Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town - a group of people standing in front of a large aquarium
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Two Oceans Aquarium Cape Town

4.6
·23k reviews·Cape Town, South Africa

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer school groups

CrowdLow
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Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town - a group of people standing in front of a large aquarium

Two Oceans Aquarium Cape Town

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer school groups

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(23k reviews)

"A truly immersive and educational experience, perfect for all ages!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

I&J Ocean Exhibit

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

Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit

Shark tunnel

Walk through an underwater tunnel surrounded by majestic sharks. Thrilling and educational!

Penguin Exhibit

Penguin Exhibit

Penguin enclosure

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

Jellyfish Display

Jellyfish Display

Various tanks

Mesmerizing displays of colorful jellyfish drifting gracefully. A tranquil visual treat.

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Save

Visiting after 3 PM offers discounted tickets, a great tip for budget travelers! InstagramReddit+1 Weekday mornings are generally less crowded than weekends, especially if school groups are visiting. Reddit

Birthday Treat & Parking

Celebrate your birthday with free entry up to six days after! Instagram+1 Paid parking is available, but savvy visitors suggest looking for free spots on backstreets or using a Pick 'n Pay slip for a free hour. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer school groups
Crowd
Low
When
After 3 PM
Why
Discounted tickets
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Family fun
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Solo travel from DC to the most beautiful place in the world…South Africa. First Stop, Cape Town. Join me as I share tips on traveling with luxury, safety, and style, as a female solo traveler. Thank you yo @Rhino Africa and #JARATTOURS 🌍 #LuxuryTravel #CapeTownBound #TravelInStyle #jarattour #unitedpolarisbusinessclass #unitedpolaris #capetown
@tiffanylumpkin
206.2K likes • 1.3M views

🎯 Birthday Free Entry! 🎉

Get free admission on your birthday or up to 6 days after with SA ID. Instagram+1

💰 After 3 PM Discount! 💸

Tickets are cheaper after 3 PM, making it a great value visit. Instagram+1

It's the Two Oceans Aquarium! 🦈🪼 Have you visited @2oceansaquarium before? What was the best part about your experience?😇🐧🐠 📍V&A Waterfront, Cape Town @vandawaterfront PS this is my first ever voice over! Lemme know how you find it in the comments!👨‍💻 #twooceansaquarium #aquarium #capetown #southafrica #vnawaterfront #aquariumlife #fish #jellyfish #shark #capetownmag #capetownetc #capetowntouri...
mosamasamallama
118 likes • 3.6K views
Looking for weekend plans? Dive into a world of wonder at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town! 🌊 Open daily from 9:30 am to 6 pm, explore the stunning diversity of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans with over 300 species on display. 🐟 🎉 Birthday Bonus: Enjoy free entry on your birthday or up to six days after! Just bring your SA ID 🎂 💥 Don’t miss the After 3 Special: Visit after 3 pm and get your ...
elsje_jacobs
0 likes • 6K views

🅿️ Parking Hacks 🚗

Look for free parking on backstreets or use a grocery slip for a free hour. Reddit

🐧 Penguin & Shark Feedings! 🦈

Catch feeding times for penguins (daily) and sharks (Saturdays). Instagram

Free things to do in Cape Town for your Birthday! 🎈 Visit The Two Oceans Aquarium for your birthday 🐠 @2oceansaquarium - ℹ️: All you need is your South African ID. The ticket can be redeemed on your birthday, or six days thereafter for free admission for the whole day! Feedings: 🦈 You can catch the team of divers in action as feed the Sharks, every Saturday @ 12h00 🐧 Pinguin feedings are dail...
zesti_reviews
0 likes • 1.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Birthday Free Entry! 🎉

Get free admission on your birthday or up to 6 days after with SA ID. Instagram+1

💰 After 3 PM Discount! 💸

Tickets are cheaper after 3 PM, making it a great value visit. Instagram+1

🅿️ Parking Hacks 🚗

Look for free parking on backstreets or use a grocery slip for a free hour. Reddit

