Bluereef Aquarium

Bluereef Aquarium is located at the very eastern end of Hastings seafront.

Whilst the aquarium is easily found, if you know where to look for it, it is surprisingly relatively hidden from public view. Many visitors probably leave without discovering one of Hastings best attractions.

Bluereef Aquarium is by no means as large as many of the traditional sealife centres that are dotted around the country and whilst there is an underwater viewing area it is small compared to many such facilities.

However, what this aquarium lacks in size it more than makes up in colour, beauty, design and diversity of specimens.

To be honest it really is more of a traditional aquarium than the other types of sealife centres actually are. Many of those tend to concentrate on the larger species such as sharks and rays.

In comparison Bluereef really is more like a collection of  home aquariums recreated on a much larger scale.

A nursery area allows you to view the breeding facilities. There is an open viewing area with staff on hand to answer questions. Feeding times are advised if you wish to watch.

It's true if you are completely insane you could pay for your admission and walk round in less than 10 minutes and walk out again. It seemed that people actually did that which is a great waste. Pulling their children past the tanks and only giving them a quick look seems such a waste of time and money.

Us? No lie we were in there over 2 hours. Granted I was taking a lot of photos and video footage (which you can view at the bottom of the page) but we enjoyed every moment.

Your admission fee allows you to return to the aquarium as many times you like the same day, your hand is stamped as proof of purchase.

At the time of writing this you can buy a combined ticket for Bluereef and the Smugglers Adventure (caves on the West Hill). You can also buy an annual admission ticket which works out incredible value, especially for anybody local who would like to pop in regularly to check on new specimens or ones which were hiding during their visit.

I think Bluereef should be on everbodys list of places to visit in Hastings. Kids, who are given the time to absorb the aquatic life, will love it. As will anybody who loves fish, especially exotic colouful ones of all shapes and sizes.