Name: Phuket
Rating: 3.6

Phuket Aquarium, Phuket Overview

Phuket Aquarium in Cape Panwa is situated 40 kms away from the central Phuket City, near the Thai Navy's Third Area Naval Command Base. Established in 1983, Phuket Aquarium is a part of the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC), spread over 20 acres of prime waterfront property on Phuket's southeast coast.

Devoted to marine education, protection and research in this field, PMBC has an incubator, endangered museum species and a research vessel on grounds. Although a smaller space, the Aquarium, they intend at developing an educational day program for future generations

The Aquarium hosts over 30 water tanks here, sheltering not just regular fishes, but sharks, eels, shrimps, crabs, seahorses and even the famous 'Nemo' clownfish. The place might also be the only place in Phuket where with a Sea Turtle Sanctuary, where caging and forcefully breeding these creatures is strictly prohibited. With a nature trail outside leading to plenty of turtles, Phuket Aquarium cares for these turtles and releases them back into the sea.

Phuket Aquarium Tunnel

The star attraction of Phuket Aquarium is its 10-metre long underwater glass tunnel running through its centre. This stunning tunnel has a swarm of fish like snapper, rays, wrasse and even reef sharks and stingrays. Towards the end of this tunnel, there are eight massive man-sized Cods in the Aquarium's 110-ton tank.

There are also large pools near this tunnel that have baby hawksbills and green sea turtles, and some injured but recuperating adult sea turtles. All exhibitions are in both Thai and English. Phuket Aquarium also has floor-to-ceiling displays providing further details about marine life and current conservation issues.

How To Reach

Phuket Aquarium is only about half an hour away from Phuket City. Here are the variables you can reach the attraction.

Take a Tour
There are many tours of Cape Panwa that include Phuket Aquarium in its itinerary, along with snorkelling as well.

By Songthaews
If you want to save money or are a budget traveller, take an open-air local blue bus called Songthaew. Available every 30 minutes, Songthaews depart at different points. With fares ranging between THB 15 to THB 30, Songthaews are the cheapest way to reach Phuket Aquarium from Phuket City.

By Tuk-Tuk
If you are not living very far from Phuket Aquarium, a Tuk-Tuk might be an excellent way to reach the Aquarium. They are accommodative of more massive crowds as well. The fare should be between THB 10 to THB 200.

By Taxi
If you are looking for a little more comfort or living somewhere farther, you can take a private taxi to Phuket Aquarium from various parts of Phuket. This should cost you somewhere between THB 400 to THB 500.

By GRAB
If you want to save some money, but still want to book a private taxi, try the local mobile app GRAB, which is very similar to UBER. The various coupon codes on this app and helps you get a better fare. You could also share a GRAB ride, just like Uber.

By Rental Car
If you have an international driving licence, you can also rent a car for the day from many places in Phuket and drive that to Phuket Aquarium amongst other sites. It's not very expensive at around THB 200 to THB 300 for the day, plus fuel.

By Rental Bike
An International driving licence for a two-wheeler will allow you to rent a bike for the day from Phuket city and even other places around Phuket. Prices range from THB 150 per day. Although not comparatively cheap, this is also a fast way to get around Phuket.

Tips

The Aquarium also has a gift shop here selling painted Nemo plates from the movie 'Finding Nemo'.
Bear in mind that this is not The Aquaria Phuket, which is in the Central Festival Mall. The price is much higher there.