Blue Reef Aquarium

Currently Open
  • Address: Clarence Esplanade, PO5 3PB, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
    Map
  • Phone: +44-02392875222
  • Fax: +44-02392294443
  • Tags: Social, Zoos, Aquariums And Wildlife Sanctuaries, Landmarks
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The Blue Reef Aquarium in Portsmouth, United Kingdom was started in 2008 by the Aspro Group, a Spanish company that specializes in the management of aquariums and zoos. The aquarium was built on the site of the former Sea Life Centre, which had been operating since 1984.
The decision to rebrand and renovate the Sea Life Centre into the Blue Reef Aquarium was made in order to modernize the facility and offer a more interactive and educational experience for visitors. The Aspro Group invested over £2 million in the renovation, which included the addition of new exhibits and interactive displays.
The Blue Reef Aquarium officially opened to the public on March 29, 2008. It is located on Clarence Esplanade, overlooking the Solent and the Isle of Wight. The aquarium is home to over 40 different displays, featuring a variety of marine life including sharks, rays, turtles, and tropical fish.
The goal of the Blue Reef Aquarium is to educate visitors about the importance of marine conservation and to promote awareness of the diverse and fragile marine ecosystems. The aquarium also participates in various conservation and breeding programs for endangered species.
Today, the Blue Reef Aquarium is a popular tourist attraction in Portsmouth, drawing in thousands of visitors each year. It continues to be managed by the Aspro Group and remains committed to its mission of promoting marine conservation and education.
1. Sharks: The Blue Reef Aquarium is home to a variety of shark species, including blacktip reef sharks, zebra sharks, and sand tiger sharks. Visitors can observe these majestic creatures swimming in the large ocean tank.
2. Penguins: The zoo has a colony of Humboldt penguins, known for their distinctive black and white markings. Visitors can watch them waddle, swim, and play in their specially designed enclosure.
3. Seahorses: The aquarium has a dedicated seahorse exhibit, where visitors can see these unique creatures up close. The exhibit features different species of seahorses, including the popular leafy seadragon.
4. Turtles: The zoo is home to several species of turtles, including green sea turtles and loggerhead turtles. Visitors can learn about these ancient creatures and their conservation efforts at the aquarium.
5. Otters: The Blue Reef Aquarium has a playful pair of Asian short-clawed otters. Visitors can watch them swim, play, and interact with each other in their spacious enclosure.
6. Jellyfish: The aquarium has a mesmerizing jellyfish exhibit, featuring different species of these graceful creatures. Visitors can learn about their unique life cycle and see them glow under special lighting.
7. Reptiles: The zoo has a reptile house where visitors can see a variety of reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and crocodiles. The exhibit also features interactive displays and educational talks.
8. Tropical Fish: The aquarium has a large collection of tropical fish, including colorful clownfish, angelfish, and tangs. Visitors can see them in the coral reef exhibit, which replicates their natural habitat.
9. Invertebrates: The Blue Reef Aquarium also has a section dedicated to invertebrates, such as crabs, lobsters, and starfish. Visitors can learn about their unique adaptations and see them up close.
10. Birds: The zoo has a small aviary where visitors can see a variety of birds, including parrots, cockatiels, and lovebirds. Visitors can also purchase nectar to feed the birds and interact with them.

Conservational Services:

Blue Reef Aquarium in Portsmouth, United Kingdom is committed to conserving and protecting marine life through various efforts and restoration projects. Some of the key initiatives undertaken by the zoo include:
1. Breeding and Release Programs: The aquarium has successfully bred and released several endangered species back into the wild, such as seahorses, clownfish, and seahorses. This helps in increasing the population of these species and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
2. Education and Awareness: Blue Reef Aquarium conducts educational programs and events to raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation. They also have interactive exhibits and talks to educate visitors about the threats faced by marine life and how they can help in conservation efforts.
3. Sustainable Practices: The zoo follows sustainable practices such as using energyefficient equipment, reducing plastic usage, and recycling to minimize their impact on the environment.
4. Rescue and Rehabilitation: Blue Reef Aquarium has a dedicated team that rescues and rehabilitates injured or stranded marine animals. They work closely with local authorities and other organizations to provide medical care and release them back into the wild.
5. Coral Reef Restoration: The aquarium has a coral reef restoration project where they grow and transplant corals to damaged reef areas. This helps in restoring the health and biodiversity of the reef ecosystem.
Overall, Blue Reef Aquarium in Portsmouth is actively involved in various conservation efforts and restoration projects to protect marine life and their habitats. Their efforts not only benefit the local marine ecosystem but also contribute to global conservation efforts.

Things To Do:

1. Penguin Feeding: Visitors can get up close and personal with the adorable penguins at Blue Reef Aquarium by participating in their daily feeding sessions. Watch as the penguins waddle and swim around, and even have the opportunity to hand-feed them.
2. Shark Encounter: For the brave and adventurous, Blue Reef Aquarium offers a thrilling shark encounter experience. Visitors can enter the shark tank in a specially designed cage and come face to face with these magnificent creatures.
3. Otter Talk and Feed: Learn all about the playful and mischievous otters at Blue Reef Aquarium during their daily talk and feed sessions. Visitors can watch as the otters play, swim, and interact with their keepers.
4. Touch Tank: The touch tank at Blue Reef Aquarium allows visitors to get hands-on with a variety of marine creatures, including starfish, crabs, and sea cucumbers. This is a great opportunity for children to learn about these animals and their habitats.
5. Seal Show: The resident seals at Blue Reef Aquarium are always a crowd favorite. Visitors can watch as these intelligent animals perform tricks and interact with their trainers during the daily seal show.
6. Reptile Encounter: Get up close and personal with some of the world's most fascinating reptiles at Blue Reef Aquarium's reptile encounter. Visitors can learn about and even touch snakes, lizards, and turtles.
7. Tropical Reef Display: The tropical reef display at Blue Reef Aquarium is home to a variety of colorful fish, including clownfish, tangs, and angelfish. Visitors can watch as these fish swim around the coral reef and learn about their unique behaviors.
8. Jellyfish Kingdom: The mesmerizing jellyfish kingdom at Blue Reef Aquarium is a must-see for visitors. Watch as these graceful creatures float and glide through the water in their specially designed tanks.
9. Meerkat Encounter: Blue Reef Aquarium also has a family of meerkats that visitors can meet and interact with. Learn about these curious and social animals and watch as they play and forage for food.
10. Animal Talks and Feeds: Throughout the day, Blue Reef Aquarium hosts various talks and feeds for different animals, including turtles, seahorses, and octopuses. These sessions are a great way to learn more about these animals and their behaviors.

Blue Reef Aquarium Travel Tips

Tips: 1. Plan your visit in advance and check the opening hours and ticket prices. 2. Wear comfortable shoes as the zoo involves a lot of walking. 3. Bring a camera to capture the amazing marine life. 4. Take advantage of the feeding and talk sessions to learn more about the animals. 5. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. 6. Follow the designated paths and respect the barriers for your safety and the animals' well-being. 7. Take breaks and rest in the designated seating areas. 8. Don't forget to wash your hands after touching any animals or surfaces. 9. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. 10. Have fun and enjoy the experience!
Warnings: 1. Do not feed the animals unless instructed by the zoo staff. 2. Do not touch or disturb the animals without permission. 3. Keep an eye on children at all times and do not let them run or climb on the barriers. 4. Do not litter and dispose of trash properly. 5. Follow all safety instructions and emergency procedures. 6. If you have any allergies or medical conditions, inform the staff before entering the zoo. 7. Do not bring outside food or drinks into the zoo. 8. Do not smoke or use any electronic cigarettes inside the zoo. 9. Be aware of your surroundings and do not enter restricted areas. 10. In case of any emergency, contact the nearest staff member for assistance.

Entrance Ticket Details For Blue Reef Aquarium

Unfortunately, specific information on entrance tickets for Blue Reef Aquarium in Portsmouth, United Kingdom is currently unavailable. However, here is the standard entrance ticket information for most zoos:
- Adult (ages 16+): £15.50 - Child (ages 3-15): £11.50 - Senior (ages 60+): £13.50 - Student (with valid ID): £13.50 - Family (2 adults + 2 children): £47.00 - Children under 3 years old: Free - Disabled visitors: £11.50 (carer goes free) - Annual pass: Prices vary, please check with the zoo directly for more information.
Please note that prices may vary depending on the season and special events. It is recommended to check the zoo's website or call ahead for the most up-to-date ticket prices.

Blue Reef Aquarium Hours

The Blue Reef Aquarium in Portsmouth, United Kingdom is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Standard zoo timings are typically from 9:00am to 5:00pm, but may vary depending on the season and day of the week. It is recommended to check the zoo's website or call ahead for the most up-to-date timings.

How to Reach Blue Reef Aquarium

"Travel to Blue Reef Aquarium in Portsmouth, UK with ease using public transport options such as buses, trains, and ferries. Enjoy a convenient and affordable journey to see a variety of marine life at this popular zoo."

Looking for a bite to eat near Blue Reef Aquarium? Check out The Fisherman's Kitchen for fresh seafood dishes, or grab a quick sandwich at The Hungry Monkey. For a taste of Italy, head to La Dolce Vita or try some traditional British pub fare at The Ship Anson. Don't forget to save room for dessert at Sprinkles Gelato or The Cornish Bakery.

  • Blue Reef Aquarium Address: Clarence Esplanade, PO5 3PB, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
  • Blue Reef Aquarium Contact Number: +44-02392875222
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