Skegness Aquarium Guide: Tickets, Shark Dives, Prices & Things to See

Located right on Tower Esplanade, just steps from Skegness Beach, the Skegness Aquarium is one of the town’s most popular family attractions. Whether you’re visiting on a rainy day or looking for a fun seaside adventure, the aquarium offers an immersive journey beneath the waves — complete with tropical fish, coral reefs, and real-life sharks you can swim with.

This detailed guide covers everything you need to know before visiting: ticket prices, shark experiences, offers, parking tips, and what to expect inside.

 

About Skegness Aquarium

Opened in 2015, Skegness Aquarium brings the wonders of the ocean to the Lincolnshire coast. Set within a pirate-themed adventure, visitors are taken on a journey through a series of marine zones — from sunlit shallows to mysterious shipwrecks and the depths of the ocean floor.

Highlights include:

• 🦈 The Shark Tank – home to blacktip reef sharks and rays

• 🐠 Coral Cave – filled with colourful tropical fish

• 🐙 Lost Lagoon – a tranquil area showcasing marine life from around the world

• 🏴☠️ Pirate Adventure – themed décor and interactive displays for kids

The aquarium’s blend of education, entertainment, and hands-on activities makes it a must-visit for families, couples, and anyone interested in sea life.

 

Skegness Aquarium Tickets and Prices (2025)

Prices may vary seasonally, but here’s a general guide to Skegness Aquarium ticket prices:

Ticket Type	Price (Approx.)
Adult (16+)	£15.95
Child (3–15)	£11.95
Under 3s	Free
Family Ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children)	£49.95
Concessions (Senior/Student/NHS)	£13.95
Annual Pass	£39.95 per adult

 

Skegness Aquarium Vouchers and Offers

Looking for Skegness Aquarium half-price tickets or discount vouchers?
Here are some common places to check:

• Groupon Skegness Aquarium – often lists 2-for-1 or 20% off deals

• Visit Lincolnshire website – sometimes includes attraction bundles

• NHS Staff Discounts – may offer savings with valid ID

• Family passes – best value if you’re visiting with children

 

Dive with Sharks in Skegness

One of the aquarium’s most exciting experiences is the Skegness Shark Dive — a rare chance to swim with sharks in the UK.

What is the Shark Diving Experience?

The “Swim with Sharks Skegness” experience lets brave visitors get up close to blacktip reef sharks, rays, and tropical fish inside the main tank. It’s available for both certified divers and complete beginners.

What’s Included:

• Full safety briefing and scuba instruction

• All diving gear provided

• 30-minute guided dive with trained instructors

• Photo opportunities and certificate

Age Limit: 10+
Duration: Around 1.5 hours in total
Price: From £95 per person

🦈 Tip: Book early — Skegness Aquarium shark dives are extremely popular, especially in summer and school holidays.

If you’re not quite ready to dive, you can still watch the shark experiences from the viewing tunnel — it’s a highlight for visitors of all ages.

 

What to See Inside Skegness Aquarium

A visit to Skegness Aquarium is a true journey beneath the waves. The attraction is cleverly divided into themed zones, each one offering a different glimpse into life below the surface. From pirate adventures and coral reefs to the thrill of watching sharks glide past, every area of the aquarium is designed to educate, entertain, and amaze visitors of all ages.

Your adventure begins in The Outlaw Ocean, where the aquarium’s pirate theme really comes to life. This immersive introduction sets the scene with storytelling, shipwreck décor, and interactive screens that bring tales of underwater treasure and sea exploration to life. It’s a fun and imaginative start that instantly captures the attention of children while providing an engaging prelude to the marine exhibits that follow.

Next, you’ll wander into the Sea Caves and Coral Reefs, one of the most colourful areas in the aquarium. Here, tanks are teeming with tropical species such as clownfish, tangs, seahorses, and anemones, surrounded by vibrant coral structures. The lighting and sound effects recreate the feeling of being deep underwater, making it easy to lose yourself in this peaceful, mesmerising world. It’s a favourite among families and photography enthusiasts alike.

The undisputed highlight for many visitors is The Shark Tank — home to blacktip reef sharks, rays, and moray eels. This huge, crystal-clear tank features a walk-through tunnel where you can stand surrounded by marine life, watching sharks glide effortlessly above your head. It’s both thrilling and awe-inspiring, offering a close-up experience that few UK attractions can match. The tank also provides excellent viewing points for those wanting to watch friends or family taking part in the Skegness shark dive experience.

Moving through to the Rainforest Zone, the environment changes completely. Instead of ocean creatures, you’ll encounter freshwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, and even piranhas. This section highlights the diversity of aquatic life beyond the sea, showing how river ecosystems and rainforests play a vital role in the global water cycle. It’s an educational but visually impressive exhibit that adds variety to your visit.

For those who prefer a more hands-on experience, the Interactive Touch Pool is a must-visit. Here, visitors can gently touch starfish, sea urchins, and other marine species under the careful supervision of aquarium staff. It’s a safe and fun way for children to learn about marine biology up close, and the staff are always happy to answer questions about the creatures you meet.

