National Marine Aquarium Anmeldelser 

As other's have said, it was absolutely packed with kids when I went (both times) and the exhibits feel limited. It made me wonder where the funding goes if it doesn't go on improving the aquarium. Now having looked into the company accounts I can see where (look at the financials in Ocean Conservation Trust on companies house, they use the NMA's funding but run independently with seperate activities). Of 7.5 million in 2025, 5.4 million went on 'charitable work'.
I get that they do charity work, but even so, that's massively disproportionate, and I would argue many more funds should be allocated to the aquarium itself rather than milking it to fund other charitable work elsewhere in the world. Charity starts at home.
The place could do with investment too. Much of the building is pictures and stairs. As its 'The National Marine Aquarium in Britain's Ocean city' it should be spectacular. It could comfortably be 1.5 to 2 times the size and they have space around it and upwards to do this, this would also benefit the animals (which appeared generally happy bar a few jellyfish stuck on a corner).
I parked elsewhere.
With OCT's 7.5 million annual revenue, improvements could be done in two years, leaving Plymouth a legacy for generations to come. Food for thought for their team of trustees. Would I go again, yes. Would I recommend it? Only if its raining.

Me and my boyfriend Freddy did the behind the scenes tour and it was amazing I can't remember his name but it was his first time doing the tour and he was great! Thank you!

VIsited this place on the 22nd April 26 whilst the car park attached is expensive and you can only pay on a an app and the signage is not good .The signal is poor .however this is Ran by Brattain parking and not the aquarium so thy can not do anything about this .

On arrival it was disabled friendly they staff were helpful however I thought £26 pounds per person was very expensive this should be discounted if you do not want a a year ticket .it is a bit tired inside the building I saw no staff whom were first aiders or fire Marshall’s which I would have like to have seen as if you need to be evacuated then you would need to know who to follow .their is a lift their and the toilets are clean and tidy and well stocked . The presentation of the divers was good and the staff knowledgeable about the place .It would have been nice to know what was going on at the place when I arrived as I had to ask a staff member .have only rated a 3 as th price is to exsessive

The parking charges are unreasonable, offering just 1 hour initially, which is too short, and the next option jumps to 3 hours for £5.70, which seems excessive. Why isn't there a 2-hour option available?

This is a disappointing place to visit. The soft play area is advertised and basically never open with signs on the door stating closed until further notice, The place is looking very tired. No nice craft activities like they used to - far too many people are in there at any one time. Staff need to be more friendly. We’ve enjoyed visits in the past.

I did the shark experience. It was fantastic. Tom guided us through the whole experience. Talked us through what would happen. What would expect. It was truly beautiful. And a special thank you to FRIDAY the turtle for his many nudges of the tank!!!! Thank you Tom and thank you NMA.

The tanks were wonderful, amazing displays. However, the toilets next to the cafe were shut, and we had a very difficult time finding the other ones! More signage to the various parts of the aquarium would be helpful, we had trouble finding our way around. And the lifts (I am on a mobility scooter) - one worked OK, but the other one was frustrating: lots of un-labelled buttons and a sign saying press 1 for up and 2 for down, but there wasn't a 2! Enjoyed the experience, however.

unfair car parking fees with an option for up to 1 hour which is not long enough and then a jump to up to 3 hours @ £5.70 which is to long - why not up to 2 hours ?

After travelling all the way from Teesside to Plymouth for our much anticipated experience as keen aquarium enthusiasts, our visit was cut short due to a group of noisy pre-schoolers shouting, running about and banging on the glass of the exhibits - we deliberately chose to attend at opening time and during term time to avoid crowds. We couldn’t sit to enjoy the view of one of the larger tanks nor the lovely ambient music. There wasn’t as much to see as we were expecting; no sea turtles or sea horses and the shark area was unimpressive; yet the various jellyfish and anemones were lovely to see. Even so, we agreed that The Deep at Hull was a much better experience.
Despite this, we decided to go to the cafe until the children departed, before attempting another circuit of the one way system. Unfortunately an even larger group was escorted in, so we decided to leave instead feeling frustrated and very disappointed.
It would have been lovely to have the option of an adult only session which would have made such a difference.