Oceanarium Bournemouth, Bournemouth (must see)

Located on Bournemouth’s picturesque seafront, the Oceanarium offers a captivating exploration of marine environments from around the world. This aquarium features ten distinct recreated habitats, including the Amazon rainforest, the vibrant Great Barrier Reef, and the mysterious depths of the Abyss. Each environment is meticulously designed to mirror the natural conditions of its respective ecosystem, providing an immersive experience for visitors.

A standout attraction is the Oceanarium's Interactive Dive Cage, a pioneering feature that provides a 270-degree virtual view of the ocean. This state-of-the-art experience allows users to feel as though they are truly underwater, surrounded by marine life. Additionally, the aquarium employs interactive touch technology to bring computer-generated sea creatures to life, including dolphins, manta rays, and sharks. This technology enhances the visitor experience with animated games and challenges that educate and entertain.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Oceanarium is its interactive exhibit, Global Meltdown. Launched in June 2008, this feature explores the potential future impacts of global warming by transporting visitors to a scenario where rising sea levels have transformed cities like London into underwater realms, complete with tropical fish and sharks navigating through the streets.