After exploring the underwater world, take a moment to relax in the Café and Gift Shop. The café offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, light snacks, and ice cream — ideal for a quick break before heading back out to the seafront. The adjoining gift shop is stocked with marine-themed souvenirs, soft toys, and books, so you can take a little piece of the aquarium home with you.

 

Opening Times and Visitor Information

Opening hours:
Usually 10:00am – 5:00pm (last entry at 4:00pm)
Hours may vary seasonally — check before your visit.

Address:
📍 Skegness Aquarium, Tower Esplanade, Skegness, Lincolnshire, PE25 3HH
Located right across from Skegness Beach and the Embassy Theatre.

Contact:
📞 01754 228200
🌐 skegness-aquarium.uk

 

Parking and How to Get There

Skegness Aquarium is conveniently located near several major car parks:

• Tower Esplanade Car Park – directly opposite the aquarium

• South Parade Car Park – 3 minutes’ walk

• Embassy Car Park – 5 minutes’ walk

If you’re arriving by train, the Skegness Railway Station is just a 10-minute walk away, and local buses stop nearby.

 

Family Tips for Visiting

• Arrive early during weekends and school holidays

• Book shark dives in advance to secure a slot

• Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Skegness Pier or Natureland Seal Sanctuary

• Bring your camera — the aquarium has fantastic photo opportunities

• Check for events — the aquarium often hosts educational talks and feeding sessions

 

Nearby Attractions

After exploring the aquarium, there’s plenty more to do nearby:

• Skegness Beach – just across the road

• Embassy Theatre – live shows and performances year-round

• Skegness Pier – arcades, bowling, and laser tag

• Natureland Seal Sanctuary – see rescued seals and penguins

• Hildreds Shopping Centre – for lunch or local shopping

 

Reviews and Visitor Feedback

On TripAdvisor, Skegness Aquarium regularly ranks among the top things to do in Skegness. Visitors praise the friendly staff, clean facilities, and impressive shark tank.

Common highlights from reviews:

• “Brilliant for kids and adults alike!”

• “The shark dive was unforgettable — worth every penny.”

• “Great indoor attraction for a rainy day.”

 

Final Thoughts: Is Skegness Aquarium Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. The Skegness Aquarium combines education, excitement, and entertainment, making it a perfect day out for all ages. Whether you’re exploring with children, visiting as a couple, or chasing adrenaline with a shark dive, this is one of Skegness’s must-see attractions.

With affordable tickets, family-friendly facilities, and year-round events, it’s easy to see why thousands of visitors flock here each year.

 

Key Visitor Information

Category	Details
Address	Tower Esplanade, Skegness PE25 3HH
Opening Hours	10am – 5pm (seasonal)
Ticket Prices	From £11.95 child / £15.95 adult
Shark Dives	From £95 per person
Parking	Tower Esplanade / South Parade Car Park
Website	skegness-aquarium.uk

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Skegness Aquarium

1. How long does it take to go around Skegness Aquarium?

Most visitors spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring Skegness Aquarium, depending on how long they stop at each exhibit. Families with young children or those attending talks and shark feedings often stay longer. If you book the Shark Dive experience, plan for at least two hours including the briefing and dive time.

2. Can you swim with sharks at Skegness Aquarium?

Yes — the Skegness Shark Dive is one of the aquarium’s top attractions. Visitors aged 10 and over can safely swim with blacktip reef sharks and rays inside the main tank under professional supervision. No previous diving experience is required, and all scuba gear is provided.

3. Is Skegness Aquarium suitable for young children?

Absolutely. The aquarium is designed for all ages, with interactive displays, touch pools, and pirate-themed storytelling zones that keep younger visitors entertained. Children under three get free entry, and there are baby-changing facilities and a café on site for families.

4. How much are tickets for Skegness Aquarium?

As of 2025, adult tickets cost around £15.95 and children’s tickets start from £11.95. Under-3s go free, and there are discounted family passes and NHS concession rates available. It’s always best to check the official website for the latest prices and seasonal offers.

5. Where is Skegness Aquarium located?

Skegness Aquarium sits on the Tower Esplanade, right across from Skegness Beach and close to the Embassy Theatre. The full address is Tower Esplanade, Skegness, PE25 3HH, and it’s within easy walking distance of the town centre and train station.

6. Is Skegness Aquarium indoors?

Yes — the entire attraction is indoors, making it one of the best things to do in Skegness on a rainy day. The themed zones, shark tank, and coral reef displays are all housed within a large climate-controlled building.

7. Does Skegness Aquarium offer discounts or vouchers?

Yes, the aquarium frequently runs special offers and vouchers, especially outside peak season. You can often find Skegness Aquarium Groupon deals, NHS discounts, and family ticket savings on their official site or through local tourism websites.

8. What animals can you see at Skegness Aquarium?

You’ll find an incredible range of sea life including blacktip reef sharks, rays, clownfish, seahorses, moray eels, piranhas, and starfish. The aquarium also features rainforest creatures and a touch pool where visitors can safely handle marine species with the help of aquarium staff.