The team at Blue Planet Aquarium have been working hard to re-open our doors under new strict COVID-19 health and safety procedures.

Your safety is our number one priority. We have meticulously reviewed your journey around the aquarium to minimise risk without compromising our unique underwater experience.

While we have worked hard to put additional safety measures in place, we all need one another to adhere to our guidelines to keep one another safe. If you’re planning to visit Blue Planet Aquarium please take a moment to read through our visitor charter below:

Visitor FAQ

IS BLUE PLANET AQUARIUM OPEN?
We safely re-opened our doors on 17th June. We are now open every day (except Christmas Day) 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm).

WHAT MEASURES CAN I EXPECT WHEN ARRIVING AT BLUE PLANET AQUARIUM?
If you are driving to see us you will not need to collect a ticket when entering our parking area to prevent unnecessary contact. When arriving to our doors please follow our floor markings to improve social distancing. We have also limited visitors into the aquarium at this time, so unfortunately there may be a short wait before entering. Please bear with us at this time. When stepping into Blue Planet we have available a sanitiser station which we ask all visitors to use. You will be greeted by our friendly staff from behind a safety screen for our and your safety.

AM I ABLE TO PURCHASE AN ENTRANCE AT THE GATE?
Yes you will be able to purchase you ticket at the gate on the day of the visit. Blue Planet Aquarium recommends that you book your tickets online to minimise contact and facilitate admissions to see our underwater world.

HAVE I GOT TO SPECIFY A TIME AND DATE TO VISIT BLUE PLANET AQUARIUM?
All tickets are valid for a 6month period and we do not ask visitors to book onto a time or date. We operate like a large retailer, with a queuing system on entry when necessary. We admit visitors into the aquarium every 90seconds to improve social distancing. If we reach site capacity we will operate a one in one out policy. We will update on social media any queue times.

CAN I STILL USE CASH AT THE AQUARIUM?
We encourage you to use card and ideally contactless payments as much as possible when at the aquarium, however we will still accept cash payment.

DO I NEED TO PRINT MY TICKET?
No you do not need to print your ticket. We have new smart phone scanners available to minimise contact.

HOW WILL YOU ENSURE THAT WE CAN VISIT THE AQUARIUM SAFELY?
We have taken steps to ensure the health, safety and well being of our visitors, staff and animals is our number one priority. For this reason, we have created a one directional journey through the aquarium. Our staff will also remind guests to maintain a respectful distance when necessary.

We will be limiting the number of visitors in the aquarium at one time, so you may encounter a short wait before entering, but please bear with us.

There will be a hand sanitising station upon arrival, and customers will be encouraged to use this before entering. There will also be others located around the aquarium, as well as hand washing facilities in our bathrooms.

There will be friendly reminders throughout the aquarium regarding hygiene, social distancing and safety measures, including directional floor stickers.

IS YOUR OUTDOOR PLAY AREA OPEN?
Yes it is and is disinfected on a regular basis to provide a safe environment. There is a limited capacity for this area and we ask a maximum of 1 adult from every household to be in our climbing frame.

IS EVERYTHING OPEN?
All the aquarium is open to the public with the exception of the top floor of the aqua-theatre and the balcony over Northern Streams. These areas have been closed to improve social distancing.

I HAVE AN ADMISSION TICKET WHICH EXPIRED WHILST YOU WERE CLOSED. WHAT DO I DO?
When we closed the aquarium on the 26th December we automatically extended any tickets that do expire in this time for a further 2 months. Simply show your confirmation email on your smart phone for a speedy, contactless entry.

WILL WE HAVE TO WEAR MASKS TO VISIT THE AQUARIUM?
In line with government guidance face coverings must be worn in indoor settings except in areas designated for eating and drinking. Children under 11years are not required to wear face coverings. Other medical exemptions apply. We will not refuse entry to those not wearing a face covering, nor will we question anyone as to their reason for not wearing a face covering. We will make the assumption that a visitor has a valid reason for not wearing a face covering. Wearing of face coverings is not a replacement for social distancing and regular hand hygiene.

CAN I BRING A GROUP TO THE AQUARIUM?
In line with government guidance, we have restricted groups of visitors to 6 people so everyone can safely respect social distancing measures. We also ask that household groups stay together during their visit and follow the social distancing guidelines. If you’re a group organiser and would like to receive details of when you can visit, please email [email protected]

WILL I BE ABLE TO MEET FAMILY AND FRIENDS AT THE AQUARIUM?
For your own safety and that of others, please only visit with members of your household. If you do meet friends or family at the aquarium please maintain social distance at all times and follow the latest government guidelines.

WILL THERE STILL BE TALKS AND SHOWS AROUND THE AQUARIUM?
Due to social distancing requirements we cannot currently provide talks and shows because this would encourage gatherings of visitors in one area. There will be staff members around the aquarium, who will be more than happy to answers any questions you have. Please adhere to social distancing measures at all times.

WILL THE TUNNEL WALKWAY BE ON?
Yes the tunnel walkway will be on.

WHAT IF I HAD A SCHOOL VISIT / EXPERIENCE / BIRTHDAY PARTY PLANNED FOR WHILST YOU WERE CLOSED?
If you have a booking for the dates we were closed, please email our team at [email protected] and we can arrange a new date for you.

WILL THE NAUTILUS KITCHEN BE OPEN?
Yes, Our restaurant will be open but with a limited menu. Social distancing has been put into place in the seating area.

WHAT CAN I DO IF I HAVE A SHARK ENCOUNTER VOUCHER WHICH HAS EXPIRED?
We will honour all dive vouchers that expire throughout the period of the pandemic, extending their validity for an additional 6months.
As per our terms and conditions dives are non refundable unless a medical form is provided and signed by a GP.

 

For any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]