Underwater World Pattaya

Introduction: Pattaya's Premier Underground Marine World

Situated along Sukhumvit Road in South Pattaya, Underwater World Pattaya is Thailand's first modern indoor aquarium complex. Spanning over 19 rai (approx. 7.5 acres), this world-class marine park is home to more than 5,000 marine animals from over 500 species native to the Gulf of Thailand and tropical oceans worldwide.

Offering an air-conditioned escape from Pattaya's coastal heat, Underwater World is renowned for its 105-meter acrylic underwater tunnel divided into distinct marine zones. Visitors walk along the ocean floor while sand tiger sharks, eagle rays, shovelnose rays, and sea turtles swim overhead. From hands-on Touch Pool interactions and otters to professional shark diving and scheduled feeding shows, it serves as a premier family-friendly attraction.

Key Themed Zones & Core Attractions

The aquarium's layout guides visitors through varied marine ecosystems:

1. Touch Pool Zone & Coral Reef

Located near the entrance, the interactive Touch Pool allows children and adults to gently touch sea cucumbers, starfish, blue spotted stingrays, and bamboo sharks in shallow rock pools. Nearby exhibits showcase vibrant live coral reefs, clownfish, and sea anemones.

2. The 105-Meter Acrylic Underwater Tunnel

The crown jewel of the aquarium, featuring a 180-degree walkthrough acrylic tunnel split into three major sections:

• Coral Reef Zone: Brightly colored tropical reef species, surgeonfish, and butterflyfish.
• Shark & Ray Zone: Large predatory species including sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and giant stingrays.
• Giant of Siam Zone: Recreates a submerged shipwreck holding giant freshwater species like Mekong giant catfish, Siamese giant carp, and Arapaimas.

3. Otter & Jellyfish World

A dedicated habitat for playful Oriental small-clawed otters featuring daily feeding shows, alongside mesmerizing glowing jellyfish tanks lit by changing LED color spectrums.

4. Shark Diving & Feeding Shows

Certified scuba divers can book a thrill experience to dive inside the main tank alongside sharks and rays, while daily scheduled feeding shows allow visitors to watch staff feed sharks by hand.

Key Highlights & Attraction Summary

• 105-Meter Underwater Tunnel: 180-degree walkthrough acrylic ocean tunnel beneath sharks and rays.
• Interactive Touch Pools: Hands-on sea cucumber, starfish, and stingray touch pools.
• 5,000+ Marine Creatures: Over 500 species including sand tiger sharks, otters, and giant catfish.
• Daily Feeding Shows: Scheduled feeding times for sharks, rays, otters, and freshwater giants.

How to Reach Underwater World Pattaya

Located at 22/22 Moo 11, Sukhumvit Road, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150 (near Lotus's South Pattaya).

By Songthaew (Baht Bus)

Take a white or blue songthaew running along Sukhumvit Road south toward Sattahip. Get off right in front of the aquarium entrance near Lotus's South Pattaya (approx. 20–30 THB per person from Central Pattaya).

By Taxi / Bolt / Grab

Set destination to "Underwater World Pattaya". Ride-hailing cars reach the venue in 10 to 15 minutes from Beach Road or Central Pattaya (approx. 120–200 THB).

Best Time to Visit & Feeding Timings

Daily animal feeding show schedules dictate optimal visit timing.

Opening Hours

Open daily year-round from **09:00 AM to 06:00 PM** (last ticket entry at 05:30 PM).

Daily Animal Feeding Schedule

• Otter Feeding Show: 09:30 AM / 01:30 PM / 05:00 PM
• Coral Reef Zone Feeding: 10:30 AM / 03:00 PM
• Shark & Ray Zone Feeding: 11:00 AM / 04:00 PM
• Giant of Siam Zone Feeding: 11:30 AM / 03:30 PM

Top Nearby Attractions

1. Pattaya Floating Market (3 km south)

A famous riverside cultural attraction featuring wooden shops, traditional boat rides, and street food snacks.

2. Jomtien Beach (2.5 km west)

A relaxed, tree-lined sandy beach famous for water sports, seafood restaurants, and sunset walks.

3. Tiger Park Pattaya (3.5 km south)

A specialized tiger center where visitors can view and take photos with big cats under trainer supervision.

