Entry to Exploris Aquarium, Strangford Lough

Marine mammals, amazing amphibians, penguins, sharks, rays and fabulous fish…

See them all at Exploris Aquarium! We are Northern Ireland’s only public aquarium, attracting visitors from around the country - and further afield - to Portaferry, County Down, on the shore of Strangford Lough.

Open-air enclosures and indoor tanks, including a huge tank with a volume of 25,000 litres, recreate the habitats that our resident animals live in in the wild. They are designed for the creatures’ comforts as well as for visitors to observe them discreetly.

The venue also boasts an underwater tunnel for viewing the largest animals, a restaurant and a gift shop. There is also indoor and outdoor seating for picnics, so make a day of it!

We’re more than just a tourist attraction, operating a seal sanctuary alongside the aquarium. A visit is also a chance to learn something new. There are plenty of information boards and we also have a programme of keeper talks throughout the day. All of our keepers and guides are knowledgeable and particularly good with kids.

Get in touch if you have any questions, or simply click that book button!