IF you fancy a day out with a difference why not dive into the deep sea... at Ellesmere Port where the Blue Planet Aquarium is guaranteed to blow many similar attractions out of the water.

Our two-and-a-half year old still talks about the "fishes above her head".

Yes, you guessed it, the main thrill of this "Ultimate Underwater Adventure" is a viewing tunnel, and at 230ft long it is said to be one of the longest in the world.

Standing on a moving walkway, you will come within inches of all the most exciting fish, including huge sharks with scary teeth.

This really is the closest you will get to these creatures, without getting wet/being eaten alive.

Little ones just love it and many happily went through the tunnel five times in a row.

But don't forget there is also a chance to stroke dogfish and rays, see bright blue frogs, stare at sea horses, tortoises, piranhas and pikes and otters.

All in all there are thousands of fish and aquatic animals of all types, with a marine biologists telling you about the creatures swimming past a huge window.

Divers are on hand, too, to show you how they hand-feed sharks.

The Blue Planet Aquarium is the UK's largest aquarium attraction, combining education with entertainment -- and as a result it can get very busy inside.

So when you have had enough of the thrills and spills of the deep blue sea, head for the Caribbean cafe and the gift shop to round off an exciting day.

You can now become an "Otter Spotter" at the Blue Planet Aquarium thanks to a new purpose built enclosure which houses two of the endangered furry swimmers.

The new exhibit is one of the largest otter enclosures in the UK and visitors to the aquarium will be able to see mother and daughter Hanna and Grace, two Asian short clawed otters, in their natural environment.

Their outdoor enclosure incorporates a water fall and natural rock features, while there is an indoor sleeping area with viewing area. If it sounds like a big space for such small creatures, that's because it is hoped a male otter will soon be found to breed with Hanna and Grace.

Blue Planet Aquarium is at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire, just off junction 10 off the M53. Follow the brown tourist information signs for Cheshire Oaks

Designer Village.

It's open daily except Christmas Day, from 10am. Check seasonal opening times.

Family tickets for two adults and two children are £27.50. Adults £8.50 and children over three £6.60.

Website: www.blueplanetaquarium.com, Drop a line...Click here...,tel 0151 357 8800.

Blue Planet opened after 18 months of construction and cost £14m to build.

Experts from around the world helped in setting up the state-of-the-art complex.

The building was designed to resemble a crashing wave.

Since then, two million visitors have made their way to see the attraction.

There are 35 exhibits in five themed areas -- Northern Streams, Lakes and Ponds, Tropical Rivers, Land meets Sea and finally the deepest Seas and

Oceans.

The main attraction, the Caribbean Reef, measures 36 x 24 metres and is six metres deep at its deepest point. It holds 3.5million litres of water, weighs 4.5 tonnes and cost £100,000 to build.