Two Oceans Aquarium

15 reasons to visit the Two Oceans Aquarium

Located at the V&A Waterfront. Two Oceans
Aquarium offers an underwater world of
beauty, intrigue and entertainment for everyone.
 
+27 (0)21 418 3823
Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
www.aquarium.co.za
aquarium@aquarium.co.za
2OceansAquarium
Two Oceans Aquarium
2OceansAquarium

15 reasons to visit the Two Oceans Aquarium

Go where few have gone before, get free entry + discounts

Last updated: Tuesday, 30 May 2023

Did you know that if you go to the Two Oceans Aquarium at just the right time, you might be able to walk with the Rockhopper penguins? The Aquarium is a beacon of joy for locals, and millions of ocean lovers around the world, and there’s so many secrets to unlock within (and beyond) the exhibits. Here are 15 reasons to (re)discover the Two Oceans Aquarium. 


The Two Oceans Aquarium is open 365 days a year. Image: Lara van Zyl

WALK WITH THE PENGUINS 

Get up close and personal with the adorable Northern Rockhopper penguins. Every day around lunch time, these feathered friends walk through the penguin exhibit to and from their beach-like post, giving visitors a chance to watch them waddle. Meet Chippy Goodwill, Wallace and Grommet and, our personal favourite, Teddy, the oldest of the bunch at 30 years old.


There are 15 Rockhopper penguins at the Aquarium. Image: Lara van Zyl

SEE WEIRD AND WONDERFUL CREATURES

Visitors can discover the different worlds of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, with more than 8 000 creatures to see and learn about at the Aquarium. You can come face-to-face with predators of the deep and fish as multi-coloured as a rainbow, and find curious creatures like the Strawberry Anemones, known as the “belles of the ball with a bite”, or rather sting. 


There are over 200 different species in the Aquarium. Image: Lara van Zyl

STROLL IN THE JELLYFISH GALLERY

Did you know jellies have no hearts, brains or spines? Experience the other-worldly Jelly Gallery, where you can watch these extra terrestrial-like creatures shapeshift like blobs in a lava lamp. Displayed with a glow-in-the-dark effect, it gives visitors a deep-sea experience.


Fun fact: A group of jellies is called a smack. Image: Lara van Zyl

WATCH SHARKS + PENGUINS FEED

The Aquarium welcomes visitors to watch, learn about the different species and ask questions during feeding times, which happen daily. The African penguin colony is fed by the penguin keepers, while scuba divers hand feed the sea turtles, rays and larger fish at the I&J Ocean Exhibit. You can also watch divers feed ragged-tooth sharks in the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) Shark Exhibit (only on Saturdays). 

See feeding times daily schedule:

Times

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thur

Fri

Sat

Sun

11h30

African penguin 

African penguin 

African penguin 

African penguin 

African penguin 

African penguin 

African penguin 

12h00

I&J Ocean Exhibit

Kelp Forest Exhibit

I&J Ocean Exhibit

Kelp Forest Exhibit

I&J Ocean Exhibit

Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit

Kelp Forest Exhibit

14h30

Penguin 

Penguin 

Penguin 

Penguin

Penguin

Penguin

Penguin 

16h00

Fish in the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit

I&J Ocean Exhibit

Fish in the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit

I&J Ocean Exhibit 

Fish in the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit

I&J Ocean Exhibit

 


The penguins are fed daily. Image: Lara van Zyl

GET FREE ENTRY DURING YOUR BIRTHDAY WEEK

The Two Oceans Aquarium has a fabulous birthday deal, where South African citizens and permanent residents get free access to the Aquarium on their birthday, plus for six days thereafter. That’s a whole week’s chance to do one of the city’s most awesome experiences. Just show up with your ID at the ticket office and you’ll get a free pass


All you have to do is show up with your ID, either on your birthday or the six days afterwards. Image: Lara van Zyl

TOUR BEHIND THE SCENES 

The Behind the Scenes Guided Tour is your opportunity to peek behind the closed doors of the aquarium. See the animals and exhibits from a different point of view, all while experts share fascinating information about the Aquarium magic. The tour is 75 minutes long and can take up to eight persons. Book via emailing experience@aquarium.co.za.


This tour is available to anyone aged 8 and up. Image: Two Oceans Aquarium
 

WATCH A PUPPET SHOW

Take the kids, from newborns and up, to an interactive and educational puppet show with some of the ocean’s best characters. Meet the fluffy penguin, mischievous shark and babbling octopus and have a good laugh. Puppet shows are on at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm daily. It’s also a great break for parents, who can let the kids loose in the contained area.


