SEA LIFE London Aquarium Tickets

About SEA LIFE London Aquarium

SEA LIFE London Aquarium is one of Europe's largest and most visited aquariums, situated in the magnificent County Hall building on London's famous South Bank. Since opening in 1997, it has welcomed millions of visitors from around the world, offering an unforgettable journey through the world's oceans and waterways. The aquarium's prime location next to the London Eye and Westminster Bridge makes it a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring the capital.

Housing over 600 species of marine life and containing more than 2 million litres of water, SEA LIFE London provides an immersive underwater experience unlike any other in the UK. From the frozen waters of Antarctica to the warm tropical seas, visitors traverse 14 distinct themed zones, each recreating a different aquatic environment. The aquarium is home to the UK's largest collection of sharks, including sand tiger sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and the impressive bowmouth guitarfish.

What makes SEA LIFE London truly special is its combination of world-class exhibits and its commitment to marine conservation. The aquarium participates in numerous breeding programs for endangered species and runs educational programs that inspire visitors to protect our oceans. Whether you're a first-time visitor to London or a local looking for a family day out, SEA LIFE London offers an experience that's both entertaining and meaningful.

SEA LIFE London Ticket Prices & Options

Understanding your ticket options helps you get the best value for your SEA LIFE London visit. Booking online in advance is highly recommended as it offers significant savings and guarantees entry, especially during busy periods.

Standard Admission Tickets

Standard admission provides access to all 14 themed zones, interactive touch pools, and daily feeding demonstrations.

• Adult Tickets (16+ years): From £24 online (walk-up price £32-35)
• Child Tickets (3-15 years): From £21 online
• Children under 3: Free admission
• Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children): From £75 - best family value

Priority Entry & VIP Experiences

• Fast Track Entry: Skip the main queue - perfect for busy periods
• Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Exclusive access to backstage areas
• Shark Dive Experience: Dive with sharks in the main tank (certification required)
• VIP Shark Walk: Walk over the shark tank on a glass platform

Combo Tickets - Excellent Value

Combine SEA LIFE London with other Merlin attractions on the South Bank for significant savings:

• SEA LIFE + London Eye: Save up to 40% on combined admission
• SEA LIFE + Madame Tussauds: Two iconic London experiences
• Merlin Magic Pass: Access to multiple London attractions
• Big London Ticket: Up to 5 attractions at massive savings

Exhibits & Themed Zones at SEA LIFE London

SEA LIFE London features 14 spectacular themed zones, each offering unique marine encounters. Plan to spend 2-3 hours to fully experience everything the aquarium has to offer.

Shark Walk & Ocean Tunnel

One of London's most thrilling experiences, the Shark Walk lets you stand on a glass floor directly above the shark tank, watching these magnificent predators swim beneath your feet. The connecting ocean tunnel then immerses you in 360 degrees of underwater wonder as sharks, rays, and tropical fish glide all around you. It's an experience that visitors rate as the highlight of their visit.

Rainforest Adventure

Begin your journey in the tropical rainforest zone, home to piranhas, arapaima (one of the world's largest freshwater fish), and various reptiles. The lush surroundings and sounds of the jungle create an immersive atmosphere that transports you to the Amazon.

Penguin Point

Meet the adorable Gentoo penguins at Penguin Point. Watch their playful antics, see them dive and swim with incredible agility, and learn about conservation efforts to protect penguin colonies in the wild. Daily feeding times are a must-see!

Coral Kingdom

Discover the vibrant world of coral reefs, home to countless species of tropical fish, anemones, and invertebrates. This stunning exhibit highlights the incredible biodiversity of coral ecosystems and the urgent need to protect these fragile environments from climate change and pollution.

Ocean Invaders (Jellyfish)

Experience the mesmerising beauty of jellyfish in this specially designed exhibit. Watch moon jellies and other species pulse through illuminated tanks, creating an almost hypnotic display. Learn about the fascinating life cycle of these ancient creatures.

Ray Lagoon

Watch graceful rays glide through the water in this dedicated exhibit. Multiple species of ray call this tank home, and you can observe them being fed by the aquarium's expert staff during scheduled feeding demonstrations.

Sea Turtle Sanctuary

Meet Boris and Cammy, the aquarium's resident green sea turtles. These rescued turtles would not survive in the wild due to health issues, and SEA LIFE London provides them with a permanent home while using their presence to educate visitors about turtle conservation.

Interactive Touch Pools

Get hands-on with marine life at the touch pools. Under the guidance of friendly staff, you can gently touch sea stars, anemones, and other creatures. It's a favourite experience for children and adults alike.

Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

SEA LIFE London is open daily throughout the year, though hours vary by season.

Standard Opening Hours

• Monday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• School Holidays: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily
• Last Admission: One hour before closing

Best Times to Visit

• Weekday mornings: Quietest time, especially Tuesday-Thursday
• Late afternoon (after 4 PM): Crowds decrease significantly
• Term time: Avoid school holidays for smaller crowds
• Winter months: Generally quieter than summer

Busiest Times

• Weekend afternoons (11 AM - 3 PM)
• School holidays, especially half-terms
• Rainy days in central London
• Bank holiday weekends

Location & Getting There

SEA LIFE London enjoys one of the best locations of any aquarium in the world, situated right on the Thames at the heart of London's South Bank.

Address

SEA LIFE London Aquarium
County Hall
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7PB

Getting There by Tube

The nearest Underground stations are:

• Westminster: Jubilee, District, and Circle lines (5-minute walk)
• Waterloo: Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, and Waterloo & City lines (10-minute walk)
• Embankment: District, Circle, Northern, and Bakerloo lines (10-minute walk across the bridge)

By Bus

Multiple bus routes stop near SEA LIFE London, including routes 12, 53, 148, 159, 211, 381, 453, and N109.

By Train

Waterloo Station is a 10-minute walk from the aquarium and is served by South Western Railway and Southeastern services.

Parking

There is no dedicated parking at SEA LIFE London. The nearest car parks include Q-Park Westminster and various NCP car parks in the area. However, public transport is highly recommended due to central London traffic and parking costs.

Frequently Asked Questions