The ocean is a wealth of undiscovered mysteries. From warm to icy waters, the marine life that exists beneath the surface fascinates young and old. Two Oceans Aquarium displays the best of both coasts with the Atlantic and Indian oceans merging in their tanks. Located at the busy V&A Waterfront, you can live out your underwater fantasies all day.
A kid's dream
Two Oceans Aquarium is a great place if you want an immersive day out. The I&J Children's Play Centre is built around catering to the little ones wandering minds. They can enjoy puppet shows, arts and crafts and much more. The activities are marine-themed and serve as educational tools as well. The kids can learn about different sea creatures, and engage with others of a similar age while parents can have a breather before exploring the rest of the aquarium.
Once you've covered all your bases at Two Oceans Aquarium, head over to PlayDate SuperPark for even more family fun. The venue has escape rooms, mazes, obstacle courses, zip lining and more.
Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit
The aquarium has many exhibits dedicated to the conservation of endangered species. One of the most popular ones is the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit. You can get up close and personal with ragged tooth sharks, giant yellowtails and yellowbelly rockcod. There are also bottom feeders and mid-size crustacean feeders in this exhibit. You can view these predators and scavengers from the large viewing window or the accessible viewing ramp. However, if you're feeling extra brave and want to really get your blood pumping, you can book a scuba dive in the tank. This is only available for those who are qualified scuba divers, as you need to be comfortable with diving while surrounded by sharks.
The Kelp Forest Exhibit
This exhibit is a feast for the eyes as it has giant sea bamboo, algae fronds, knotted roots and swaying kelp mimicking an underwater forest. It is Africa's only above-ground kelp forest and local fish swim through a variety of colours and textures. There are three species of giant kelp and they provide enchanting visuals for those who are hypnotised by the tranquillity and liveliness of the exhibit. The rich hues of this underwater forest coupled with the shiny scales of the fish and the sunlight dappling through make this a truly beautiful experience for all.
The Penguin Exhibit
These tuxedo-wearing creatures are a firm favourite among those who visit Two Oceans Aquarium and with good reason. In this exhibit, you will find a colony of African penguins, a Western leopard toad, rescued rockhopper penguins and common platannas. The exhibit is reminiscent of a riverine and you will also be able to see freshwater fish in several pools. A bird hide above the rockhopper rookery makes you feel as if you're in nature with these animals with charming chirps and whistles.
The Diversity Gallery
Since the Two Oceans Aquarium is aptly named to embrace both the Indian and Atlantic Ocean elements, it makes sense to have exhibits dedicated to the diversity the sea offers. The Indian Ocean exhibits celebrate the warm, tropical waters and the fish that make it unique. Expect to see the colourful Western clownfish, floral, honeycomb and geometric moray eels and stunning coral displays.A 3m-wide cylindrical tank showcases the special marine life indigenous to the Indian Ocean and can be viewed from the gallery.
The Atlantic Ocean exhibit features fish that are experts at playing hide and seek in the chilly waters. Be on the lookout for translucent jellyfish, octopus, the Japanese giant spider-crab and the magical and endangered Knysna seahorse. These creatures have found a home at Two Oceans Aquarium and you can witness them thrive in their wonderful habitats.
Invest in the V&A Waterfront
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