SEA LIFE Manchester Review

Reviewed by David Savage

Yesterday, Sunday 12 June, we (myself and 3 year old twin boys) decided to visit SEA LIFE in Manchester as we are Merlin Annual Pass holders. It’s very easy to get to and is situated in the intu Trafford Centre close to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre.

We arrived early, just before 11am, so beat the crowds and as pass holders had a shorter queue for entry. On entry the first stop is Turtle Beach; this is a room with sand on the floor which comes alive with the use of 3D projection and light and teaches you about the life of a sea turtle from being in an egg, hatching and their journey to the sea. This talk lasts 5 minutes or so and is very informative.

Now into the aquarium itself. The aquarium is made up of a variety of different zones featuring a plethora of different marine life from coral to sharks. These zones are; Turtle Beach, Shoaling Ring, Rocky Hideout, Jellyfish Seas, Shark Shipwreck, Coral Reef,  Ocean Tunnel, Turtle World, Tropical Garden, Seahorse Nursery, Stingray Bay, Octopus Hideout, Rockpool and Conservation Cove. There is also a softplay jungle gym area for the younger children to run around and climb to burn off some of their excitement and energy.

We walked around the centre looking at a variety of different fish, from the dull to the very colourful, saw sharks and rays, jellyfish, seahorses  and of course Ernie the sea turtle (who is enormous). The only thing we couldn’t see was the octopus, it was indeed well hidden – they can apparently fit into any gap as long as it is large enough for their eyeballs and can change skin colour to blend in with their surroundings.

There are talks and feedings throughout the day but with the boys being only 3 weren’t interested in these and just wanted to see the “fishes” with their favourite being the Ocean Tunnel as they could walk through and see fish, sharks and even Ernie the sea turtle swimming above their heads.

The Rockpool gave them the opportunity to touch real life crabs and starfish, although I’m convinced they were more interested in playing with the water!

Overall we all had a great time at SEA LIFE Manchester. Although it is a lot smaller than the London one (which is the one I usually visit) it has a lot of variety and should you have time to read about the displays (not chasing 3 years old from display to display), each tank has information about the inhabitants.

A great family day out and very educational as well.

Rating: 4.5/5

Ticket prices start from £9.95 per person online and £16.95 per person on the day. Under 3’s can visit the attraction for free. Alternatively why not purchase a Merlin Annual Pass (currently on sale until 30 June 2016) for access to all Merlin’s 32 attractions throughout the UK for 12 months – for more details visit www.merlinannualpass.co.uk.

For more information about SEA LIFE Manchester or to book tickets online visit www.visitsealife.com/manchester.

SEA LIFE Manchester, Barton Square, intu Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8AS
0871 221 2483