Phuket Oceanarium: Dive into the Depths of the Ocean

The Aquaria Phuket Oceanarium in Phuket is a popular attraction on the island. It is one of the largest artificial reservoirs in Southeast Asia. It features various species of sea and river animals, and hosts various shows and performances with their participation.

Basic information about Aquaria Oceanarium in Phuket

Phuket Aquarium offers visitors to see more than 300 species of sea creatures brought from different parts of the world. These are various types of fish, coral reefs, jellyfish, turtles, sharks and other inhabitants. The oceanarium has several aquariums , each with its own ecosystem and marine biotopes. 

Another feature of Aquaria: underwater inhabitants are studied here, and some of their species are grown and then released into the ocean. This is because the oceanarium does not simply demonstrate various representatives of the aquatic world, but also takes care of their preservation and multiplication. 

The aquarium hosts daily shows with dolphins and sea lions, and offers the opportunity to feed the fish and swim with sharks. There is a cafe and a souvenir shop nearby. Entrance to Aquaria is paid, the price depends on the age of the visitor and the selected programs. The aquarium is open daily from 10:30 to 19:00.  

History of the Oceanarium

Aquaria Oceanarium in Phuket opened on August 24, 2019 in the shopping center “Central Phuket Floresta”. Since it is quite crowded here due to the many boutiques and shops of various specializations, the organizers had high hopes for Aquaria. The creation of luxurious water zones and the aquariums themselves were carried out by designers and architects of the highest level. 

The aquariums are built using advanced technologies and engineering solutions. All conditions for the habitation of various sea creatures are created here, a certain temperature and composition of the water are maintained, food and medical care for the inhabitants are provided. The area occupied by the oceanarium is about 10 thousand m². However, it can easily accommodate over 25 thousand fish and other living creatures. 

Location and how to get there

The aquarium is located in the largest shopping center in Phuket – “Central Phuket Floresta” and occupies 2 floors. At the entrance to the first floor B1, there are guide signs on the floor.       

Geographical location of Phuket Oceanarium

Aquaria Phuket is located in Muang Phuket, Wich Songkhram Road. This is the southern part of the island. 

Transportation to the oceanarium

You can get to Aquaria on your own while in Phuket by bus or taxi. You can rent a car or a bike. There is also an option to get to the oceanarium as part of an excursion. 

Indoor exhibitions of the Oceanarium

The Aquaria oceanarium is divided into several aquariums, there is also a 4D museum, a restaurant (you can have lunch while watching the life of rays and sharks) and a contact pool. And also daily divers feed the inhabitants of the aquariums, the meal turns into a real show. 

“Mystical Forest” 

The Aquaria oceanarium has an aquarium zone located on 2 floors. On the first tier, in a panoramic aquarium, live river giants: shilba catfish, arapaima, Siamese carp, real gourami and other inhabitants of the Mekong River. On the second floor, you will see reptiles and representatives of the jungle: various beetles, lizards, spiders, snakes, salamanders, frogs.  

“Coastal Harbor” 

This area is home to clumsy Humboldt penguins, who leisurely stroll around the enclosure. Sometimes they line up and dive into the water one by one. There is also a section with otters, who do not sit still for a second, and are always running somewhere.

“Stingray Bay” 

In this area of ​​the Phuket Aquarium you can see stingrays and reef fish. The stingrays swim sedately past the spectators, for an additional fee you can feed them yourself.

“Submarine Lagarto”

One of the aquariums contains an American submarine that sank in the Gulf of Thailand during World War II. The submarine was rammed by a Japanese torpedo, after which the crew of the boat did not contact anyone for a long time and was considered missing. Only in 2005 was the submarine found, raised from the bottom of the bay, restored and now is home to many fish. 

“South China Sea”

This aquarium zone contains the largest sea aquarium with such inhabitants as sharks, giant turtles, huge groupers, etc. Also nearby is the Andasi restaurant. During a snack, you can watch the sea giants, combining business with pleasure. Every day, divers feed the sea creatures, the process of hunting underwater giants for food can be filmed on a photo and video camera, but without a flash. And in this zone, every day, except Monday, there is a performance of mermaids. After the show, you can take a photo with them. 

“Legend of the Sea”

This section of the oceanarium contains an aquarium in the form of a semi-tunnel with sunken figures. Reef fish, groupers, rays, and sharks live here. The semi-tunnel is modest in size, about 20 m. 

