Two Oceans Aquarium

Dive into Cape Town’s ultimate marine world and meet the ocean’s most magical creatures at Two Oceans Aquarium!

Description

Explore the wonders of the Two Oceans Aquarium at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, where the marine worlds of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans come alive. Home to thousands of fascinating species, the aquarium features iconic exhibits like the Kelp Forest, I&J Ocean Exhibit, and Predator/Shark displays.

Enjoy immersive experiences such as behind-the-scenes tours, Penguin Encounters, educational talks, feeding sessions, and PADI Adventure Diving. Perfect for families, marine lovers, and curious explorers, it offers an engaging blend of entertainment and learning.

With a strong focus on conservation and environmental education, the aquarium provides an inspiring journey into the depths of our oceans.

Company Group

Two Oceans Aquarium

Activity Type

Marine & Ocean | Nature & Wildlife

Additional Links

Animals | Experiences | Map | News | Special Offers

Email Address

Enquiries: aquarium@aquarium.co.za

Phone Number

Social Media

Activities List

Behind-Scenes Tour | Conservation Displays | Creature Close-ups | Daily Feedings | Diving Courses | Guided Tours | Interactive Screens | Jellyfish Tunnel | Kids Playzone | Kelp Forest | Marine Talks | Penguin Feeding | Photo Moments | Puppet Shows | Shark Exhibit | Touch Pools

Experiences

Penguin Feeding: Watch African penguins waddle, splash and feed up close during their energetic daily feeding sessions.

Jellyfish Tunnel: Walk through the glowing jellyfish tunnel and experience a surreal, dreamlike world of drifting, luminous creatures.

Kelp Forest Exhibit: Stand before the towering Kelp Forest Exhibit and feel immersed in one of the most breathtaking underwater displays in the world.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Get exclusive behind-the-scenes access to feed prep, animal care, and the hidden workings that keep the aquarium alive.

Adventure Diving: Dive into the I&J Ocean Exhibit for an unforgettable underwater adventure among rays, turtles and shoals of shimmering fish.

Estimate Duration

2 – 3 Hours | half day depending on experiences you attend.

Guidance Types

 General exploration is self-guided, while specific experiences are supervised or guided

Equipment Required/ Rented

Diving equipment provided for aquarium dive experiences.

Skill Difficulty

None, except for Diving experience.

What to Bring

Camera | Comfortable shoes | ID card | Water bottle | Snacks for kids | Light jacket | Stroller (optional) | Wet wipes | Sunscreen | Backpack | Extra clothes for kids | Hand sanitiser

Additional Information

  • Open daily with scheduled feeding times and shows.
  • The Aquarium supports extensive conservation and education programmes.
  • Showcasing over 8 000 animals across diverse marine ecosystems.
  • Home to Africa’s only above-ground kelp forest exhibit.
  • Features a colony of native African penguin species.
  • The Aquarium includes an on-site gift shop offering marine-themed merchandise and a café/snack bar for visitor convenience.

Inside Guides

  • Visit early morning at opening or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds; the Aquarium is indoor and all‑weather.
  • Plan your visit around feeding times and main exhibitions for the best experience.
  • Nearby lunch options include Bootlegger Coffee Company and the V&A Waterfront TimeOut Market.
  • Families can enjoy the children’s play area to relax between exhibits.
  • Save with the Cape Town Unlimited City Pass, which includes access to the Aquarium and other top attractions.
  • Parking is available at the V&A Waterfront or via nearby MyCiTi bus stops for convenient public transport access.

Weather Conditions

Ideal Weather: Indoor | Protected

Rain Alert: Light rain (minimal disruption)

Weather Experience: Indoor exhibits ensure a comfortable visit regardless of weather, with sheltered viewing areas and ramps.

Restrictions

  • No flash photography in exhibit areas.
  • Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Penguin and behind-the-scenes experiences age restrictions apply (8+ for some experiences).

Rules & Safety

  • Follow staff instructions during interactive experiences.

  • Safety equipment and trained staff present for all animal encounters and dive activities.

Reservation Policies

Day Tickets & Memberships

  • Day tickets (single‑visit access) and annual memberships are non-refundable.
  • Day tickets remain valid for up to 90 days from purchase, offering flexibility.

Special Experiences & Bookings

  • Full payment is required for packaged experiences and special encounters.
  • Bookings can be made online, by email, or at the ticket office; some experiences require advanced booking.
  • For experiences such as the Penguin Experience, guests must pay in advance and arrive on time; failure to arrive may result in forfeiture of the fee.

