Two Oceans Aquarium

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

Open Now • Closes at 18h00

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

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

R280 | Day ticket adult
R210 | Day ticket child 14–17
R130 | Day ticket child 4–13
Free | Child under 4
R1,005 | Penguin Experience adult
R810 | Penguin Experience child (8–17)

  • Last ticket sold 30 minutes before closing
  • Discounts apply for South Africans (ID required)

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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