Manchester Tickets

SEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium Tickets

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Top things to do in Manchester

What to expect at SEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium

Guests observing marine life at SEA LIFE Manchester aquarium.
Visitors observing marine life in the tunnel at SEA LIFE Manchester.
Sea turtle swimming in Cairns Aquarium Turtle Hospital pool.
Guests interacting with touch pool at SEA Life Manchester.
Child observing fish and rays in SEA Life Manchester aquarium.
Clownfish swimming in an aquarium at SEA Life Manchester.
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Arrival & flow

Your visit begins with seamless entry using your timed SEA LIFE Manchester tickets. The one-way route guides you efficiently through 15 themed zones, starting with coastal habitats and ending in the tropical ocean. The visit typically takes 90 minutes to 2 hours at a relaxed pace.

Walk through a 360° ocean tunnel

Step into the Ocean Tunnel and find yourself immersed in a panoramic underwater world, surrounded by tropical fish, blacktip reef sharks, and rays.

Experience the turtle's 3D life cycle

Begin your journey at Turtle Beach, where a 3D projection details a sea turtle’s journey from egg to ocean. This immersive display is both fun and educational.

Explore interactive touch pool zones

Get hands-on at the Rockpool zone, where you can gently touch starfish, anemones, and other marine life. This area is designed for families to enjoy close-up encounters while learning about nature’s resilience.

Discover the underwater cave playground

Venture into Rocky Hideout, a mini grotto that mimics underwater caves and features colourful reef critters.

See over 5,000 vibrant sea creatures

Marvel at a diverse collection of more than 5,000 marine inhabitants, from jellyfish to sea turtles. Regular live feeding demos and conservation insights make this display both informative and unforgettable.

Things to know before booking SEA LIFE Manchester tickets

  • Pre-booking is essential for timed entry: All entry to SEA LIFE Manchester is controlled by mandatory time slots. You must pre-book your SEA LIFE Manchester tickets online for a specific date and entry time. Tickets are generally not sold at the door, and relying on same-day purchase carries a high risk of being turned away or having to wait hours for the next available slot.
  • Infants require a ticket slot: Children under 2 years old enter for free, but they still require a pre-booked, complimentary SEA LIFE Manchester ticket.
  • What’s included: Your standard timed entry ticket grants you full access to all 15 themed zones, including the 360° Ocean Tunnel, the Ocean Tank, the Coral Reef, and the interactive Rockpool. This ticket also includes access to all included feeding demonstrations and educational talks (schedule times are subject to change).
  • Maximum duration: While your entry time is fixed, your visit is self-guided and not time-bound. Most guests spend approximately 90 mins to 2 hours enjoying the full aquarium experience.
  • Accessibility: The venue is generally stroller and wheelchair accessible. However, due to safety constraints, certain areas, such as on top of the viewing tank for activities such as the VIP Feeding experiences, are not wheelchair accessible due to the stairwell to the area.
  • Special experiences require upgrades: The standard ticket does not include special premium experiences such as "Behind the Scenes Tours" or "Shark Feeding Experiences." These highly sought-after additions have limited capacity, must be purchased separately at the venue, and may require their own specific timed slot outside of your general entry time.

SEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium zones

Guests experiencing virtual reality at SEA Life Manchester.
Underwater statue surrounded by fish at SEA Life Manchester.
Jellyfish swimming in a tank at Sumida Aquarium, Tokyo.
Guests observing marine life in the underwater tunnel at SEA Life Manchester.
Guests interacting with touch pool at SEA Life Manchester.
Sharks swimming in an aquarium at SEA Life Manchester.
Coral reef display at Nausicaá Aquarium featuring diverse marine life.
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Turtle Beach

Experience a life-size 3D projection bringing a sea turtle’s incredible journey from laying eggs on the beach to surviving in the vast open ocean to life in this conservation-focused exhibit.

Rocky Hideout

Step into a playful network of shallow, grotto-like tanks and crawl spaces where vibrant reef critters reside. This hands-on exhibit is perfect for curious kids and offers a rare peek into the magic of underwater hideaways.

Jellyfish Seas

Watch translucent jellyfish species pulse and drift under colour-changing, interactive lights. The hypnotic glow creates incredible photo opportunities and offers a serene moment of calm.

Ocean Tunnel

Walk through the incredible 360° tunnel surrounded by the main ocean residents, including Cownose Rays, Blacktip Reef Sharks, and Ernie, the majestic Giant Green Sea Turtle.

Rockpool

Get hands-on with marine life by gently touching starfish, sea anemones, and small crabs under the guidance of an expert aquarist. This tactile experience is a favourite for kids.

Shark Shipwreck

Immerse yourself in a simulated sunken ship environment where various reef fish and smaller sharks navigate the eerie, themed wreckage. Keep an eye out for staff giving talks here!

Coral Reefs

Marvel at the vibrant, live coral displays hosting hundreds of colourful reef fish, creating a spectacular 'living garden.' Photographers will appreciate the dazzling variety of species.

Events and VIP experiences at the SEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium

Snorkel with Sharks

Put on a wetsuit and snorkel in a secure cage inside the Ocean Tank, sharing the water with the Blacktip reef sharks and rays.

Access: No (Requires extra purchase)

Turtle or Stingray Feeding

A guided, behind-the-scenes experience where you assist an Aquarist in feeding the giant green sea turtles or cownose stingrays.

Access: No (Requires extra purchase)

Sharks After Dark

An exclusive, late-hour event to learn all about sharks, including their secrets, habitats, and diets, after the public has left.

