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South Africa’s iconic Two Oceans Aquarium provides an unforgettable look at the life that thrives beneath the waves of the southern African coastline, a coastline that’s more than 2 500km long and exceptionally bio-diverse. The Aquarium, built in 1995, is a perennial favourite amongst locals and tourists, famous for introducing visitors to the magnificent animals and plants that call this stunning coastline home.
With an emphasis on conservation, the Two Oceans Aquarium’s collection – which holds more than 200 species – showcases local wildlife and changes often, resulting in a dynamic experience geared towards fostering curiosity and love for the ocean.
Conveniently located at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town’s only aquarium is open 365 days a year. It’s a great alternative on bad-weather days when outdoor activities have to be cancelled, and no pre-booking is required. There are also several added activities on offer at the Aquarium, from photo opportunities and guided tours to animal experiences and scuba diving.
Young and old are invited to spend their time exploring, experiencing and engaging the natural world found below the ocean surface.
Tour operators can take advantage of special rates for day tickets, selected experiences and public events! Register on our tourism portal to enjoy an industry discount! Click on the "Book Now" button to learn more.
The Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School is a certified PADI Dive Resort and your one-stop-shop for all things scuba diving in Cape Town. We showcase Southern Africa’s marine biodiversity through world-class diving experiences in all three of our large-scale exhibits... and beyond!
We offer the following scuba experiences and courses:
- Adventure Diving in one of our three large-scale exhibits, for qualified divers
- PADI Discover Scuba Diving in the I&J Ocean Exhibit, for non-qualified divers
- PADI Scuba Diver course, dive with PADI professionals anywhere in the world
- PADI Open Water Diver course, the beginning of a lifetime of underwater adventures
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course, for divers ready to take their skills to the next level
- PADI Refresher courses for qualified divers who have not dived in six months
Tourism incentive rates on select diving products apply.
Enquire on tourism@aquarium.co.za
Get up close and personal with the adorable northern rockhopper penguins of the Two Oceans Aquarium.
You can meet our too-cute rescue rockies through an awesome interactive Penguin Experience. No more than two people will join our bird keeper for an informative, fun and exhilarating face-to-face encounter with our feathered friends. If you are lucky, one or two of them might decide to hop onto your lap. Our trained bird keepers are on hand to ensure that all guidelines are followed.
These penguins are always free to choose whether they want to interact with participants or not. They are not trained and we do not reward them in any way for interacting if they do choose to. They can also choose to move away from the participants either by hopping into the water or moving away to another part of the exhibit.
The rockhopper penguins at the Two Oceans Aquarium were found stranded on southern Cape beaches and were rehabilitated by the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) before being donated to us. They cannot be released because of the risk of introducing diseases into wild populations.
The Penguin Experience is suitable for children aged 8 and up, and adults.
Let your guests explore the wonders of the fascinating world found in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans while being guided by one of the Aquarium’s passionate and knowledgeable guides. Dip into a world of corals, seahorses, penguins, sharks and much more.
Maximum of 12 people per guide - normal entrance rates apply
Email tourism@aquarium.co.za to enquire.
Ever wondered about the inner workings of the Two Oceans Aquarium? Perhaps you have questions about how our life support systems work, or how and what the animals in our care are fed? Join a guided Behind the Scenes Tour of the Aquarium and find out!
Maximum of 10 people per guide.
The behind-the-scenes tours are suitable for children 8 years and older.
Email tourism@aquarium.co.za to enquire or join the Aquarium's tourism portal and book directly on the website.
At the Two Oceans Aquarium, our seasoned team of in-house event planners and catering staff are ready to bring your vision to life and help you tackle all your event needs, so that you can focus on what is most important to you.
Conveniently situated in the V&A Waterfront, the Two Oceans Aquarium is renowned for its magnificent marine displays as well as its distinctive function venues. Host an event in front of one of our iconic exhibit spaces, or move into The Avenue for larger events, and our experienced functions and events team will take care of your event needs, from setup and audiovisual equipment to sustainable catering and decor. All that's needed is you!
Email us on functions@aquarium.co.za
