Blue Reef Aquarium Tours and Activities

Blue Reef Aquarium featuring marine life as well as an individual male
Blue Reef Aquarium featuring marine life and interior views as well as a small group of people
Blue Reef Aquarium which includes marine life as well as a small group of people
Blue Reef Aquarium
Blue Reef Aquarium showing marine life


See tropical fish and sharks, encounter scaly-skinned reptiles and observe hungry rays being fed at this seaside aquarium.

Blue Reef Aquarium contains more than 30 themed habitats housing numerous remarkable aquatic creatures. Because of its convenient seaside location, this aquarium is a particularly popular rainy day activity for families, though the fascinating marine animals here make it a worthwhile visit even when the sun is shining. Learn about ocean habitats and the fish that inhabit them. Come face-to-face with creatures of the deep.

Wander around the aquarium inspecting the unusual water-dwelling creatures who duck and dive within the tanks. Stroll through the glass-tunnel walkways, where reefs sharks and shoals of tropical fish swim through the waters overhead.

Examine the venomous spikes of the lionfish in the Toxic Tank. These forbidding spikes, which protrude from the body like the mane of a lion, are used to ward off predators. Other intriguing creatures include the yellow-and-blue adult emperor angelfish, the bloated pufferfish and the flat-bodied marbled electric ray.

Head for the Remarkable Reptiles display to see chameleons, snakes and lizards. Look for the endangered fly river turtle, a freshwater species whose unusual snout has earned it the nickname, “pig-nosed turtle.” The turtle here in the aquarium is called Blackberry because of her penchant for the fruit and the colour of her purple shell.

Time your visit to coincide with the reptile encounters, during which a member of the aquarium’s zoological team will oversee an exciting reptile experience. Get close-up views of snakes and lizards. Brave visitors can even touch their unusually textured skins.

The aquarium also hosts other interesting events, including educational talks, feedings and animal encounters. Check the website to see what events are happening during your visit.

Find the Blue Reef Aquarium on the seafront near Hastings Old Town, about a 20-minute walk from Hastings train station. Parking is available on-site for a fee. The aquarium is open daily, except for Christmas Day, and has an entrance fee. Save money by purchasing your ticket online before you come.

Popular places to visit


Top Blue Reef Aquarium Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Lansdowne Hotel

Lansdowne Hotel

3 out of 5
1 & 2 Robertson Terrace, Hastings, England
Lansdowne Hotel
Grand Hastings

Grand Hastings

2 out of 5
1 Grand Parade, St Leonards-On-Sea, England
Grand Hastings
The Laindons

The Laindons

5 out of 5
23 High Street, Old Town, Hastings, England
The Laindons
Moore House

Moore House

3.5 out of 5
57 High Street, Hastings, England
Moore House
Senlac Guesthouse

Senlac Guesthouse

3 out of 5
47 Cambridge Gardens, Hastings, England
Senlac Guesthouse
Royal Victoria Hotel

Royal Victoria Hotel

3 out of 5
Marina, St Leonards-On-Sea, England
Royal Victoria Hotel
The Old Town Guest House

The Old Town Guest House

4 out of 5
1a George Street, Hastings, England
The Old Town Guest House
The Doghouse Inn

The Doghouse Inn

2 out of 5
32 Station Rd, The Seadog, Hastings, England
The Doghouse Inn
Modern 2 Bedroom Apartment In The Heart Of Historic Hastings Old Town

Modern 2 Bedroom Apartment In The Heart Of Historic Hastings Old Town

Hastings
Modern 2 Bedroom Apartment In The Heart Of Historic Hastings Old Town
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Blue Reef Aquarium

At Blue Reef Aquarium in Hastings, you can immerse yourself in the wonders of marine life through activities like the Blue Reef Scuba experience and exciting Reef Safaris. Explore various exhibits showcasing vibrant sea life and learn about the fascinating underwater ecosystems. Nearby, enjoy a visit to the local theatre for added entertainment, making your trip a delightful blend of education and leisure.

Shopping

Start your shopping journey at Priory Meadow Shopping Centre, only 1.1km from Blue Reef Aquarium, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and shops. If you're up for a drive, explore Ashford Designer Outlet, located 37.0km away, featuring a wide selection of designer brands at discounted prices.

Recreation

At White Rock Theatre, experience vibrant live music that energises the spirit, just 1.6km from the Blue Reef Aquarium. For family fun, Adventure Golf Hastings offers a thrilling mini-golf experience only 644m away. If you're seeking a serene outdoor escape, Sedlescombe Golf Club is a perfect choice, located 8.0km away.

Adventure

At Blue Reef Aquarium, hop on the East Hill Lift, a funicular located 161m away, for scenic views. Embark on the 1066 Country Walk, a 14.5km hiking trail with stunning scenery. For water sports, head to Bewl Water Outdoor Centre, located 29.0km away, for an exciting adventure.

Nightlife

For a vibrant night near Blue Reef Aquarium, catch a show at Stables Theatre, just 322m away, or enjoy a film at Electric Palace, also 322m away. For some fun, venture to BattleZone Live, an adventure arcade located 1.6km from the aquarium.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Blue Reef Aquarium

The Blue Reef Aquarium in Hastings is surrounded by captivating points of interest such as beautiful beaches, charming churches, and nature reserves. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, visitors can explore the aquarium’s vibrant marine life, discover Blue Reef Island, and delve into the wonders of Reef Life and Reef World. This area offers a delightful blend of culture and adventure, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all travellers.

  • Hastings Pier: A charming jetty that exudes historical charm and a welcoming atmosphere. Located 1.6km from the Blue Reef Aquarium, it's a perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely stroll, take in stunning views, and mingle with friendly locals.
  • Hastings Castle: Situated just 644m away, these ancient ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the area's rich history and culture. Explore the remnants of this historic site while soaking up the panoramic views of the coastline.
  • Hastings Beach: Located 1.6km from the aquarium, this beautiful beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing by the sea. Embrace the vibrant beach vibes and enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze.

Best time to go to Blue Reef Aquarium

The best time to visit Blue Reef Aquarium can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Blue Reef Aquarium falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Blue Reef Aquarium falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.3°F (7.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April48.9°F (9.4°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July63.3°F (17.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.7°F (17.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Blue Reef Aquarium

To save money on your visit to the Blue Reef Aquarium in Hastings, consider travelling between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Opt for a Monday stay, as it’s typically the cheapest day. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly lodging and sort by price to snag the best deals. Additionally, consider booking a package that combines flights and hotel stays for extra savings. For transport, make use of local buses, which provide an economical way to get around, or explore the area on foot to enjoy the sights without spending extra.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Blue Reef Aquarium are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Blue Reef Aquarium is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Blue Reef Aquarium is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to customise your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Blue Reef Aquarium hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia