Blue Reef Aquarium

Portsmouth's premier aquarium featuring underwater tunnels and interactive marine displays. Home to sharks, rays, tropical fish, and local marine life, with educational talks and feeding demonstrations throughout the day. It ranks among Portsmouth's most visited sights, and for good reason - most itineraries include it on day one. Tickets cost £17 adult, £12 child, £14 senior and 2-3 hours is enough to see everything without rushing.

Priority: High - do not skip Time needed: 2-3 hours Best for: portsmouth's only aquarium with impressive Skip if: You've visited larger aquariums recently or aren't interested in marine life Cost: £17 adult, £12 child, £14 senior

Walk through transparent tunnels surrounded by sharks and rays, then explore interactive rock pools where you can touch starfish and crabs. The experience culminates with tropical reef displays and local Solent marine life.

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with lift access to all levels and accessible toilets

Portsmouth's only aquarium with impressive underwater tunnels and diverse marine exhibits. That puts it near the top of any Portsmouth visit, and it deserves the spot. Combine it with Southsea Castle and D Day Museum And Overlord Embroidery - they are close enough to walk between and together make the strongest half-day in Portsmouth. Mornings are quieter if you want to take your time.

Skip if: You've visited larger aquariums recently or aren't interested in marine life

• Book online for discounts.
• Time visit around shark feeding at 14:30.
• Combine with nearby Southsea seafront.

Insider tip: The touch pools are less crowded in the final hour before closing

Flash photography prohibited near tanks, best shots through tunnel sections and at touch pools