Exploris Aquarium
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Exploris is a public aquarium situated in Portaferry, Northern Ireland. The facility is located on the shores of the Marine Nature reserve of Strangford Lough, which is an important winter migration destination for many wading and sea birds.
attractions: Portaferry Castle, restaurants: Captain Jack's / Jack's Bistro, Salthouse Restaurant, The Lep Bar, ME Dumigan's Bar, Deli-licious, Café Therese
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Description
Exploris is a public aquarium situated in Portaferry, Northern Ireland. The facility is located on the shores of the Marine Nature reserve of Strangford Lough, which is an important winter migration destination for many wading and sea birds.
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its awesome, there are so many types of different fish and so much detailed facts about them everywhere, i want to thank the person who drew the art for the fish facts on the screens around the aquariums because their art is just the one of the best i've ever seen. I went there for my birthday and it was so fun (personally because i love fish so so much) and i think anyone would find this aquarium really fun to be in. Not only do they have a wide variety of fish, they have (i think) crocidiles, seals, turtles, penguins, ducks, geese, a capybara (i think) and some other animals. there is also a list of times each animal is fed at and the staff (who are all so awesome) talk about and give facts about too. I cant talk much on the other animals in the aquarium because i mainly spent my time looking at the fish so idk. they also had a renovation since the last time i've been there and from what i've heard there are more fish to come soon like their black tip reef shark or sharks??(im not sure i dont remember right) Overall, great aquarium, also a really good gift shop at the end with a ton of fish stuff and other stuff at reasonable prices which i love so yeah awesome aquarium.
Oscar FishiOscar Fishi
00
Attended mums and tots at Exploris on a Thursday morning at 10am. Aquarium was quiet/not busy so there was plenty of room to push pram around and enjoy the tanks and mesmerising colours of the tropical fish! Demonstrations were put on for the babies/toddlers who were able to see creatures being handled, a touch tank was there to see and feel some beautiful flat fish. Feeding time was about 11am and we got to see the seals being fed outside and to hear about their breeding / rescue / release to the wild programme which was informative for all. A supervised soft play area is at the end of the ground floor providing a playframe suitable for children 2 years and older. A ball pool is there for smaller babies too. Clean and safe for all to use. A café is located at the end of the session providing hot drinks, snacks and lunches, excellent seating area for groups of people. High chairs available for the babies. 2 lifts are located in the Aquarium making access to the upper floor easy for mums with prams or young toddlers. A few exhibits were being updated for the new season and had coming soon signs or I'd give it a 4/5 star rating. Here's a few photos.
Jennifer HamiltonJennifer Hamilton
10
Visited after the closure and while the newer look is better in many ways than the old. In many ways the old aquarium had a more relaxed and welcoming feel. Arrived just after 11 should have been a talk at the Viking pool either it was very short or not on. Checked the guide the fun zone had one on at 12, again no talk when asked a staff member was told it wouldn't be on today. Did the entire place in an hour. Finally the no picnic rule. I can understand the need when a cafe is on site to ensure that people don't bring in their own food and eat it in the cafe but is there really a need to stress this so much from the no picnic rule all over the website to the signs up to the alternating display on the AVs. Finally finally the gift shop everything from the fact you are forced to exit through to the no touching and breakages must be paid for all leaves the sense of trying not to provide an enjoyable day out for the family but an exercise in extracting the most amount of money.
Richard SmithRichard Smith
20
Took my nephews here for a ‘day out’ and we were finished in 20 minutes. One huge part was closed for refurbishment and we were still charged the same price. Everything is either closed or distracted by a mechanical toy that cost £1 to ride, every turn was another excuse to charge money. My nephew kept saying “where are all the sea creatures” and he was so disappointed. We were told the cafe wasn’t open until 11 so we went up at 10:55 to wait, as there was nothing else to do, and we were told to leave! Couldn’t believe it. The outdoor snack area… closed. All the seals in the seal hospital and you can’t get in to see them, have to just look at them through glass. No animals in the outdoor tanks. I think we should have been given a reduction seeing as there was nothing to do. The first 1/3 of the tour is great, the rest is such a let down, Don’t think I’ll be back. Prepare for an arcade, not an aquarium
Alex DohertyAlex Doherty
10
So yesterday we went to the Aquarium by night guided tour which me and my big son thoroughly enjoyed. Our tour guide was Blair who was very welcoming...he is very passionate about his job..he told us loads of facts we never knew and answered any questions we had. After the tour we went to the restaurant.. If i could give it x10 stars for the food then i would. Proper restaurant quality food cooked by chefs who clearly know what their doing. Staff was very attentive and welcoming.. I even left a tip which i rarely do in places. After food we then had a wee walk around at our leisure taking some photos before lastly the gift shop. Loads of choice in the gift shop to suit toys for kids or soveineirs for adults. I got my 6 year old some plastic animals for mucking in the sink a cuddly toy and some stationery for school. Thanks Exploris for giving us a brilliant night 💖
Hazel RoweHazel Rowe
30
Myself and my Partner visited on 16/01/24 as we had some free time together during a trip visiting some family. We had an amazing day and went round the site twice to make sure we saw all the animals and made the most of our trip. The keepers / aquarists we had the pleasure of speaking with were amazing, lovely and welcoming staff with a plethora of knowledge regarding the animals and aquatics they look after. Myself and Callum had the pleasure of speaking in depth with Blair and Rebecca who exude passion for animal care, welfare and education whom made the day an all-round 10/10 experience. Special thanks also to Brendon from estates and maintenance who was more than hospitable, happily chatting away with us even if we distracted him from painting. Wonderful team, will recommend you to everyone, we will certainly be back. Thanks again - Megan and Callum. <3
Megan-Jayne ThomasMegan-Jayne Thomas
00
Nearby Attractions Of Exploris Aquarium
Portaferry Castle
Portaferry Castle
4.3
(12)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Exploris Aquarium
Captain Jack's / Jack's Bistro
Salthouse Restaurant
The Lep Bar
ME Dumigan's Bar
Deli-licious
Café Therese
Captain Jack's / Jack's Bistro
4.8
(301)$
Click for details
Salthouse Restaurant
4.7
(69)Click for details
The Lep Bar
4.6
(48)$
Click for details
ME Dumigan's Bar
4.6
(42)$
Click for details
Reviews
Overview
4.3
(1.3K reviews)
Phone
+44 28 4272 8062
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Website
explorisni.com
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Deep Dive
A deep dive into Exploris Aquarium
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