The Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, South Africa, is a public aquarium that showcases the marine life of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans which meet at the southern tip of Africa.
We had a chance to visit and here’s what we discovered.
Visiting The Two Oceans Aquarium (Cape Town, South Africa)
About Two Oceans Aquarium
The aquarium is situated at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. The aquarium opened its doors on November 13, 1995, and has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
The aquarium is open every day of the year, from 9:30 am to 6 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 6 pm on weekends, public holidays and school holidays. The entrance fees depend on the age and category of the visitor, and there are also special deals and discounts for members, groups, and online bookings.
Map
Image: aquarium.co.za
Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit
The aquarium has a variety of sharks, such as ragged-tooth sharks, spotted gully sharks, pyjama sharks, and leopard catsharks. Visitors can learn about the diversity and importance of sharks, and even dive with them in the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit.
Ragged-Tooth Shark
Penguin Exhibit
The aquarium has a group of African Penguins and a group of Northern Rockhopper Penguins, which are endangered and native to the sub-Antarctic islands. Visitors can get close and friendly with these cute birds, and even feed them and touch them in the Penguin Experience.
African Penguin
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Diversity Gallery
The aquarium has a stunning exhibit of coral reefs, which are colorful and complex habitats that support a huge diversity of life. Visitors can see different kinds of corals, fish, and invertebrates that live in the coral reefs, and learn about their importance and threats.
It also has a collection of moray eels, which are elongated fish with sharp teeth and powerful jaws. Visitors can see different species of moray eels, such as the honeycomb moray, the geometric moray, the black-spotted moray, and the zebra moray.
Black-Spotted Moray Eel
Kelp Forest
The aquarium has a unique exhibit that simulates a kelp forest, which is a rich and diverse ecosystem found along the South African coast. Visitors can see a variety of fish, invertebrates, and algae that live in the kelp forest.
King Crab
Kelp Lice
Jelly Gallery
The aquarium has a mesmerizing exhibit of jellyfish where visitors can see different types of jellyfish, such as the moon jelly, the blue blubber jelly, and even the deadly Box Jelly.
Box Jelly
I&J Ocean Exhibit
The aquarium is involved in the conservation and rehabilitation of sea turtles, especially loggerhead and green turtles. Visitors can see these amazing animals in the I&J Ocean Exhibit, and learn about their threats and how to help them.
Green Sea Turtle
Final Thoughts: Visiting The Two Oceans Aquarium (Cape Town, South Africa)
The Two Oceans Aquarium (located next to the V&A Waterfront) is a wonderful place to visit for anyone who loves the ocean and wants to learn more about it, especially if they want to see rare South African species.
The aquarium displays an incredible diversity of wildlife and habitats – and the beauty of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans – and inspires people to take action to protect them. The aquarium is a fun and educational destination for families, schools, and groups, as it offers many interactive and engaging activities and experiences. The aquarium is one of Cape Town’s top tourist attractions, and for good reason. Its a must-see for anyone who visits Cape Town.
