Aquaria Phuket

The basics

Aquaria Phuket touts itself as the biggest aquarium in Thailand, and many people come here to learn about life under the sea before heading next door to the sister attraction, the AR Trick Eye Museum Phuket. You can guarantee your admission to the popular sight by pre-booking online; combo packages that include a visit to the AR Trick Eye Museum are also available.

Things to know before you go

• Aquaria Phuket is a must for families with kids who are interested in marine life.

• Thai residents and citizens can benefit from discounted admission.

• The aquarium is wheelchair-friendly, with loaner wheelchairs and accessible restrooms.

• On-site amenities include a gift shop and an "underwater" fine-dining restaurant.

How to get there

Aquaria Phuket is inside the Central Phuket Floresta shopping mall in the western part of Phuket City, about a 15-minute drive from the city center or about a 25-minute drive from the Patong Beach area. As most day tours don’t visit the aquarium, the easiest way to get there is by renting a car or taking taxi.

When to get there

The aquarium is open daily throughout the year from morning until early evening. Come in the late morning to see otter and penguin feedings, or come later in the afternoon when stingrays, blacktip reefs, and creatures in the main tank get their meals. Shark diving experiences take place on Sundays.

Visiting the AR Trick Eye Museum

Whether you're fond of optical illusions or just want to take a few fun photos, it's worth stopping by the adjacent AR Trick Eye Museum after your Aquaria visit. This experience—which combines 3D imagery with augmented reality—is divided into five zones, with themes ranging from the nautical world to a prehistoric jungle, complete with dinosaurs. For some particularly dramatic photos, head to the make-believe volcanic eruption, complete with a fiery river of lava.