Watery world of wonder is re-opened at the Sea Life Sanctuary in Hunstanton

Ernie the turtle at Sea Life Sanctuary Hunstanton (Image: Archant)

The centre has been given a massive £3million make-over after being hit by the tidal surge that swept the country’s east coast in December last year.

Centre manager Nigel Croasdale said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be opening our doors again. Every display was stripped out and completely refurbished. This project has culminated in a brand new Sea Life Sanctuary.”

As part of the massive refurbishment programme the centre now hosts an underwater seal viewing area through an underwater glass window.

There is a new seal hospital which has been rebuilt with improved viewing of the seal pups and new isolation pens added for intensive care casualties.

Seal (Image: Archant)

There is a new modern ray tank with reversed curved glass to make sure guests get the full impact of the playful creatures.

There is a new otter display complete with dive pool, running stream and waterfall.

“We have also taken the opportunity to install a brand new lawn, although we’re not sure it will last long once the otters get their claws into it,” said Mr Croasdale.

The Amazonia area has been completely rethemed with a tank for children to pup up their heads into a dome in the middle of an Amazonian shoal of Piranha.

Feeding time for the penguins (Image: Archant)

The interactive rockpool experience allows guests to get up close to rock pool creatures to hold a crab or touch a starfish, seal talks are daily at 11.30am and 2.30pm while the otter talks are at 11am and 2pm.

The penguin talk is at noon and 3pm with a turtle and shark talk at 1.30pm.

Tickets cost For tickets book online for best discounted rates.

Starfish are among the attractions at the Sea Life Sanctuary (Image: Archant)