Cancellations & Refunds

  • If a booked service is unavailable, the Aquarium will refund the client in full within 30 days.
  • For special experiences (diving, penguin encounters, events), cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the booking; otherwise no refund.
  • Cancellations before that time incur a 10 % administration fee.

Estimate Price Range

R100 – R300+

Entry Fees & Pricing

R265 | Day ticket adult
R195 | Day ticket child 14–17
R120 | Day ticket child 4–13
Free | Child under 4
R890 | Penguin Experience adult
R715 | Penguin Experience child (8–17)

Last ticket sold 30 minutes before closing

Booking Methods

Walkins | Website

All ages welcome

ATM

Baby changing room

Cafe / snack bar

Children’s play area

Climate controlled

Conservation programmes

Daily feedings

Diverse exhibits

Eco-friendly practices

Educational programmes

Family friendly

First-aid station

Gift shop

Happy Snappy Photography

Guided tours

Information desk

Interactive exhibits

Marine research

Parking - Waterfront

Penguin encounters

Photography opportunities

Public transport access

Restaurant - Bootleggers

Restrooms

Safe environment

Security

Spectacular views

Ticket office

Touch pools

Wheelchair accessible

WiFi

Must Tries

Penguin Experience: Get up close to rescued penguins, learning about their behaviour and conservation from expert keepers.

Adventure Diving: Dive beneath the surface of the I&J Ocean Exhibit with certified instructors for an unforgettable marine perspective.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Explore the aquarium’s operational areas, witnessing animal care, life-support systems, and daily routines.

Shark Encounter: Stand near ragged-tooth sharks and experience their power while learning about preservation efforts.

Highlights

Kelp Forest Exhibit: Walk beneath South Africa’s only above-ground kelp forest and watch fish navigate the waving fronds.

Jellyfish Tunnel: Marvel at ethereal jellyfish drifting in illuminated tanks, creating a mesmerizing underwater spectacle.

Daily Feeding Displays: Witness sharks, penguins, and tropical fish being fed while staff share fascinating insights.

Interactive Touch Pools: Handle marine creatures safely and engage with tactile learning experiences for both children and adults.

Features
  • All ages welcome
  • ATM
  • Baby changing room
  • Cafe / snack bar
  • Children’s play area
  • Climate controlled
  • Conservation programmes
  • Daily feedings
  • Diverse exhibits
  • Eco-friendly practices
  • Educational programmes
  • Family friendly
  • First-aid station
  • Gift shop
  • Happy Snappy Photography
  • Guided tours
  • Information desk
  • Interactive exhibits
  • Marine research
  • Parking – Waterfront
  • Penguin encounters
  • Photography opportunities
  • Public transport access
  • Restaurant – Bootleggers
  • Restrooms
  • Safe environment
  • Security
  • Spectacular views
  • Ticket office
  • Touch pools
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • WiFi

Must Tries

Penguin Experience: Get up close to rescued penguins, learning about their behaviour and conservation from expert keepers.

Adventure Diving: Dive beneath the surface of the I&J Ocean Exhibit with certified instructors for an unforgettable marine perspective.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Explore the aquarium’s operational areas, witnessing animal care, life-support systems, and daily routines.

Shark Encounter: Stand near ragged-tooth sharks and experience their power while learning about preservation efforts.

Highlights

Kelp Forest Exhibit: Walk beneath South Africa’s only above-ground kelp forest and watch fish navigate the waving fronds.

Jellyfish Tunnel: Marvel at ethereal jellyfish drifting in illuminated tanks, creating a mesmerizing underwater spectacle.

Daily Feeding Displays: Witness sharks, penguins, and tropical fish being fed while staff share fascinating insights.

Interactive Touch Pools: Handle marine creatures safely and engage with tactile learning experiences for both children and adults.

Address

Dock Road, V&A Waterfront

Parking: 

Available at the V&A Waterfront public parking facilities; follow Waterfront signage for visitor parking.

Opening Hours

Two Oceans Aquarium
Monday – Friday 09h30 – 18h00
Weekends & Holidays 09h00 – 18h00
Feeding & Exhibit Times
Penguin Feeding 11h30 | 14h30
I&J Ocean Exhibit Feeding 12h00
Kelp Forest Exhibit Feeding 12h00
Puppet Shows 10h30 | 13h30 | 15h30
Shark Feeding (Sat) 12h00

What To Expect

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