Seal and SEA LIFE Sanctuaries
The Seal and SEA LIFE Sanctuaries care for a diverse group of stunning sea creatures. Explore the oceans without the need for a wet suit and visit the sanctuaries where these amazing animals can be seen up-close. Learn about them from marine experts and find out what can be done to help the species.
Each Sanctuary has a specialist area and range of animals including Seals, Otters, Rays, Octopus and Sharks. Interact with them in a way impossible in the wild and really appreciate the incredible beauty of these elegant individuals.
Sanctuary Attractions
The Scottish SEA LIFE Sanctuary has over 30 species of sea life. You can stand in the herring ring with a huge shoal of the silvery fish swarming about you or get up close to the friendly rays. There are talks and demonstrations every day with feeding sessions. You can also visit the Seal pup nursery where the injured young are cared for.
The Gweek National Seal Sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing seals, nursing them and releasing them back into the wild when possible. Many pups are found each year with injuries and ailments that would mean they couldn't survive without intervention. At the National Seal Sanctuary you can see Grey and Common Seals, Fur Seals, and Californian Sea Lions. It is also a necessary home for some Otters, Ponies and Goats.
The Hunston SEA LIFE Sanctuary in Norfolk has more than 30 permanent displays featuring Otters, Humboldt Penguins, Seals and more. The Giant Japanese Crab is one of the main attractions; these enormous creatures can reach 3 metres accross! Other incredible clawed sea creatures are on display in the new 'Claws' exhibition.
With Ticket Centre you can visit the Seal pups and company for a fraction of the cost of standard gate rates. Additionally, you can book your trip right at the last minute, as Ticket Centre is the ONLY place you can get tickets within 3 days of when you want to go. So, what are you waiting for? Book a thrilling day out with Ticket Centre today.
Sanctuary Opening Times
The Sanctuaries are open daily from 10:00am every day of the year except Christmas Day. Please check with the Sanctuary for closing times as these may vary throughout the year.
Sanctuary Addresses/Directions
Scottish SEA LIFE Sanctuary E-mail: oban@sealsanctuary.co.uk
From Glasgow take the M8 (northbound) and exit at junction 17. Follow signs to Dumbarton on the A82 and continue to Crainlairch and Tyndrum. At Tyndrum turn left onto the A85 road (signposted Oban) to Connel.
At Connel Bridge, take the A828 and drive over the bridge and follow this road north towards Fort William.
Drive through a small village called Benderloch and two miles after this village, you will see the 'Scottish Sealife & Marine Sanctuary' on your left hand side (5 miles from the Connel bridge).
From Fort William - If you are travelling south to the centre from Fort William, follow the A828 to Barcaldine and the centre is one mile past the village on the right hand side.
Address: The Scottish SEA LIFE Sanctuary, Barcaldine, Oban, Argyll PA37 1SE.
Gweek National Seal Sanctuary E-mail: seals@sealsanctuary.co.uk
When you arrive by car at Helston, head for R.N.A.S. Culdrose on A3083 (signposted Lizard), drive along this road to the roundabout. Turn left at the roundabout (signposted St Keverne). About half a mile along on the B3293 road, turn left and follow the signpost to Gweek. When you arrive in Gweek village, turn right just before the "Gweek Inn" pub and follow the signs to Seal Sanctuary.
Address: The National Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, near Helston, Cornwall TR12 6UG.
Hunstanton SEA LIFE Sanctuary E-mail: hunstanton@sealsanctuary.co.uk
If you are travelling from King's Lynn. Follow the signs to Cromer (A148) and Hunstanton (A149) to leave by A1078. At junction with A148 (South Wootton) head passed the traffic signals towards the A148.
At roundabout take 1st exit onto A149 (signposted Hunstanton). At the next roundabout take the 1st exit (A149). Junction with B1440 (north) at roundabout take 1st main exit (A149). At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Oasis Way - B1161 (signposted South Beach).
At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto South Beach Road. Turn right onto Seagate Road. There is a pay and display car park nearby. Hunstanton SEA LIFE Sanctuary is in easy walking distance of the car park. The centre is on the promenade.
Address: Hunstanton SEA LIFE Sanctuary, Southern Promenade, Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 5BH.
