Heading under the waves on a trip to remember at SEA LIFE

Our adventure began as we departed from St. John’s train station, changing at London Bridge before arriving at SEA LIFE London. The excitement was palpable from the 88 students who came as we prepared to dive into a day of exploration and discovery.

As we entered the aquarium, we were greeted by a dazzling array of marine life. One of the highlights was the shark exhibit, where we had the incredible opportunity to touch real shark eggs.

Next, we ventured through the rainforest section, which truly felt immersive, with sounds of nature surrounding us. Here, we encountered a tree snake that we eventually spotted, camouflaged so well among the branches.

The penguins were another major highlight. Watching them swim was exhilarating; their playful nature and incredible speed took the whole group by surprise. A standout feature of our visit was the underwater tunnel that made us feel as if we were swimming alongside the ocean’s creatures. The children were mesmerized by the jellyfish, floating gracefully in their tanks.

There was also an Antarctic section where pupils remarked how cold it was, making them feel as if they stepped into another world. “It’s freezing in here, just like the real Antarctica,” shouted one member of the class.

Our personal guide, Ariella, was fantastic. Her knowledge and passion made us feel special throughout our journey. She shared fascinating insights, including a great fact about green turtles: did you know they can hold their breath for up to five hours while diving? The children were captivated by the information she shared.

We also enjoyed an engaging talk from Ranger Daiker, who provided insightful details about various sea creatures. To conclude our adventure, we enjoyed a lovely picnic in Jubilee Gardens, basking in the sunshine.

Our trip to SEA LIFE London was truly an adventure of a lifetime, filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and it has undoubtedly inspired our students to continue exploring the wonders of the natural world.

Many of our pupils come from a very deprived area, and for some of them, this was their first trip of this kind. The excitement and joy on their faces as they explored the wonders of the aquarium were absolutely priceless. 

We were truly impressed with how well organised everything was. Ariella greeted us with such warmth and took such great care of us throughout the day. Her kindness and attention to detail ensured that both the children and staff had an unforgettable experience.

We were also so grateful by the generous bag of gifts we received, which added an extra layer of excitement to the day. These thoughtful touches really made us all feel special, and the children will remember this visit for years to come.

It is through initiatives like this that children who may not otherwise have these opportunities get to experience the joy and wonder of learning outside the classroom. We are incredibly grateful and hope to be lucky enough to win more of School Travel Organiser’s incredible competitions in the future!