Access: No (Requires extra purchase)

Beyond the Surface

A guided tour showcasing the filtration systems, food prep areas, and quarantine rooms, giving you insight into animal care.

Access: No (Requires extra purchase)

After Hours with the Mermaids

A magical, family-friendly event where a real-life mermaid swims in the Ocean Tank for unique photo opportunities.

Access: No (Requires extra purchase)

Quiet at the Aquarium

Special sessions designed for guests with autism or sensory processing needs, featuring reduced lighting, lower music, and fewer crowds.

Access: Included with standard entry

VR Experience

An immersive digital experience, often featuring whales or deep-sea exploration, that transports you to remote ocean habitats.

Access: No (Requires extra purchase)

Manchester Canal Clean

Join the SEA LIFE team and local volunteers in a conservation effort to remove litter and protect the local aquatic environment. This is a community event, not an exhibit.

Access: Free

Snowy’s Conservation Crew

A seasonal interactive program, often led by the mascot Snowy, focused on engaging kids in ocean conservation missions and activities throughout the aquarium.

Access: Included with standard entry

Animals to look out for at SEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium

Blacktip reef shark swimming in an aquarium.

Blacktip Reef Sharks

Witness these sleek predators glide effortlessly over your head in the main tank.

Where: Ocean Tunnel

Clownfish swimming in an aquarium at SEA Life Manchester.
Hawaiian green sea turtle swimming underwater in clear blue ocean.
Ray swimming in Dubai Aquarium during Ray Encounters experience.
Seahorses swimming in an aquarium exhibit.

Visiting SEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium with kids?

The SEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium offers a thrilling, stress-free underwater adventure perfect for young explorers. Your SEA LIFE Manchester tickets grant access to 15 themed zones designed to capture young imaginations, including the highlight 360° Ocean Tunnel, where sharks and turtles glide overhead.

Kid-friendly features include:

  • Interactive zones: The Rockpools allow gentle hands-on encounters with starfish and anemones, and the Snowy’s Conservation Crew activities engage kids in learning missions.
  • Facilities: The attraction is fully accessible for buggies and pushchairs, with wide paths and ramps throughout. Dedicated baby change facilities are available near the main restrooms.
  • Special entry: Consider booking your SEA LIFE Manchester tickets during "Quiet Hour" slots if you have children with sensory sensitivities, offering a less crowded, low-stimulus environment.

Plan your visit to the SEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium

Guests observing marine life at SEA LIFE Manchester aquarium.

Daily: 10am–6pm (last entry one hour before closing)
Note: Timings vary throughout the year. Please check the exact schedule before your visit.
Closed: Open year-round except for Christmas Day (December 25)
Recommended visit duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to explore all themed zones.

Best time to visit

  • Weekday vs weekend: Mornings (around 10am–11am) and late afternoons (after 4pm) see fewer crowds, especially on weekdays.
  • Seasonal times: Visit during off-peak school terms to enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Tips: Start with Turtle Beach’s 3D life-cycle exhibit to set an engaging tone before the crowds build. The Jellyfish Seas exhibit is particularly enchanting in the late afternoon when ambient light softens.

Address: Trafford Centre, Barton Square Bridge, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AS, United Kingdom | Find on Maps

  • By bus: Stagecoach X50 and similar routes (from Manchester Piccadilly)
    Nearest stop: Trafford Centre Bus Station
  • By tram: The Metrolink (Cornbrook line) 
    Nearest stop: Barton Dock Road
  • By car: Via A56
    Nearest parking: Trafford Centre Car Park
Restroom sign at Louvre Museum entrance.
  • Restrooms & baby changing: Clean, easily accessible facilities with well-marked baby changing areas are available.
  • Accessibility: The entire aquarium is wheelchair accessible; however, the top of the viewing tank for activities such as the VIP Feeding experiences is not accessible.
  • Guide dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome.
Visitors observing marine life in the tunnel at SEA LIFE Manchester.
  • Photography: Flash photography is prohibited to protect the marine life; non-flash photos are allowed
  • Food & beverages: No food or drinks permitted inside the aquarium
  • Child supervision: Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times
  • Interaction: Do not touch marine creatures unless a staff member explicitly invites you to engage (during touch pool sessions).
  • Payment: The venue is strictly cashless, so ensure you have a card for all purchases
  • Conduct: Maintain quiet, respectful behaviour near exhibits and during educational talks.

Visitor tips

  • Arrive at opening time (10am): Beat the rush and ensure a quieter experience by booking the first time slot. This gives you the best chance for clearer views in the Ocean Tunnel before midday crowds arrive.
  • Check daily schedules: Immediately check the display boards upon entry for the day's schedule of feeding demonstrations and educational talks (like the Stingray or Turtle feeds). These keeper insights are a fantastic bonus.
  • Pace the rockpools: Encourage children to use a slow, gentle touch in the interactive rockpool area. This ensures the safety of the starfish and anemones and provides a better experience for everyone.
  • Go cashless: The aquarium operates on a cashless basis. Ensure you have a card or mobile payment method ready for any optional purchases, like the VR experience.
  • Maximise your location: The aquarium is situated in Trafford Palazzo, steps away from the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. Consider visiting both attractions on the same day, making the most of your visit, or take a shopping break at the Trafford Centre.

Frequently asked questions about SEA LIFE Manchester tickets

Yes, it is highly recommended to book your SEA LIFE Manchester tickets online and select a specific time slot. This guarantees your entry, ensures the best price, and avoids potential queues at the door.