Two Oceans Aquarium is on Dock Road at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, right by the Cape Wheel. It shows marine life from both the Atlantic and Indian oceans, which meet at the Cape. Exhibits run from a kelp forest and a jellyfish gallery to a large predator tank where ragged-tooth sharks pass overhead. There is a touch pool, a play centre for children and a penguin area with rescued rockhopper penguins. The aquarium is also a conservation and research facility. It is indoors, so it suits a wet day, and it works for families with children of different ages.
Two oceans in one building
The aquarium takes its name from the Cape, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. Its exhibits show species from both, so the water temperatures and the animals change from one gallery to the next. The route starts with small tanks of seahorses and jellyfish, and the tanks get larger as you go.
The Skretting Diversity Gallery presents the marine life of the two oceans that flank the Cape Peninsula. Among the smaller animals are giant spider crabs and rare Knysna seahorses. You will also find octopus, pufferfish, moray eels and the ancient hagfish. The Jelly Gallery shows a range of jellyfish. The clownfish tank has a viewing pod where you can put your head inside and look out among the fish.
The kelp forest and the predator exhibit
The kelp forest is a tall tank of swaying kelp with schools of fish moving in unison. Turtles glide past, and sharks can be seen from inside a glass tunnel about 10 metres long.
The I&J Predator Exhibit holds 2.2 million litres of seawater and is home to ragged-tooth sharks. A semi-tunnel follows the edge of the tank, so the sharks pass above you. The I&J Ocean Exhibit, which opened on 16 June 2016, shows fish, rays and turtles.
Penguins, touch pools and the play centre
The aquarium cares for rescued rockhopper penguins. The penguin area is upstairs, and the penguins are fed there daily.
At the touch pool, children can gently handle starfish and sea urchins, and a microscope exhibit shows small organisms close up. The I&J Children's Play Centre has daily puppet shows, drawing tables, a sandbox and a small jungle gym. Many displays are built at a child's eye level and invite hands-on use.
Diving and guided experiences
Divers with a PADI Open Water certification can dive in the I&J Ocean Exhibit and the Predator Exhibit. The aquarium's dive school runs PADI courses.
Other experiences include guided behind-the-scenes tours and a penguin experience. They add a closer look at how the aquarium works, and you can ask about them when planning your visit.
Conservation, research and volunteering
The aquarium is a conservation and research facility. Its team of about 60 people works with volunteers, and sustainability and a light footprint are part of how it describes its aims.
Cape Town residents and long-term visitors can join the volunteer programme and become ocean ambassadors. It runs in the second half of the year, with two training courses, one on Mondays and one on Saturdays. Members get discounts of up to 25 percent on various experiences and invitations to special events such as family sleepovers and speaker nights.
Facilities
The entrance, restrooms, seating and parking lot are wheelchair accessible. There is a cafe, a gift shop and a playground, and changing tables are available. Guided tours run on site, and the aquarium is open every day of the week.
FAQ
How much does Two Oceans Aquarium cost?
Tickets are priced by age. Children under 4 enter free, and children aged 4 to 13 and 14 to 17 pay separate child rates. Current prices are on the aquarium's website, and booking ahead is recommended.
How long do you need at Two Oceans Aquarium?
Plan on 2 to 3 hours. Add time if you want to catch a feeding, the puppet shows or the penguin area.
When is the best time to visit?
The hours just after 2pm are quieter. Entry is also cheaper after 3pm. The aquarium is indoors, so it works well on a wet day.
Can you scuba dive at Two Oceans Aquarium?
Yes, if you hold a PADI Open Water certification. Dives take place in the I&J Ocean Exhibit and the Predator Exhibit, and the aquarium's dive school runs PADI courses.
Is Two Oceans Aquarium wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, restroom, seating and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