🐧 Penguin & Shark Feedings! 🦈

Catch feeding times for penguins (daily) and sharks (Saturdays). Instagram

📸 Disposable Cameras for Kids! 📷

A fun way for kids to capture their own memories. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(23k reviews)

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

Diverse marine life
Engaging exhibits
Affordable specials

What People Dislike

Occasional cloudy tanks

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

Absolutely! The aquarium is designed to be stroller and wheelchair friendly, with wide pathways and ramps throughout. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Standard adult tickets are around R235, with children under 3 entering for free. Students and pensioners receive discounted rates. Instagram A significant tip is to visit after 3 PM for discounted 'After 3 Special' tickets. InstagramReddit+1

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. Instagram

Yes! South African residents can enjoy free entry on their birthday or up to six days afterward by presenting their SA ID. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

Yes, students and pensioners can typically get discounted admission prices. Make sure to bring your valid student or senior identification. Instagram

🎫 🐠 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. Instagram+1

Yes, the aquarium offers several interactive displays designed for children, allowing them to touch and learn about marine life. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

Absolutely! While great for families, adults will appreciate the diverse marine life, informative displays, and the conservation efforts highlighted throughout the aquarium. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The restaurant offers a variety of options, though specific menus can change. Visitors have noted that the menu looked nice. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, there are refreshment stops halfway through the route where you can purchase coffee, snacks, and other beverages. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram

Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, flash photography is usually discouraged as it can disturb the marine life. Instagram

Absolutely! The penguin enclosure is a popular spot for photos. Try to capture them waddling on land or swimming gracefully in the water. Instagram

Drones are typically not permitted inside or around the aquarium premises due to safety and disturbance concerns for the animals. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Two Oceans Aquarium is a top-tier choice for families. Kids will be mesmerized by the vibrant displays and active marine life, especially during feeding times. InstagramReddit The interactive exhibits are a big hit, offering hands-on fun. Remember to bring disposable cameras for the little ones to capture their own unique perspectives! Reddit The aquarium is fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, making it easy to navigate with young children. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Visiting the Two Oceans Aquarium can be budget-friendly! The 'After 3 Special' offers significantly discounted tickets after 3 PM, making it a great value. InstagramReddit+1 If your birthday falls within six days of your visit, you can enjoy free entry with your SA ID! Instagram+1 For parking, explore free options on nearby streets or check for grocery store promotions that might offer free parking hours. Reddit

💑 Couples

For a unique and romantic outing, consider the Two Oceans Aquarium. The mesmerizing jellyfish displays and the awe-inspiring shark tunnel offer a tranquil and captivating experience. Instagram+1 Consider visiting during the 'After 3 Special' for a more relaxed atmosphere and to save on tickets. Instagram+1 The V&A Waterfront itself offers a beautiful setting for a stroll before or after your aquarium visit. TikTok

🐠 Marine Life Enthusiasts

The Two Oceans Aquarium is a must-visit for anyone passionate about marine life. With over 300 species from the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, you'll be captivated by the diversity and beauty of South Africa's underwater world. Instagram+1 The conservation efforts and educational aspects of the aquarium provide a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and the importance of their protection. Reddit For the truly dedicated, the diving experiences offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with marine life. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Conservation and Education

The Two Oceans Aquarium is more than just a display of marine life; it's a hub for conservation and education. They actively participate in research and rehabilitation programs, aiming to protect the oceans' biodiversity. Their exhibits are designed to educate visitors about the unique marine environments of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts. Reddit

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. Reddit

Diving Experiences

For the adventurous, the Two Oceans Aquarium offers unique diving experiences that allow you to get up close and personal with its inhabitants. Certified divers can choose from several exhibits, including the massive I&J Ocean Exhibit, the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit, or the Kelp Forest Exhibit. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Family Fun and Kid-Friendly Activities

The Two Oceans Aquarium is a fantastic destination for families with children. The exhibits are thoughtfully designed with lower viewing panels, making it easy for younger visitors to see the marine life. Reddit Interactive displays are scattered throughout, providing hands-on learning opportunities that keep kids engaged and excited. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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