Island Bay Marine Education Centre-Bait House Aquarium
213 The Esplanade, Island Bay, Wellington 6023
About the Business
Welcome to the Island Bay Marine Education Centre-Bait House Aquarium, located on The Esplanade in Wellington, New Zealand. As an aquarium, establishment, point of interest, school, and tourist attraction, we have been providing exciting, hands-on marine education experiences since 1996. Our Marine Education Programmes, Open Sundays, and Snorkelling Adventure Programmes are designed to engage and enthrall people of all ages, from pre-school children to grandparents.
For over 26 years, our mission has been to instill a sense of wonder in all visitors to our Centre and encourage a desire to learn more about our marine environment and how to care for it. We believe that it is never too early to start learning, and young children are like little sponges, soaking up massive amounts of information. They are the "citizens of the future" and will soon be responsible for our seas and marine life. Therefore, we strive to set them on the right track.
A visit to our Island Bay Marine Education Centre is an excellent way to launch students on their path of discovery. Our experienced educators will lead your class group through a series of hands-on activities that will open their eyes and minds. They will have the opportunity to explore the rocky shore environment with a Marine Biologist and have close encounters with the marine life living in our Bait House Aquarium.
We believe that learning is a lifelong activity, and there is always something new to see and learn at our Centre. We offer a range of special activities and programmes for adults of all mobilities and abilities, catering to various social, service, special needs, and volunteer organizations.
One of our exciting programmes is an introductory snorkelling exploration of local marine life within the Taputeranga Marine Reserve. This allows school children to have a firsthand experience with the wonders of the underwater world.
At our Bait House Aquarium, you will encounter a variety of sea creatures, including octopuses, sea horses, lobsters, and more. You can even gently touch and handle starfish, sea cucumbers, sea anemones, crabs, and other sea life found in the local rock pools outside. Our friendly volunteers and expert staff are always ready to assist and provide information. The admission price is reasonable, and you and your family will be entertained for hours while also learning about marine life. It is definitely worth checking out!
Come and visit the Island Bay Marine Education Centre-Bait House Aquarium for a fun and educational experience. Start your journey of discovery today!
Reviews
"Fantastic place to look at some wonderful marine life. Cheap as chips and the touch pool is a brilliant way for kids and kids at heart to see things up close and personal. The octopus talk was brilliant and I definitely learned some things and walked away with a greater appreciation for our marine life!"
"The Island Bay Marine Education Centre, also known as "The Bait House", is an interactive marine experience based in Island Bay on Wellington's south coast. As well as there being lots of different sea creatures on display (including a couple of octupuses, sea horses, crayfish, turtles, a grumpy blue cod to name a few) you can also handle starfish, sea cucumbers, sea anemones, crabs and other sea life found un the touch pools. There is far more inside than you would expect from the outside and the volunteers whi wirk there are very friendly and helpful. It is really reasonably priced ($5 for adults, $2 per child) and we were all entertained for ages. Really good fun and educational too. Definitely worth checking out with the family."
"If you want to get up close and personal with some of the amazing sea creatures, then check this place. Located along the seashore of Island bay, Wellington. The staff were amazing and accommodating. Kids and Kids at heart will surely enjoy this place. If you are lucky, you might witness the Octopus feeding session. The entrance fee is cheaper than your coffee."
"Absolutely worth visiting at least once. 5 stars if you have proper age kids (5-10y.o.). Small fee at entrance. Cool thing is open pool with all kind of sea creatures that you can touch."
"Fantastic place to get up close and touch some sea creatures. The kids love it especially when they saw the octopus have paddle crab for lunch. Outside of course is the beach and rockery so the kids continue their investigations there. The staff are very knowledge and very friendly. Always willing to answer your questions about what you are seeing."
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