Oceanarium Bournemouth on England’s south coast will open its new £200,000 interactive dive cage experience to the public on 31 March.

The 6.25sq m (67sq ft) dive cage will comprise twelve 50-inch plasma screens to create a 270-degree continuous under-ocean view.

From inside the cage, guests can select which ocean they would like to explore and use independent touchscreens to learn more about the habitat and anatomies of different sea creatures.

Up to 12 people can share the cage simultaneously, with one person controlling each screen at any one time. Guests outside the cage will also be able to view the graphics.

Metal flooring and bars and transparent acrylic panels will emphasise the illusion of being submerged underwater to make the experience more real.

The cage was created by London-based audio-visual company MICE Amigo and funded by Real Live Leisure, parent company of Oceanarium Bournemouth and Aquarium of the Lakes.

James Eels, general manager of the Oceanarium, said: “The initial concept came about last year when we began searching for a new and engaging way to extend our visitors’ experience and incorporate a high degree of interactivity.

The result will be a truly memorable experience for our visitors, which will educate them about creatures we could never have on display, such as dolphins, great white sharks and manta rays.” Details: www.oceanarium.co.uk