The puppet show takes place in the I&J Children’s Play Centre. Image: Lara van Zyl

DINE IN THE AQUARIUM 

Whether you’re planning a special birthday celebration or an anniversary dinner, you can host your own private event with magnificent marine displays. The Aquarium provides a full-service, in-house team and kitchen staff, offering a variety of cuisine, including halaal-certified foods. To find out more about booking a venue, email functions@aquarium.co.za

Plus, if you’re a member at the Aquarium, you have access to join exclusive events, from speaker nights and dinners to family sleepovers. Read below to find out more about memberships. 


You can become a member and get special invites at the Aquarium. Image: Night Feast

GET SOMETHING OUT OF YOUR VISIT

There’s just something about an aquarium that brings out the best in people. Adults get to be a kid again and kids get to experience a world of wonderment, sometimes for the very first time. Keep the magic going all year round with the annual membership (read more below), or upgrade your day ticket to a membership after your visit (just keep your ticket stub for proof of purchase). Email members@aquarium.co.za to find out more. 


The Aquarium is called “Two Oceans” because it is where the two oceans meet. Image: Lara van Zyl

SEE THE ABOVE-SURFACE KELP FOREST

The Kelp Forest Exhibit is the only above-ground kelp habitat on the continent. This enchanted underwater forest features countless curious fish swimming around kelp two storeys high and species found nowhere else in the world, like the southern mullet, strepies and hottentots. 


The gentle sway of the kelp is enough to mesmerise even the busiest mind. Image: Lara van Zyl

GROW YOUR PASSION FOR MARINE LIFE

While the Aquarium is all about fun and entertainment, it’s also devoted to educating visitors. Book school tours or educational lessons for students, sign up for a marine biology or oceanography course or join the job shadow programme (for Grade 9 to 12 learners). Email schools@aquariumfoundation.org.za to get in touch about school programmes. 


There’s a two-day job shadow period on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Image: Two Oceans Aquarium

ENJOY THE SEA AFTER 3PM FOR LESS

The Aquarium has a special discount for all visitors after 3pm. See the magical world of the aquarium at a reduced rate daily (R60 less for adults), whether you want to visit after school or work. Only valid for tickets bought at the on-site ticket office after 3pm and used on the same day. 


The Aquarium closes at 6pm, giving you three hours to make use of the after 3 special. Image: Lara van Zyl

WORK THERE FOR THE DAY

The Aquarium has several versatile spaces for every kind of work event, whether you want to watch over the kelp forest or I&J Ocean Exhibit or book out a big conference room (screens and wifi available). You can even plan your year-end party at the aquarium. Email functions@aquarium.co.za to find out more about booking a venue.


There are also intimate meeting spaces available. Image: Lara van Zyl

GO ADVENTURE DIVING

The Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School offers three different scuba diving experiences for qualified scuba divers (Open Water equivalent or higher). Dive with ragged-tooth sharks (no cage required) in the SOSF Shark Exhibit, swim with stingrays in the I&J Ocean Exhibit or discover the ocean wonders in the Kelp Forest Exhibit. Contact dive@aquarium.co.za to ensure you book the right experience for your qualification level.

Never dived before? Not a problem. Get certified with the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School, or do a half-day PADI Discover Scuba Diving Course and dive in the Aquarium’s I&J Ocean Exhibit on the same day. 


Kids from the age of 10 can begin earning their PADI certification. Image: Lara van Zyl

BECOME A MEMBER

Two Oceans Aquarium members get 365 days of unlimited visits, and the membership comes with loads of perks. Members receive discounts on a whole range of offerings from Adventure Diving to the Behind the Scenes tour. Existing members can renew their membership at a discounted rate. You can also upgrade your day ticket to a membership, or sign up via aquarium.co.za

TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM TICKET PRICES

Membership per year: R560 for adults, R435 for teens, R275 for kids under 13
Cost per day: R235 for adults, R175 for pensioners and students, free for kids under 3

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE AQUARIUM

Two Oceans Aquarium is open: Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 6pm, Saturday + Sunday, 9am - 6pm
Find it: Dock Road (by the Watershed), V&A Waterfront
Contact on: 021 418 3823, aquarium@aquarium.co.za, @2OceansAquarium

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