The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is situated near the picturesque village of Gweek in Cornwall and is home to a wide variety of seals and playful otters. Dive into an underwater adventure at Cornish Seal Sanctuary also referred to as SEA LIFE Gweek. Cornwall’s only Seal Sanctuary and rescue centre offering visitors a unique mix of indoor and outdoor displays. See the many creatures including seals, sea lions, penguins, otters, sheep, goats and horses. Hear about dramatic rescues and meet the seal and sea lion characters whose individual stories are brought to life during your visit.
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary was started in 1958 when Ken Jones took a washed-up baby seal to his small garden, the sanctuary now features nursery pools, convalescence and resident pools plus a specially designed hospital. It is a great day out for the whole family. Kids will love feeding times and getting to know all of the fascinating rescued residents. Below is a rundown of what’s on offer at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
Convalesence Pool
Meet the resident Grey Seals at the main convalescence pool. Attend the Seal talk to learn the unique story of each of the resident Grey Seals living at the Sanctuary. Rescued grey seal pups also live in this pool during pup season as part of their final stage of rehabilitation. This gives them the opportunity to learn how to fight for their fish and how to interact with Adult Grey Seals. This interaction helps prepare them for when they are released back into the wild.
Otter Creek
Outside you can get up close and personal with the resident Asian Short Clawed Otters, Apricot and Harris. Watch as they splash about in their Otter River and snack on their favourite treats – Peanuts! Otters in the wild have a life expectancy of 8 years. Asian Short Clawed Otters are the smallest of all species of Otter. Otters have a vocabulary of a dozen or more calls, including a distress call for when they’re in trouble or need help.
Underwater Viewing Areas
There are three incredible underwater viewing areas located in the Southern Sea Lion Pool, our Seal Rescue Centre and at Penguin Beach. Get up close to the fantastic creatures.
Penguin Beach
Meet the comical Humboldt Penguins on Penguin Beach at The Cornish Seal Sanctuary. Find out about the threats they face in the wild and what you can do to help. Humboldt Penguins are named after the Humboldt River they are native too, located in Peru. Many people find it hard to believe that these penguins love sunshine and warm weather.
Southern Sea Lions
Get up close to the resident Sea Lions at the Southern Sea Lion Pool.
Seal Hospital
Cornish Seal Sanctuary is home to Cornwall’s only Seal Hospital. You’ll be able to follow the injured Seals journey from their rescue from local coastal waters, through rehabilitation and eventual release back into the wild.
Every year at Cornish Seal Sanctuary they rescue over 65 grey Seals from local coastal waters and bring them into their specialist Seal Hospital.
The Seal Hospital has the facilities to look after 6 poorly Seal pups at one time. Each Seal costs over £1,500 to rehabilitate.
Pirate Play Area
Whatever the weather, there is plenty to do at The Cornish Seal Sanctuary. On dry days, children can enjoy playing in the Pirate Play Area.
Rockpool
Visitors to the Rockpool exhibit can stroke a starfish, tickle a sea anemone or feel the shell of a crab.
Breed Rescue Protect
Conservation is at the heart of what they do at The Cornish Seal Sanctuary. There are plenty of opportunities to learn about the threats facing marine life and what you can do to help. Find out more about what SEA LIFE and the SEA LIFE Trust are doing to help threatened marine life. Around 75% (that’s three quarters) of the world’s coral reefs are threatened by human activity.
Admission Prices and Offers
Cornish Seal Sanctuary is part of the Merlin Entertainments group of attractions, meaning that vouchers are regularly available offering 2 for 1 entry. Purchase your tickets from The Official Sealife Website or view our SEA LIFE offers page for the latest Discounts and Special offers. You can also pre-purchase your entry tickets using Tesco Clubcard points. Merlin Annual pass holders get free entry to all the Sea Life centres across the UK in addition to a number of other Merlin attractions.
Travelling to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is located in Gweek Village. There are a variety of ways to get to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, however, travelling by car is recommended. If travelling by car, when you arrive at Helston, head for R.N.A.S. Culdrose on the A3083 (signposted Lizard). Drive along this road until you reach the roundabout, where you turn left, heading for St Keverne. Approximately half a mile along on the B3293 road, turn left and follow the signpost to Gweek. When you arrive in Gweek village, turn right just before the “The Black Swan” pub and follow the signs to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
Nearby Accommodation
There is a wide selection of accommodation in Cornwall, for hotel accommodation try hotels.com.
If you prefer self-catering, take a look at some of the wonderful cottages available from Snaptrip.
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