Two Oceans Aquarium Cape Town
Dive into the vibrant underwater world of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans at this renowned Cape Town aquarium.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer school groups
Two Oceans Aquarium Cape Town
Best Time
Fewer school groups

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into the vibrant underwater world of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans at this renowned Cape Town aquarium.
"A truly immersive and educational experience, perfect for all ages!"
🎯 Birthday Free Entry! 🎉
Get free admission on your birthday or up to 6 days after with SA ID.
💰 After 3 PM Discount! 💸
Tickets are cheaper after 3 PM, making it a great value visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

I&J Ocean Exhibit
Main exhibit hall
Dive into a massive tank with sharks, rays, and turtles. A truly immersive experience!

Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit
Shark tunnel
Walk through an underwater tunnel surrounded by majestic sharks. Thrilling and educational!

Penguin Exhibit
Penguin enclosure
Watch adorable penguins waddle, swim, and feed. A crowd-pleaser for all ages!

Jellyfish Display
Various tanks
Mesmerizing displays of colorful jellyfish drifting gracefully. A tranquil visual treat.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
Birthday Treat & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Birthday Free Entry! 🎉
Get free admission on your birthday or up to 6 days after with SA ID.
💰 After 3 PM Discount! 💸
Tickets are cheaper after 3 PM, making it a great value visit.
🅿️ Parking Hacks 🚗
Look for free parking on backstreets or use a grocery slip for a free hour.
🐧 Penguin & Shark Feedings! 🦈
Catch feeding times for penguins (daily) and sharks (Saturdays).
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Birthday Free Entry! 🎉
Get free admission on your birthday or up to 6 days after with SA ID.
💰 After 3 PM Discount! 💸
Tickets are cheaper after 3 PM, making it a great value visit.
🅿️ Parking Hacks 🚗
Look for free parking on backstreets or use a grocery slip for a free hour.
🐧 Penguin & Shark Feedings! 🦈
Catch feeding times for penguins (daily) and sharks (Saturdays).
📸 Disposable Cameras for Kids! 📷
A fun way for kids to capture their own memories.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Two Oceans Aquarium for its diverse marine life, engaging exhibits, and educational value. Many highlight the 'After 3 Special' for affordability and the birthday free entry as fantastic perks. While some mention it can get busy, the layout is well-thought-out, and staff are helpful. A few reviews noted occasional cloudiness in tanks due to seawater sourcing.
"We went on a Tuesday morning. There was no queue to get in and 2 of pur guests had free access because it was their birthday month. It was quite busy as there were several school groups going through but it wasn't unpleasantly busy. There are a few interactive sections, and displays low down so children can see. We saw penguin feeding and shark feeding and the kids loved it! There is a good variety of sea animals to see too. It is stroller/wheelchair friendly. Parking is across the road. We gave our kids disposable cameras and they took really cute photos and it was a great activity for them. Would highly recommend this as a kids activity (but also good for adults)."
Lauren Ladewig
"We have been here many times and this was amazing like any other time. My children absolutely love this place. We recommend going after 15:00 because the prices are so much cheaper. Very clean and helpful staff, the tanks were well maintained as well."
Rory van der Berg
"What an experience. It was worth the entrance fee, they have made so many beautiful fish tank displays. Everyone enjoyed it thoroughly. Lots of interesting activities for young children, many knowledgeable attendants to explain everything."
Lyle Wills
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Two Oceans Aquarium is conveniently located at the V&A Waterfront. You can reach it by car, taxi, or public transport. Paid parking is available across the road, with tips suggesting free parking on nearby streets or using grocery slips for discounts.
Yes, there is paid parking available across the road from the aquarium. Some visitors suggest looking for free parking on back streets in Green Point or Granger Bay, or checking for promotions like a free hour with a Pick 'n Pay slip.
The V&A Waterfront is well-connected. MyCiTi buses serve the area, and ride-sharing services are readily available. Many visitors also find it convenient to walk from nearby accommodations.
Absolutely! The aquarium is designed to be stroller and wheelchair friendly, with wide pathways and ramps throughout.
Yes, you can take a taxi or a pre-booked shuttle service from Cape Town International Airport directly to the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Standard adult tickets are around R235, with children under 3 entering for free. Students and pensioners receive discounted rates.
A significant tip is to visit after 3 PM for discounted 'After 3 Special' tickets.The aquarium is typically open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for any seasonal changes or special holiday hours.
Yes! South African residents can enjoy free entry on their birthday or up to six days afterward by presenting their SA ID.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for peak times or special events, is recommended to avoid queues. Online booking is usually available on their website.
Yes, students and pensioners can typically get discounted admission prices. Make sure to bring your valid student or senior identification.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the massive I&J Ocean Exhibit with sharks and rays, the immersive Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit, and the charming penguin colony. The jellyfish displays are also a visual delight.
Yes, the aquarium offers several interactive displays designed for children, allowing them to touch and learn about marine life.
Penguin feedings are held daily, and shark feedings occur every Saturday at 12:00 PM. Check the aquarium's schedule upon arrival for exact times.
Yes, the aquarium offers diving experiences in various exhibits, including the I&J Ocean Exhibit and the Shark Exhibit. It's a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience for certified divers.
Absolutely! While great for families, adults will appreciate the diverse marine life, informative displays, and the conservation efforts highlighted throughout the aquarium.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant located within the aquarium, and refreshment stops are available along the route. The menu looked appealing to some visitors.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the aquarium. It's best to consume them before entering or utilize the onsite dining options.
The restaurant offers a variety of options, though specific menus can change. Visitors have noted that the menu looked nice.
While specific options aren't detailed, most restaurants in tourist areas like the V&A Waterfront aim to cater to various dietary needs. It's advisable to inquire directly with the restaurant staff.
Yes, there are refreshment stops halfway through the route where you can purchase coffee, snacks, and other beverages.
📸 📸 Photography
The underwater tunnels offer incredible opportunities to photograph sharks and other marine life with the aquarium's architecture in the background. The jellyfish tanks also provide stunning, ethereal shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, flash photography is usually discouraged as it can disturb the marine life.
Absolutely! The penguin enclosure is a popular spot for photos. Try to capture them waddling on land or swimming gracefully in the water.
Drones are typically not permitted inside or around the aquarium premises due to safety and disturbance concerns for the animals.
Use a higher ISO to compensate for low light, a wider aperture for shallow depth of field, and a fast shutter speed to freeze motion, especially for active fish.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
🐠 Marine Life Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Conservation and Education
Through informative displays and knowledgeable staff, the aquarium strives to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for marine ecosystems. They emphasize the impact of human activities on ocean health and encourage visitors to adopt sustainable practices. This commitment to conservation is a core part of their mission, making a visit both entertaining and enlightening.
Diving Experiences
These dives are often described as a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience, providing an unparalleled perspective of marine life. While it's an incredible opportunity, it's important to note that these dives are primarily for the experience itself, offering a unique thrill rather than extensive exploration.
Visitors who have participated in these dives often remark on the sheer wonder of being surrounded by sharks, rays, and other large marine animals. It's a chance to see these creatures in their controlled environment and appreciate their majesty from a truly immersive viewpoint.
Family Fun and Kid-Friendly Activities
Special events like penguin and shark feedings are a huge hit with children, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of these fascinating animals. Many parents recommend bringing disposable cameras for kids, allowing them to document their own adventure and create lasting memories. The aquarium's layout is also stroller and wheelchair friendly, ensuring a comfortable experience for families with very young children or those with mobility needs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit