Sealife Adventure

We took our three-​month old to the aquarium as an excuse for us to go along. It cost my partner and I nine pounds each to get in (although the woman behind the counter said we could come and go as much as we pleased on the day). The staff were gormless and didn’t appear to know anything about marine animals (or anything at all, for that matter). The place wasn’t too busy so we were able to spend a lot of time taking in the exhibits and the information to go with it. There was a fair amount to see and do (a few more interactive gadgets wouldn’t have gone amiss though), although the demonstrations with the sharks and manta rays had been cancelled for the day. We did it all in about an hour. I don’t think it quite justifies a £9 entrance fee. The gift shop and café were also horribly overpriced so we didn’t partake of their services.

I will start my review by saying I have not been to another sea life centre or aquarium so I don’t have anything to compare it to.
My son is just over 1 yrs old and we have been to the Sealife Centre probably at least 4 times since he was born. It is great to visit on a rainy day during the week when it is quiet as you have the place practically to yourself.
It is pretty expensive for what is there. I purchased an annual pass which was the cost of visiting 2 times, which is why we go so often, as if I’m honest I don’t think I would visit as much if I had to pay the adult price of £9 every time I went (Under 2’s are free).
They do have quite a bit to see, and it is all at different heights which is great for children of different ages. They are trying to be educational as well as fun which is always good to see.
My favourite parts are the piranha section where you can stick your head into part of the tank behind a glass dome, the ‘underwater’ walk way where you have fishes and small sharks swim above your heads, and the ray tank.
They also have an area where the children can hold a starfish but this has always been closed every time I have visited.
My main gripe is how quickly you can go round as before you know it you are at the exit. I appreciate as my son gets older he will want to stop and looks the tanks for longer but even so for the cost I would expect a little more. They don’t seem to have the soft play area any more which I have seen other people review.
I have also had lunch in the café and the food is basic but adequate. It overlooks the sea which is always nice.
Overall I think if you are at a loss for something to do I would say it is worth a visit at least.

A bit small really, but very educational and informative, as well as putting a great emphesis on conservation.
They also have some of the local marine life too, being that Southend is a coastal town, which really does touch home for me.
Although not containing much of the magic as when I went here when I was young, I do still admire the place, as they always make sure it’s clean and tidy, and that the animals are well kept, looked after, and maintained.
The staff have some knowledge about the marine life kept, but there are place cards by the aquariums to tell you more.
The aquarium also contains a fairly decent sized restaurant/​eating area, but charging for a play area for the younger kids so you can look round the aquarium, or eat in peace is a bit of a low-​blow, considering you’ve already paid to get in and possibly for on-​site parking too.
Saying that, it’s definatly a great family time out, and the kids will love getting up-​close to the animals, (sometimes being able to touch them too, but best ask for permission first).

Sealife Adventure is quite expensive for what it is. Unless your children are extremely fascinated by fish and marine life they can whizz round in half hour, maybe an hour if you go to some talks, but again these are very factual with not too much hands on opportunity. My children love the sea horses and the pirahna parts of the Centre, other than that they just tend to say fish, fish, fish and run on to the nest tank. In the Summer it gets very busy with lots of school parties in a small space. The soft play area is good, but you have to pay separately for this and again it is not cheap.

this is a great place to take the kids for some learning and a nice day out too.
the staff are helpful and informative, giving lots of information and anwering questions for you about sealife animals too.
the centre also provides a café, and a ball park for the children (at an additional cost) but this is well kept and a safe environment for them to play in.
the entry costs are a bit much, unless you have the sealife centre leaflet where you have the buy one get one free offer, or get the family ticket to save money.

Enjoyable but over priced for its size. Children only stayed for maximum of ¹¹⁄₂ — 2 hours, but could have easily rushed through in 20 mins. Most aquariums are small. Have to pay for the soft play area separately.

Over priced and actually quite small inside. Have to pay extra for ball pit area which is a bit of a con. Only worth spending an hour or two inside. Been to others, this is poor in comparison.

I also disagree, i think the price is a bit high for what you get, theres not much to see, if they spent a bit of money improving this place it could be up to whats expected. Ive been to far better sealife centres. They do have one of those underwater tunnels though!

includes feeding sessions and talks on crabs and starfish. the children love it.

Unfortunately I don’t agree with the other comment for this site maybe I caught them on an off day. It was £6.50 each and you can walk round and see everything within about 30mins. And that really is taking it slow.
The inside was damn and condensation was everywhere. There was a talk on the Star Fish which left a lot to be desired, it was over exagerated and a lot of contradictions were made by the man.
On the up hand for kids it has a play den but compared to other aquariums this was over full and not in good condition.

This was a fantastic place to spend a rainy afternoon. The kids and us adults had a great time and learned a lot.
There is a display of local Thames marine life along with loads of tropical fish. If you’re lucky, you can also visit the medical room and see baby rays and sharks.
To round the visit off, there is also a huge soft play area.
Admission is £6 for adults and £4.50 for kids.