Over the past two decades the aquarium has notched up almost 2 million visitors and established itself as one of NI's top ten paying tourist attractions.
The large Open Sea Tank contains sharks, conger eels and rays, and daily Discovery Pool demonstrations allow visitors to touch sea creatures and learn fascinating facts from experienced local guides.
The Aquarium's cutest and most important calling card, however, is the Seal Sanctuary where sick or orphaned seal pups are rehabilitated then released back into the wild.
Since 1989, Exploris has returned over 200 seals to their natural habitat.
The seal hospital's one-way glass system allows visitors to watch the patients from a safe distance.
Once well enough, seals are then moved into the swimming ponds which have an underwater viewing area.
Visitors can also view the seals from tides café and exhibition area or, even better, help support Exploris's important rehabilitation programme by adopting a seal.
The nature of rehabilitation means that there will be times when there are no seals 'in residence' so please call in advance if you are particularly interested in seeing seals.
Its beautiful setting in he quaint conservation village of Portaferry and ongoing work with sick and injured seals, makes Exploris always worth a visit.
Directions:
- From Belfast take the A20 through Newtownards and on to Portaferry.
- By bus - from Laganisde Bus Station in Belfast, take buses travelling on routes: 9, 9a or 10. These routes travel through Newtownards and end in Portaferry.
April-August:
Mon-Fri: 10:00-18:00, Sat: 11:00-18:00, Sun: 12:00-18:00
September-March:
Mon-Fri: 10:00-17:00, Sat: 11:00-17:00, Sun: 13:00-17:00
Prices:
Adult: £7.00
Junior (16 years and under): £4.00
Family (2 adults + 4 children): £22.00
Family (1 adult + 4 children): £19.50
60+, Disabled and unemployed: £4.00
Under Fours: Free
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