/ Isle of Wight Trip Activities / An Underwater Global Adventure
The Oceanarium Bournemouth offers school groups an immersive journey through the world’s waters, right from the vibrant seafront. For youngsters on a residential, it provides an engaging environment to explore diverse ecosystems, from the Great Barrier Reef to the depths of the Amazon. The venue is expertly designed to combine the wonder of seeing sharks, rays, and sea turtles with deep curriculum-linked learning, ensuring a balanced and memorable visit for all students.
The facility features ten themed zones that facilitate a variety of educational projects. Pupils can walk through the stunning underwater tunnel to observe marine life from a new perspective, providing an excellent stimulus for Literature & Creative Writing or studies in Animals, Habitats & Biodiversity. Observing the unique adaptations of species like the Humboldt penguins or the clever dwarf crocodiles helps students connect classroom theory with the reality of the natural world.
Conservation is a central theme at the aquarium, with many displays highlighting the challenges facing our oceans today. Students are encouraged to think critically about Climate, Weather & Environment and the impact of human activity on the sea. Expert-led workshops further enrich the experience, offering interactive sessions on plastic pollution and the importance of Waste & Recycling, empowering youngsters to understand their role in protecting the planet's future.
Practicality is key for visiting schools, with a dedicated lunch area and accessible routes throughout the site ensuring a stress-free experience for group leaders. Whether integrated into a day of beach-based activities or used as a focused educational hub, the Oceanarium delivers a high-impact experience that caters to a wide range of learning styles. It is a reliable and captivating addition to any school itinerary in the Bournemouth area.
Here's some of the most frequently-asked questions about school visits to Oceanarium, posed by teachers and other group leaders
Children must not put their hands into any of the tanks for health and safety reasons. All customers are to enter Penguin Beach by walking on the footbaths which contain disinfectant, to prevent the spread of avian influenza. Please use hand washing facilities in the penguin area when exiting. Please also be aware that we do have free flying Inca tern birds in the Penguin Beach aviary.
Offshore Café
Oceanarium have designated first aiders, so if there are any emergencies, please inform the Oceanarium team either at the main reception desk or by approaching any staff throughout the facility. Teachers must remain the primary responsible party for their pupils and should carry their own group first aid kits.
For Gold/Platinum package group bookings, a designated school lunch area is provided.
Food is available to purchase at the Offshore Café.
In an emergency, teachers are required to lead their pupils to the clearly marked assembly points on the seafront as directed by aquarium staff, following the established evacuation routes.
Please note this is a card only attraction, no cash payments are accepted.
Main toilets can be found at the exit beside the gift shop, which you can use before entering. This is also the location of the accessible toilet. A further toilet can be found in the baby changing room in the play area and also in the Offshore Cafe.
The following Oceanarium educational resources are FREE to use when you book your trip with Education Destination. Some include pre or post-visit classroom work, others are on-site activities. All are accompanied by detailed Teacher Notes and some even have sample lesson plans!
Prepared by our expert team of teachers with local Island knowledge, each resource addresses a specific National Curriculum topic. Click on any image for full details.