Things to Do at Underwater World Pattaya

• Walk the 105m Ocean Tunnel: Photograph sand tiger sharks, eagle rays, and sea turtles overhead.
• Touch Marine Life: Gently handle starfish, sea cucumbers, and stingrays at the Touch Pool.
• Watch Shark Feeding Shows: Observe professional divers feeding sharks and giant rays by hand.
• Feed Koi Fish with Milk Bottles: Feed colorful koi fish in outdoor ponds using specialized baby milk bottles.

Local Food and Culinary Options

The aquarium features internal refreshment kiosks and cafes.

Must-Try Culinary Options Nearby

• Aquarium Snack Cafe: Ice cream, hot dogs, popcorn, coffee, and chilled Thai milk tea inside the lobby.
• Jomtien Seafood Restaurants: Enjoy fresh grilled prawns, steamed blue crab, and Tom Yum Goong along nearby Jomtien Beach Road.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Options

Visitors stay in South Pattaya, Jomtien Beach, or Central Pattaya.

South Pattaya & Jomtien Hotels ($25 – $150 USD / 900 – 5,000 THB per night)

• Centara Life Maris Resort Jomtien / Mövenpick Siam Hotel Na Jomtien / Welcome World Beach Resort / Fifth Jomtien Hotel: Modern family resort hotels located within a 5 to 10-minute drive of Underwater World.

Budget Travel Guide & Ticket Deals

• Pre-Book Online for Savings: Walk-in ticket counter prices are 500 THB for foreign adults (300 THB for kids). Pre-booking mobile tickets online (via Klook, Traveloka, or Trip.com) costs roughly **280 to 350 THB** ($8–$10 USD), saving up to 40%.
• Free Entry for Toddlers: Children under 90 cm in height enter completely free.
• Wheelchair & Stroller Friendly: Gentle sloping ramps connect all tunnel zones without stairs.

Sample 2-Hour Itinerary

• 10:15 AM: Arrive at **Underwater World Pattaya**; redeem online vouchers at the box office.
• 10:30 AM: Explore the **Touch Pool** and watch the **Coral Reef Zone Feeding Show** at 10:30 AM.
• 11:00 AM: Walk through the **105-meter Tunnel** to watch the **Shark & Ray Feeding Show** at 11:00 AM.
• 11:30 AM: View the **Giant of Siam** freshwater shipwreck tank and visit glowing jellyfish displays.
• 12:15 PM: Depart for lunch at nearby **Pattaya Floating Market** or **Jomtien Beach**.

Essential Rules and Visitor Guidelines

• NO Flash Photography: Flash photography is strictly forbidden inside the tunnel to protect marine animal eyesight.
• Gentle Touch Pool Handling: Never lift starfish or sea cucumbers out of the water at Touch Pools.
• Check Feeding Schedules: Plan your walkthrough around the 11:00 AM or 04:00 PM shark feeding sessions for the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is Underwater World Pattaya located?

It is located at 22/22 Moo 11, Sukhumvit Road, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, right near Lotus's South Pattaya.

2. What are the operating hours?

Open daily year-round from **09:00 AM to 06:00 PM** (last entry at 05:30 PM).

3. How much are admission tickets?

Pre-booked online tickets start around **280 to 350 THB for adults** ($8–$10 USD), compared to 500 THB at the walk-in box office.

4. How long is the underwater tunnel?

The acrylic walkthrough underwater tunnel is **105 meters long**.

5. How long does a visit take?

A typical visit takes approximately **1.5 to 2 hours**.

6. How do you get there by public transport?

Take a white or blue songthaew along Sukhumvit Road toward Sattahip and alight at Lotus's South Pattaya.

7. Are there animal feeding shows?

Yes, daily scheduled feeding shows take place for sharks, rays, otters, and freshwater giant fish.

8. Is the facility wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the entire aquarium features ramps and wide doorways suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

9. What nearby attractions can be combined?

**Pattaya Floating Market**, **Jomtien Beach**, and **Tiger Park Pattaya**.

10. What is the best time of day to visit?

Arrive around **10:30 AM** to catch both the Coral Reef (10:30 AM) and Shark (11:00 AM) feeding shows back-to-back.

Conclusion

Underwater World Pattaya stands out as Pattaya's premier indoor ocean attraction, where 105-meter acrylic tunnels, sand tiger sharks, interactive Touch Pools, daily diver feeding shows, and otters converge in South Pattaya. From walking beneath swimming rays and sharks to touching marine creatures and feeding giant freshwater fish, it delivers a memorable underwater journey. Pre-book mobile tickets online, time your visit for feeding shows, and explore Underwater World Pattaya!