1 / 3Sealife Adventure
📍 Southend-on-Sea, Greater London
Southend's zooquarium spans 12 themed areas combining sea life with meerkats, macaques, penguins, otters, and the Pangaea dinosaur exhibit with snapping turtles. Tanks sit at low viewing levels — accessible for buggies and toddlers throughout.
The kids absolutely loved the zebra sharks and the talk was interesting. Look out for the giant lobster! There is more than just sea life with dinosaurs and butterflies to enjoy. The season ticket for the year is only a little more and worth doing for locals. Easily accessible by car or train (a short walk really from the station and cheaper than the car park) The cafe I would probably miss on a further visit. The staff were lovely, but it was very pricey (even on a discount) and the food ordered was not very substantial. For example no salad came with jacket potatoes, sandwiches were plain with no sides or crisps etc and expensive for what they were. Hot chocolate was lovely though! There are lots of local foody places and you can return all day with a wristband entry.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with children aged 3–10 who want more variety than a standard aquarium. The mix of sea life and land animals holds attention across different interests. The meerkat encounter is a standout booking for small groups.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →4,474 Google reviews
Deborah H
5 months ago
“The kids absolutely loved the zebra sharks and the talk was interesting. Look out for the giant lobster! There is more than just sea life with dinosaurs and butterflies to enjoy. The season ticket for the year is only a little more and worth doing for locals. Easily accessible by car or train (a short walk really from the station and cheaper than the car park) The cafe I would probably miss on a further visit. The staff were lovely, but it was very pricey (even on a discount) and the food ordered was not very substantial. For example no salad came with jacket potatoes, sandwiches were plain with no sides or crisps etc and expensive for what they were. Hot chocolate was lovely though! There are lots of local foody places and you can return all day with a wristband entry.”
William Newton
a month ago
“We visited on a Friday for the afternoon meerkat experience and it did not disappoint. Megan the keeper was great, the 'kats were cute, and my partner really enjoyed her birthday (once she got used to the live mealworms)”
Simone Godwin
a month ago
“I went years ago and it was good. Now it's got the other animals outside area it's even better. Book online for cheaper tickets. Cannot buy carer ticket online which is annoying.”
Umair Vibes
a month ago
“Beyond sharks and rays, kids can see meerkats, macaques, penguins, and otters. The Pangaea dinosaur area with interactive models is also a favorite for younger kids.The center is praised for being wheelchair and buggy-friendly, with many tanks designed at lower viewing levels for toddlers and infants.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Sealife Adventure runs 12 themed zones including The Abyss, Ocean Tunnel, and Pangaea — a prehistoric area housing interactive dinosaur models and snapping turtles. Land animals include meerkats, macaques, penguins, and otters. Keeper talks run across multiple areas. The meerkat encounter experience requires advance booking. An outdoor section has been added in recent years. Parking is on-site adjacent to the seafront.
