Deep Sea World Aquarium

Come face to face with sharks, seals, stingrays, and seahorses at Deep Sea World, Scotland’s National Aquarium!

Sitting directly beneath the rail bridge in the east of North Queensferry, the aquarium is built in one of the quarries that provided employment for much of the village until the 1930s.

Here you’ll find one of Europe’s biggest collections of sharks and over 40 marine displays. Discover tropical fish, sunken ships and submarines, brackish fish, the seal harbour, a temple of frogs, the swamp and Scottish seas and rock pools.

A highlight is one of the world’s longest underwater tunnels. It measures 112m long and holds a staggering million gallons of seawater. This subaquatic walkway gives a fantastic immersive view of the tiger sharks and the rare Angel Shark.

Conservation is an important part of the aquarium’s work. As part of your visit, you can learn about the Big Fish Campaign which was set up in response to the growing numbers of fish donated to aquariums after outgrowing their owner’s tanks. You can also find out about the work of the Shark Trust and discover how canny captive breeding contributes to conservation.

There are talks, mini tours and animal encounters throughout the day, mostly at the staggered feeding times. You can even book a behind-the-scenes tour to find out what it takes to care for the animals and exhibits.

If you’re the adventurous sort, why not sign up for a once-in-a-lifetime dive with the sharks? No diving experience is needed, and you’ll come face to face with sharks, stingrays and shoals of silvery fish. If you’re a qualified diver, you can even join a night dive for some close encounters.

Deep Sea World is open every day except Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Tickets can be booked online or purchased at entry. Amenities include a small café with great views of the bridges.