On a very wet and windy day we decided to escape the rain and headed to Hastings Aquarium which is home to over 3500 incredible aquatic animals and reptiles.
We love heading to aquariums and seeing all the amazing aquatic animals and learning all the facts about them too. It really is like an underwater safari exploring the hidden mysteries of the water.
Around the route of the aquarium there were naturally themed displays which reveal the sheer variety of life in the deep from crabs and rays to the amazing octopus and turtles.
Noah’s favourite area was the ray tank. A large aquarium where we could see under the water and watch the rays swimming about. Noah was very excited to spot the little faces of the rays, and he said it looked like they were smiling. All around this area was fascinating facts about them, explaining their natural habitat, life span, and other interesting facts too.
Isabella was absolutely fascinated by the 15 minute long underwater walk through tunnel. Stepping inside the glass tunnel we had a 360 degree view of the reef, which ever way we turned we were welcomed with beautifully coloured fish. We even managed to spot a shark, and I was overjoyed to spot the turtle swimming peacefully around the tank.
Whilst walking around the aquarium it was aesthetically pleasing, and it was like you were walking in the caves and shallows of the water. Around every corner there was an exciting and interesting aquatic animal to see and read all about.
We were very lucky to meet pufferfish, sharks, seahorses (did you know that it is in fact the dads, who birth hundreds of fully formed sear horses!) and we were all mesmerised by the octopus. I’ve never actually seen one up close, so was amazing to see it moving around the reef.
Although the aquarium is mostly about sea creatures, we were pleasantly surprised to see the Jungle Room. As soon as you enter into this room you are hit with the change of temperature, it really is like entering into a tropical jungle. In here you will find snakes, spiders, lizards and much more, as well as a shoal of deadly sea creatures in the terrifying Lethal Reef tank.
Hastings Aquarium is a great place for visitors of all ages, and it’s a great way to find out all about the wonders of the deep. Each day there is a full programme of entertaining and informative talks and feeding displays. There are so many fascinating creatures to see, that it really is a lovely place to visit.
