There's no need to go diving to see the ocean's animals you can visit them all at Weymouth's Sea Life Park. The popular attraction features several tanks with a wide variety of marine animals, in addition to a sightseeing tower and several rides and attractions. Fill your day with all kinds of fun and see as many as you can of the more than 1,000 animals of marine life held here.
Walk underwater through the spectacular Ocean Tunnel, where the sea is all around you, full of diverse sea creatures including a family of turtles. Watch cownose rays skim along the surface of the Ray Lagoon. Brave a visit to the scary Shark Reef, where blacktips lurk in the waters.
Giggle at the comical Humboldt penguins that waddle across rocks in the middle of the park. Elsewhere see otters playing with each other in their enclosure. Among the other inhabitants are seals, seahorses, crustaceans and clownfish. Learn about conserving these species, many of which are endangered, in the conservation area and during special presentations throughout the day when the animals are fed.
To view the crocodiles, board the flume ride, which takes you through an enclosure holding the prehistoric-looking caiman crocodiles. Watch them basking under heat lamps or floating like logs in the pool. Be prepared to get wet, as the ride drops you down with a splash.
Once you've seen all the animals, head to the adventure island section, home to four child-friendly rides. Having seen what happens below the water at the aquarium, you may want to check out what happens above it too. Travel 170 feet (50 metres) above the waves at the nearby Sea Life Tower, where a rotating platform gives you panoramic, 360-degree views of the surrounding area.
The Sea Life Park is near the Weymouth waterfront, about a 25-minute walk from the train station. The park is open year-round. Purchase discounted tickets when booking online.