Macduff Marine Aquarium
About
Macduff Marine Aquarium, situated in the picturesque fishing town of Macduff on the banks of Scotland’s largest bay, the Moray Firth, invites visitors to explore a diverse range of marine habitats. The centre’s flagship attraction is the unique kelp reef exhibit – the only one of its kind in the United Kingdom – where visitors can walk through a living underwater forest teeming with fish and seaweed. In addition to the kelp, the aquarium showcases estuary habitats, rocky shore ecosystems, and an expansive seafloor display featuring cod, rays, sharks and other deep‑sea creatures. Visitors can also watch the resident bottlenose dolphins, grey and common seals, and explore the fish hatchery, where baby sharks and other juveniles grow under close supervision. The aquarium’s gift shop offers a carefully curated range of themed souvenirs and gifts suitable for all ages. The aquarium has recently closed for an extensive refurbishment and extension programme. The upgrade, expected to take about one year, will bring larger, more immersive exhibits and a new café. The aquarium is currently closed and will reopen in Spring 2026. While the facility is under construction, visitors can still learn about the exhibits through self‑guide snorkel trails and downloadable audio tours, and can stay updated through the aquarium’s official website and social media channels.
Highlights
- Unique Kelp Reef Exhibit
- Estuary Habitat
- Rocky Shore Display
- Seafloor Oasis
- Dolphin and Seal Spotting
Must-See Areas
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At a glance
- Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes