Blue Reef Aquarium

Take the ultimate undersea safari at the spectacular new Blue Reef Aquarium in Hastings where there’s a world of underwater adventure just waiting to be discovered. Following a £1.5m re-development programme last year the aquarium has been transformed into a state-of-the-art visitor attraction and was voted Visitor Attraction of the Year 2008.

From the hidden world of UK waters, Blue Reef transports visitors to the spectacular ‘underwater gardens’ of the Mediterranean and the stunning beauty of tropical waters - home to everything from seahorses and puffer fish to living corals and tropical sharks.

The centrepiece of the aquarium is the spectacular coral reef housed within a gigantic ocean display with its underwater walkthrough tunnel. The reef is home to exotic species including black tip reef sharks, graceful stingrays, cuttlefish and hundreds of dazzlingly beautiful fish that use the reef like a bustling undersea city.

Enjoy the closest of undersea encounters in a 15-metre long underwater walk-through tunnel through the reef, and from inside a glass cavern. More than 40 other naturally-themed displays reveal the sheer variety of life in the deep from crabs and Nautilus to the amazing octopus and the bizarre colour-shifting cuttlefish!

Blue Reef is a great place for visitors of all ages to find out more about the wonders of the deep. There’s a full programme of entertaining and informative talks, feeding displays and rockpool encounters throughout the day.

Blue Reef also has a busy calendar of events to keep the whole family entertained. You can follow a treasure trail during Pirates Weekend, learn more about protecting seahorses, sign up to save sharks, take part in a beach clean or create a piece of fishy-themed artwork.

• Blue Reef Aquarium, Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 3DW. Open daily from 10am. Adults: £7.75 Child: £5.75 Concessions: £6.75. Discounted family rates available. For more information call 01424 718776 or visit www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk.