SEA LIFE Scarborough

Sightseeing attraction | Scarborough | England | United Kingdom

Ocean experience for families

SEA LIFE Scarborough in Scarborough, England, is a fascinating attraction that immerses visitors in the world of oceans. This aquarium, which includes both indoor and outdoor areas, is located on the coast of North Yorkshire and offers an impressive variety of marine animals, as well as educational and entertaining experiences for all ages. It is part of the global SEA LIFE chain and is dedicated not only to showcasing underwater worlds, but also to the protection and rehabilitation of marine animals.

Interactive activities at aquarium

One of the highlights of SEA LIFE Scarborough is Penguin Island, a walk-through area where a colony of playful Humboldt penguins lives. Visitors can observe the animals up close as they waddle, swim, or sunbathe, providing an unforgettable experience, especially for children. Equally impressive is the Seal Hospital, Yorkshire's only seal hospital, which takes in injured or abandoned seals. Here, guests learn how the animals are rescued, cared for, and eventually released back into the wild. The hospital's work highlights the center's commitment to marine conservation.

Penguin Island visit experience

Another highlight is the Ocean Tunnel, a 200,000-liter tank with an acrylic glass tunnel passing through it. Visitors can see tropical fish, blacktip reef sharks, and a loggerhead sea turtle swimming overhead, creating an immersive feeling as if they were underwater themselves. The tunnel is part of a journey through twelve themed areas, leading from the coast to the depths of the ocean, replicating a variety of habitats, including the Great Barrier Reef with its colorful corals and clownfish.

Marine conservation and animal rehabilitation

For interactive experiences, the Rockpool area allows visitors to touch starfish, crabs, and sea anemones. This area is accompanied by knowledgeable staff who answer questions and provide exciting facts about the animals. Also worth seeing is the Otter River, where Asian small-clawed otters entertain visitors with their playful behavior. A special attraction is the Rainforest Adventure, an area that complements the tropical underwater world with creatures like green tree pythons and poison dart frogs, offering an exotic change of scenery.

Underwater world for kids to explore

SEA LIFE Scarborough is home to over 2,500 animals in more than 50 exhibits, including jellyfish, seahorses, rays, and a variety of British marine species such as cod or sea bass. The exhibits are designed to both entertain and educate about the importance of marine conservation. Particularly noteworthy is the Turtle Rescue Station, which informs about the endangerment of sea turtles and shows how these animals are rehabilitated.

In addition to the animal attractions, the center also offers leisure activities for families, including an adventure playground and a mini-golf course to complement the visit, especially for children. An on-site café and picnic tables allow for a break with a view of nature, while the entire site is wheelchair accessible, including wheelchair-friendly paths and facilities. Regular feeding demonstrations and lectures, such as about penguins, seals, or otters, provide additional insights and make the visit interactive.

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
Scalby Mills Rd
YO12 6RP Scarborough

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday10:00 - 15:00
Monday10:00 - 15:00
Tuesday10:00 - 15:00
Wednesday10:00 - 15:00
Thursday10:00 - 15:00
Friday10:00 - 15:00
Saturday10:00 - 15:00

Reviews

6642 Reviews

Tin Dog Podcast
06.03.2022

It's quite hard to fi d a money off deal these days. Buy Blue light discount came through.
Simon Goodship
09.03.2025

Best aquarium ever I love the penguins and the seals and all of it irecemond going here I've been here loads of times.
Andy Murgatroyd
05.03.2025

Run down.
A. Chong
01.03.2025

Absolute rubbish. Half the attractions were empty, way too expensive, and much smaller than you would expect. The whole building smells bad as well, ruining the experience a lot. I was very excited to see some penguins, yet there were barely any and the little that were there were unmoving and so unhappy to be stuck there. In fact, most of the animals seemed very unhappy and lying down the whole time. Would not come here again at all - way too expensive for almost nothing at all.
John Clement (jc)
01.03.2025

A good experience, although a little short compared to The Deep in Hull, I’m sure more locals would be encouraged to go if they offered a year ticket like The Deep does
Yvette Hindmarsh
26.02.2025

Brilliant family day out, we spent a couple of hours in the sealife centre.well worth the visit.colleagues were all polite 👍 it was clean & tidy. We will visit again.
Kapil Handa
13.02.2025

