the centre but could have easily stayed longer by having food and playing at the play area, but we had more of Scarborough to explore! Overall, it was a great experience, and we would highly recommend it to others.
There are more than 2500 creatures to discover here
Penguin Island
One of the highlights is Penguin Island, home to a playful colony of Humboldt penguins. You’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with these charming creatures as you walk through their impressive living quarters.
Tropical Ocean Tunnel
Walk through the breath-taking 200,000l Ocean Tunnel. You can encounter Blacktip Reef Sharks up close and personal. Find more information about the types of sharks you will see here.
Rainforest Adventure
Experience a captivating world full of creepy crawlies, curious critters, and lurking lizards. Get up close with Green Tree Pythons and be awed by Poison Arrow Dart Frogs.
Seal Hospital
Sea Life Scarborough is proud to host Yorkshire’s only Seal Hospital. They are dedicated to helping injured Seals in the area. They offer a comprehensive rehabilitation programme that sees them through their rescue from local coastal waters and their release into the wild.
Every year, they rescue over 30 injured seal pups and bring them to the Seal Hospital for treatment and rehabilitation. The facilities allow them to care for up to 4 seals at once, and each seal costs over £2,000 to rehabilitate. They are incredibly grateful for the support from guests, which helps them to continue vital work.
When rescued seal pups have recovered from injuries and reached a healthy weight, they work closely with the RSPCA to release them back into the wild. It’s a rewarding experience to see these seals return to their natural habitat, and they are proud to have played a part in their recovery. Learn more here.
The Adventurers Café
The Adventurers Café has a diverse selection of delicious hot and cold food that caters to both kids and adults. But if you’d prefer to bring your own food, no problem! The Beach Bites Kiosk, which offers hot drinks and snacks, has picnic benches outside for your convenience. Alternatively, there are also picnic benches located next to the seal pool.
Beach bites adventure playground
This adventure playground is perfect for kids aged 3 and up. It is located just outside near the Beach Bites kiosk, and it offers everything from a fun tunnel and slides to various exciting amusement games for children to enjoy. And while the kids are busy playing and having fun, adults can sit back and relax with a hot drink and some delicious snacks.
Pirate adventure golf
You can access the Pirate Adventure Mini Golf via Sea Life Scarborough it is a thrilling and exciting treasure chest of fun. Challenge your navigation skills as you weave your way around cannons, treasure chests, and gunpowder barrels in this adventurous game of mini golf.
A VIP experience makes a great birthday gift or an exciting day out.
Breakfast with the seals
Experience a unique morning with some charming resident seals. You’ll learn about their fascinating stories. You’ll have exclusive early entry to the centre and be taken on a VIP tour by one of the knowledgeable staff members. You’ll even get to participate in a feeding session with the seals.
Sharks after dark
Sharks after Dark is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a unique and exciting after-hours experience. You and up to 5 friends can enjoy a private guided tour of the entire aquarium and explore the mysteries of the deep sea.
Marine Biologist
Have you ever wanted to be a Marine Biologist for a day? Now you can! Spend a day with a member of the expert animal care team and learn all about the incredible creatures at the centre. You’ll get to see their habitats and feeding habits up close while also helping to feed them.
Find more information about the VIP experiences on offer here.
Enjoy a quieter experience
Quiet at the Aquarium sessions are held on the first Sunday of every month. During the first hour of opening, they offer a calm and peaceful environment for those with Autism and other neurodiverse conditions. Take the opportunity to explore the diverse range of sea creatures, including sharks and seahorses, in a more peaceful setting that caters to those with sensory sensitivities. The centre music, hand driers and televisions will remain off until 11 am to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable experience. Please note that this event requires pre-booked tickets which are only available online. You can book online here.
Scarborough beach cleans
Join Sea Life Scarborough and make a difference by participating in a beach clean-up. Volunteering can help keep the coastlines clean and safe for marine life. Did you know that millions of marine creatures die yearly due to plastic pollution? Let’s do our part to help protect our oceans and marine life from this harmful pollution. You can sign up and view a list of beach clean dates here.
How to get there
Sea Life Scarborough is located on the North Bay of Scarborough.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/1Zt9QGC58QhASniB7
Get there by train:
You can catch a train to Scarborough train station, and you have a couple of options from there. You can grab a taxi from the station or catch the 9A bus that stops outside.
Another option is to take the North Bay Miniature Railway from its spot near Peasholm Park, which will take you directly to Sea Life Scarborough.
Get there by car:
A council-operated pay and display car park is outside the Sea Life Centre on Scalby Mills. Please note that this car park charges fees between March and October each year. However, from November to February, parking in this car park is free.
Alternatively, if you prefer to park for free, you can park on Scalby Mills Road, which is located nearby and offers free parking all day, it’s only a short walk from the centre.
No parent and toddler parking spaces are available at the centre. However, there is disabled parking available, although charges do still apply.
The attraction is wheelchair accessible, and you can find more information about accessibility here.
In conclusion, our visit to Sea Life Scarborough was a truly unforgettable experience. We were thoroughly impressed with everything the aquarium had to offer. Whether you’re a family with young children or someone who loves marine life, we highly recommend visiting Sea Life Scarborough. It’s a great way to learn more about the ocean and its inhabitants while having fun at the same time.
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