Blue Planet Aquarium - Image 1

Blue Planet Aquarium

Ellesmere Port, United Kingdom•4.1(8.1k)•Aquarium, Zoo

Explore Europe's largest collection of sharks and discover the underwater world through interactive exhibits, talks, feeds, and thrilling dive experiences for all ages.

Blue Planet Aquarium is a world-class aquarium located at Cheshire Oaks, featuring Europe's largest collection of sharks and an extensive array of marine life. Visitors can immerse themselves in various exhibits showcasing different underwater ecosystems, with opportunities to observe Sand Tiger Sharks, Nurse Sharks, and countless other species in the impressive Ocean Tank. The venue offers engaging educational experiences including live talks and feeding demonstrations that bring marine biology to life. For those seeking adventure, Blue Planet Aquarium is a PADI Dive Centre offering both Adult Shark Dives (ages 16+) and Junior Shark Dives (ages 8-15, minimum height 125cm), allowing visitors to experience cage-free diving alongside sharks in the Ocean Tank. No prior diving experience is necessary for first-timers. Blue Planet Aquarium is family-friendly and accessible to all visitors, with on-site parking, Nautilus Kitchen café facilities, and pushchair-friendly spaces. The venue hosts special events including birthday parties, school trips catered to different key stages, and corporate hire options. Annual memberships are available for unlimited visits throughout the year. Open daily from 10am (closed only on Christmas Day), it's easily accessible via the M53 Junction 10 and public transport links from Chester and Liverpool.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00
Friday: 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Nautilus Kitchen

Deep sea dining in our Nautilus Kitchen offers an array of freshly prepared hot and cold food, snacks and drinks to suit every hungry tummy!

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Google Reviews

4.1(8.1k reviews)
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Rafael de Vicente

Rafael de Vicente

4 weeks ago

I want to thank the Blue Planet Aquarium and in particular Fiona (instructor diver) and Shannon (guest experience) for an amazing day yesterday. I completed the shark encounter experience and it was absolutely incredible. Fiona was a great instructor, made it so easy to understand the skills required and feel safe and at ease under water. The training was quite entertaining and added to the value of the experience The time inside the tank was just incredible. Having to opportunity to see these animals so up close without any barriers is simply breathtaking. On the other side, the private tour for the spectator accompanying me on the day and also taking care that she was at the right time and place to see my dive made the experience a lot better. An unforgettable experience that I hope to repeat in the near future.

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Laura Roch

Laura Roch

a month ago

We had an amazing time visiting. Arrived for opening on a weekday, no queue to get in, lots of car parking available. Kept our toddler entertained for a good few hours, great tanks to see fish, reptiles and spiders. Lovely outdoor play area also with picnic benches for lunch. Main areas are pram accessible but some levels do have steps, if you want to view certain things. Huge walk through tunnel with lots of different fish and sharks to see.

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Tanaka Takawira

Tanaka Takawira

2 months ago

Here’s a polished version of your review: Blue Planet Aquarium is a wonderful family-friendly attraction and a great place to spend a relaxing day. The aquarium may be compact, but it features an impressive variety of aquatic species, all well presented and supported by informative displays and educational boards that make the visit both enjoyable and engaging. The environment is clean, safe, and welcoming, making it ideal for families with children. Highlights include the outdoor play area, the fascinating Pelican Cove, and plenty of opportunities to learn about marine life. There is also a well-stocked gift shop, a restaurant offering a good selection of food and drinks, and ample free parking. Overall, a delightful experience and excellent value for a family day out. Or, for a slightly more enthusiastic tone: A fantastic family day out! Blue Planet Aquarium offers an excellent mix of entertainment, education, and relaxation. Despite its compact size, it houses a remarkable collection of aquatic species, with informative exhibits and displays that help visitors learn about the animals and their habitats. Children will love the outdoor play area and Pelican Cove, while adults can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained facilities. The aquarium also features a good restaurant, a lovely souvenir shop, and plenty of free parking. Highly recommended for families looking for a fun and educational outing.

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Jack B

Jack B

2 months ago

The Blue Planet Aquarium in Chester is a captivating underwater world that offers an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a mesmerizing array of marine life, ranging from tiny, colorful fish to impressive sharks and graceful rays. The aquarium is thoughtfully designed, with clear pathways and informative displays that enhance the overall experience. One of the highlights is the underwater tunnel, where you can walk beneath the sharks and other marine creatures swimming overhead. It's an incredible sensation to be surrounded by these magnificent animals, and it provides a unique perspective on their natural habitat. The aquarium also features a variety of themed exhibits, each showcasing different ecosystems and species from around the world. The coral reef exhibit is particularly vibrant, with its dazzling array of colors and fascinating marine life. In addition to the impressive displays, the Blue Planet Aquarium also offers educational talks and feeding demonstrations throughout the day. These presentations provide valuable insights into the behavior and conservation of marine animals, making it both an entertaining and educational experience. Whether you're a seasoned marine enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out with the family, the Blue Planet Aquarium is well worth a visit.

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Gemma Duffy

Gemma Duffy

4 months ago

We took our 6 year old son for the first time on Sunday and we was not disappointed! It was a lovely layout and the variety of sea life and reptiles was fantastic. We particularly enjoyed the viewing auditorium with the sharks and plenty of fish. It was fascinating to watch them and was a nice area to relax and take it all in. An amazing view of the sealife and especially the sharks, I could have spent most of the day in there just sealife watching! The aqua show was really fascinating and we learnt a lot about sharks. Skye was an amazing presenter and very confident, enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the sharks. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you Skye ☺️ she also did various other talks around the aquarium and was happy to answer any questions and give you the time of day which was nice so thanks again. I was sceptical about coming after reading mixed reviews but I think you need to go and make your own judgement. People complaining about the size of the aquarium- it’s not a bad size and yes if you whizz through everything you can be done in under an hour however if you take advantage of the shows and actually spend time reading the information and watching the sealife you can spend a good amount of time there. We walked round a few times and spotted different things each time. I would definitely go back and would love to see what has changed after they have finished doing some work inside (don’t let this put you off still plenty to see). Overall a really enjoyable day out with plenty to see and helpful and friendly staff.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at Blue Planet Aquarium

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about Blue Planet Aquarium

Is Blue Planet Aquarium free to visit?

Blue Planet Aquarium is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

Is Blue Planet Aquarium dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Blue Planet Aquarium.

Is there parking at Blue Planet Aquarium?

Yes, Blue Planet Aquarium has on-site parking.

Is there food at Blue Planet Aquarium?

Yes — Nautilus Kitchen is on site at Blue Planet Aquarium. Deep sea dining in our Nautilus Kitchen offers an array of freshly prepared hot and cold food, snacks and drinks to…

Is Blue Planet Aquarium pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Blue Planet Aquarium is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Blue Planet Aquarium?

Blue Planet Aquarium is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Blue Planet Aquarium by public transport?

Blue Planet Aquarium is well-served by public transport.

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