FOLLOWING its public announcement in March to temporarily close its facility as part of its relocation plans, the Mactan Island Aquarium Museum is now back in business.

The public aquarium soft-opened last May 31 at its new location in Barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City.

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British marine biologist Dylan Taylor, owner and project director of the facility, said that one of the highlights at the 550-square-meter site is a 20-foot high tank that contains big sharks.

The new place also showcases various sea animals, an outdoor coral reef display, and areas designed for school field trips.

The Mactan Island Aquarium, which opened in October last year, was located in Barangay

Basak, Lapu-Lapu City. When conflict arose between Taylor and the building owner, the aquarium had to be transferred to its present location.

As the aquarium is now located near the sea, Taylor said it is “much easier” for the management to operate it. He added that the space also provides more room for future expansion.

Since most of its guests are students, the aquarium now features more informative materials.

As it is located near resorts, the Mactan Island Aquarium hopes to attract domestic and foreign tourists.

Meanwhile, Taylor said he will use outdoor coral reef display for coral propagation research.

“We aim to link up with local and foreign universities on (scientific) projects (with) the aquarium,” he added.

The facility’s admission fee is P250 for foreign adults and P200 for a foreign children. Adult Filipinos are charged P100 while children are charged P75 each. Admission for children under four years old is free.

“The project has gone up a level in size and quality and while Mactan Island Aquarium is not as big as the Manila Ocean Park, it is a definite attraction in Cebu. I hope Cebuanos will realize that they now have a great aquarium attraction of their own to enjoy,” Taylor said.