I have been to this Exceptionally Beautiful Place called Sea Life in Scarborough before. When I had been to Sea Life it has lots of lovely sea creatures that are definitely worth seeing. Sea Life also has lovely and Beautiful Fishes that are definitely worth seeing as well. Scarborough itself is an Exceptionally Beautiful Place and I even managed to see The Dolphin Show in Sea Life Scarborough as well. I wanted to say to The Owner of Sea Life in Scarborough which is I have read the other Reviews that People have written about Sea Life and the way you respond to people's Reviews very diplomatically you come across as a very professional and very intelligent person and also you come across as an Exceptionally kind and thoughtful and considerate and Extremely lovely person as well whom has an Extremely lovely personality as well. I would definitely like to come and visit Sea Life in Scarborough again in The Foreseeable Future all being well. This is a personal message for the owner of Sea Life which is I sincerely wish you all the best for the foreseeable future. Sea Life is popular with everybody including myself. I would definitely recommend everybody to come and see and visit this Exceptionally Beautiful Place called Sea Life in Scarborough which is suitable for everybody of all different Ages both Children and Adults.
Sadie Mae
20.02.2025

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I’ve been to Scarborough a few times and never been in the sealife so we decided to change that! It’s a cute little trip out and definitely would be good for children! We watched the seals and penguins feed talk which was super informative!🦭 P.S If you are staying in a hotel, look out for offers! The Grand has a reduced entry ticket price which we didn’t realise until after!
Corrie Lamont
13.02.2025

The wife and I went to SEA LIFE as we are both interested in sea animals, and that's when we were informed about the feeding times of various tanks. Sharks were first, and the woman doing the talk (Bev) was so enthusiastic that we stayed to listen to her do the other 3 feeds too. It's a wonderful place with wonderful people, for all ages. I'd recommend asking for Bev, she is the best
CINDY Maxwell
13.02.2025

It's a wonderful aquarium, the only thing I would say is I'd recommend visiting when it's quite. Because I would think if it was packed you couldn't see all the attractions on offer.
Hannah Wild
07.02.2025

A really great place to spend a couple of hours. There's lot's to see and loads of information on what you are looking at. The staff are really friendly and very knowledgeable about and happy to share their knowledge.
Connie Harrison
05.02.2025

I visited Scarborough Sea Life centre end of last year and thought it’d be nice to show some of the photos I took of your beautiful sea life animals 😊 I’m from Leicestershire area and have been doing photography for almost a year now but this has by far been one off my favourite shoots, hope you like the photos and I have sent you more via Instagram @connieaprilfilm. Hope you get the chance to check them out!
crowders pets
01.02.2025

Was super impressed with everything had a awsome time
Margaret Hanson
30.01.2025

Enjoyed the day there. Managed to watch most of the feeding times.
Ludovit Stancik
28.01.2025

Krásné místo
James Lear
26.01.2025

The Scarborough Sea Life Centre is a fantastic day out for all ages. The staff are incredibly friendly and go out of their way to make your visit enjoyable. There’s plenty to see and do, from fascinating underwater displays to interactive experiences that are perfect for children and adults alike. It’s also very affordable, making it a great option for families or anyone looking for a fun and educational outing. I would definitely recommend a visit!
Gary
02.04.2023

Amazing aquarium there was a lot to learn. A wide variety of fish and animals for everyone to enjoy! Loads of interactive boards and displays. Staff were very helpful and pleasant, happy to answer any questions about the fish and other animals, etc. Tickets are slightly pricey, but if you book in advance, they are cheaper 👍
deborah webb
18.01.2025

Family fun for all .
peter walker
16.01.2025

Very nice and very good experience and enjoy my time at this place
Mark Marsh
14.01.2025

Cleanest, friendliest Sea life we've been, we have been to most, too!! 100% recommended, and 100% going back! Excellent location also
Sean Dangerfield
11.01.2025

Excellent,
Andrew C
03.01.2025

TLDR; Excellent and informative place to visit (if sometimes a little pricy). Visited with my wife and young child on a Sunday in December. Parking was thankfully free since October, though be aware this resumes as the weather gets warmer. Tickets are quite pricy for the attraction, though discounts (e.g. Kellogs) allow discount entry. Carers can also obtain free entry with a Blue Badge or DLA paperwork. The sea life centre is well structured and there are new and exciting exhibits around each and every corner. Staff were very knowledgeable and happy to discuss the inhabitants. The lady who lead the talks and fed the animals on the day was a delight and a credit to the centre. Whilst some of the minor (electronic) activities didn't appear to be working, it didn't detract from our visit. Our visit at the centre lasted for around 3 hours. Another minor gripe were the photos that were taken on arrival, as usual they were overpriced with no option to simply purchase the digital artwork alone (all purchases required a physical print). A top hit were the jellyfish and the clownfish! Thanks for a lovely day out.

 

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