Phuket Aquarium

No trip to a tropical island would be complete without seeing some of the exotic ocean life living just a feet away from your beach. While some choose to go snorkelling to get a glimpse of the unique and beautiful crustaceans, others prefer the safety and security of the Phuket Aquarium.

Located in the south east of Phuket, right at the end of Cape Panwa, sits the impressive 20 acres Marine Biological Center (PMBC). The PMBC is not only home to the amazing aquarium but also boasts a nature trail, hatchery, sea turtle pool, endanger species museum, a 38m long research vessel and a reference collection that preserves over 100,000 specimens.

Established in 1983 the Phuket Aquarium has over 30 tanks filled to the brim with all kinds of fresh and seawater fish, sharks, eels, squids, seahorses and crabs. All exhibits are labelled in both English and Thai and have fascinating facts about the crustaceans enclosed within. The easy to read and informative floor to ceiling wall displays help teach visitors about the marine life, habitat and the importance of marine preservation.

The most attractive feature though is the impressive tunnel tank. This unique tank gives you a kaleidoscope view of life in the ocean as you marvel at the schools of fish, rays and sharks swimming all around you. If you really want to see something remarkable then try to be in the tunnel around 11am and you might get to witness the feeding frenzy at lunch time!

Before you leave make sure you check out the rest of the amenities mentioned above such as the turtle pools. Containing newly hatched sea turtles awaiting their big release into the unknown blue while the older “retired” turtles live out their days in a safe and secure environment.

With over 300,000 visitors a year and both indoor and outdoor exhibits the Phuket Aquarium is a great place to take the whole family on the rainy Phuket days.