Contact pool, or “Aquarius Station”

This area is loved by children more than others, because here, after washing their hands, they can touch a sea cucumber, horseshoe crab, small rays, starfish, and touch a coral bush. It is forbidden to pick up the inhabitants of the pool, only lightly touch them. Also in this section there is a tank with adult and growing jellyfish. Nearby is an entomological collection with beetles, seahorses, bats, and sea mollusks. Finally, you can look into the souvenir department, which is full of soft toys in the form of sea creatures, sells clothes, mugs, keychains, and other items with island symbols. 

4D Museum

The only place on Phuket where paintings become “alive”. At the entrance to the zone, you should connect to WI-FI and download the required application. By shooting a video with its help, you can see a furious, fire-breathing dragon, “living” dinosaurs, a volcano spewing lava, etc. In each of the 4 rooms of the museum there are 4-5 images. It will take about half an hour to take a photo, and about 1 hour more to shoot a video. 

Unique performances and educational programs

Phuket Aquarium offers educational and discovery activities to teach more about the underwater inhabitants and what they can learn.

Daily shows with the inhabitants of the Oceanarium

The Phuket Aquarium Animal Show is a unique opportunity to see marine animals jumping, swimming, performing acrobatics, and hunting for food during feeding time. The show not only entertains the audience, but also allows them to better understand and appreciate these amazing animals. 

Educational programs for children and adults

For children, Aquaria offers special educational programs designed to suit their age and level of understanding. Children participate in interactive classes, excursions, observe animals, and ask questions to experts. For adults, Aquaria offers lectures, seminars, and workshops, where they expand their knowledge and learn a lot about the life and conservation of marine fauna.

Opening hours and ticket prices

The aquarium operates on a specific schedule. Tickets can be purchased at the oceanarium box office or booked online. An electronic ticket must be exchanged for a paper one upon entry. 

Oceanarium opening hours

Aquaria is open daily from 10:30 to 19:00, seven days a week. 

Ticket prices and discounts

A ticket to the aquarium for children under 3 years old is free. The cost of a ticket for an adult is about 1,000 baht, for children over 3-11 years old – about 500 baht. When buying a ticket online, a discount is provided. You can also buy a comprehensive ticket to the Aquarium, which includes a visit to the 4D museum. Its price for children over 11 years old and adults is about 1,200 baht, for children 3-11 years old – about 700 baht. For children under 3 years old, the ticket is free. 

Visiting the Oceanarium with Children

It is useful for children to visit oceanariums and aquariums – this gives them a lot of new, useful information, teaches them to love and protect nature. 

Peculiarities of visiting with small children

The oceanarium gives children the opportunity to observe the behavior, life and characters of animals. There is a restaurant with a children’s menu, animal feedings and entertainment shows are held. Come to “Aquaria Phuket”. 

Educational and entertaining activities for children

As part of the educational activities, children participate in interactive lessons, learn more about marine mammals, their habitat and the importance of preserving the oceans. They participate in excursions around the oceanarium, look at marine mammals, listen to stories about their features and underwater life. 

Other amenities and services

Phuket Aquarium offers a variety of amenities and services to its guests. 

Restaurants and cafes in the Oceanarium

Inside Aquaria there is a restaurant with different types of cuisine. The menu usually includes seafood, fresh vegetables, meat and vegetarian dishes, light snacks, salads, main courses, desserts and drinks. There is a children’s menu. Popcorn and other snacks are available at the entrance. 

Souvenir shops

The aquarium has a gift shop where visitors can purchase gifts and items related to the sea. 

The best time to visit the Oceanarium

The aquarium is busiest on weekends and holidays, and least crowded on weekdays and in the morning. During popular seasons or school holidays, the aquarium can be very busy. To avoid long lines, arrive early or buy tickets online in advance. 

Conclusion

Since its opening, Aquaria Phuket has become one of the island’s popular tourist attractions. It attracts people of all ages and interests, offering exciting programs for visitors. 

Questions and Answers

We have prepared answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Can I bring food and drinks into the Oceanarium?

It is forbidden to bring your own food and drinks into the Aquaria oceanarium . There is a restaurant inside the oceanarium where you can have lunch and buy drinks.

Is photography and video recording allowed inside the Oceanarium?

Photography is permitted for personal use, but restrictions may apply to the use of flash or tripods. 

Are there discounts for group visits?

You can buy a discounted ticket at the “Family” rate. It is better to track current discounts and ticket prices on the oceanarium’s website. 

Are there any guide or tour guide services?

Yes, Aquaria offers a guide or tour manager if you are visiting as part of a tour. 

Is it possible to organize a children’s birthday party at the Oceanarium?

You can organize a children’s birthday party at the Aquaria oceanarium. Usually, the party package includes an entrance ticket, a tour of the oceanarium, and entertainment.