Sign in with Facebook- Join for free
- Sign In
Sign in with FacebookLatest Cape Town hotel reviews
4
Helpfulness
The Two Oceans aquarium is quite simply the best aquarium I've ever visited, and is a brilliant way to entertain young and old for a couple of hours - always a good backstop option if the weather turns nasty.
The design is fantastic, and, for me, the highlight is the two storey kelp forest display where you can sit mesmerised for hours (or you could, provided that you didn't have two overexcited little people tugging on your sleeve to go and explore the next delight!)
The displays are well thought out and excellently presented, with just the right level of information. I could stand and watch exhibits such as the tidal pool (which constantly ebbs and flows) for hours, and the kids adore the 'touch and feel' pool (whose staff never fail to amaze me with their unfailing patience and enthusiasm). There are also excellent microscope displays, which allow you to examine the sort of fine detail that you usually don't get to appreciate: this time, I was enchanted to watch barnacles using their protruding legs to trawl for tiny shrimp
On the upper level, there is an interesting shoreline exhibit complete with penguins and other marine birds, which leads into (somewhat less interesting) smaller displays of different sections of a river. There is also the obligatory tunnel through the main aquarium, complete with rays, sharks and turtles.
Another drawcard is the children's area on the lowermost level, which looks directly into the penguin pool. There are always craft-based activities and colouring, as well as a range of books and puzzles, and it's a brilliant place for little ones to let off steam for a few minutes before renewing their onslaught on the main aquarium!
Your hand is stamped with a UV stamp when you enter, so you can exit and re-enter for the entire day. This is a great arrangement, as you can break your visit for a breath of fresh air or lunch elsewhere in the V&A Waterfront complex, and then return at your leisure.
Updated Apr 2, 2012
Address: V&A Waterfront
Helpfulness
Having already been to a couple of aquariums (the best one so far in Singapore) I wasn't mesmerised by the one in Cape Town. But I must admit that it is worth visiting.
The species on display are arranged in several categories, including the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean galleries, predators and frogs. One of the most interesting exhibitions for me was the kelp forest with tall sea plants looking like trees and fish swimming among them. I've read on their website that there are only two more places in the world that display kelp forest - one is in California and the other in Taiwan.
Another attraction that gathers lots of visitors is the feeding time when divers appear in the predator tank and swim with sharks. We enjoyed also the encounter with African penguins but of course it doesn't compare to the Boulders Beach.
The Two Oceans Aquarium is surely a great place for kids. The people in charge are doing their best to attract children, which is visible on the spot but also on their website. The website is loaded with infomation that can be interesting not only for children.
Updated Aug 10, 2011
Website: www.aquarium.co.za
This is an amazing aquarium! It is huge and it has a lot of tanks especially for eduacation. Their predator tank with the raggies is awesome, I could have stared at it for hours. I also liked that you could go outside and come back in on the same ticket.
Written Dec 29, 2010
Address: Waterfront
Helpfulness
I wasn't too keen on seeing this place but it as raining and cold and we had a R10 discount voucher so off I went. Cost was R88 so not cheap and could be pretty expensive for a family - check out what you can do though, it may be worth it. I enjoyed my trip here. Allow a couple of hours depending on what you plan to see and do.
I was pleasantly surprised and glad that I went on this visit. There is plenty to see and to do and if you have kids who have not seen much marine life this is a great place to learn.
There are frogs, fish, corals, sharks, penguins ( you can feed them too), fish, a kelp forest and yes, more fish....
You can dive with ragged-tooth sharks, large predators, rays and a turtle (extra cost).
There is a kids area where they can get face paint and hear stories about fish, plenty of activities to entertain.
Shoreline Cafe was OK but expensive as most places within a tourist attraction are.
There are plenty of souvenirs to be had but similar to what you can find in town or at V&A.
Written Feb 19, 2010
Address: Two Oceans Aquarium, Waterfront , Cape Town
Phone: + 27-21-418-3823
Website: http://www.aquarium.co.za
Helpfulness
After going around V & A waterfront, I saw a sign on the Two Oceans Aquarium! Hmmm...I decided to go in and it was fun going around it for about an hour....it is just a small aquarium and do not expect to see something like Sea World, but they do have nice entertaining exhibits and you will also see a nice enclave for the penguins.
At the V&A Waterfront
+27 (0)21 418-3823 (aquarium@aquarium.co.za)
Open 9:30AM to 6PM
R80 entrance fee.
Written Jul 17, 2009
Helpfulness
My kids loved this place, but I must be honest so did I. It was great for us to touch the animals, listen to the gentleman that explained about the micro organisms that live in the sea and to see the big fish in the tanks.
Written Jun 1, 2009
Helpfulness
The two oceans aquarium is a wonderful place to see different maritime species of the southern Atlantic and Indian Ocean. A large variety of species can be seen, from clownfish to sharks, from sea turtles to jellyfish. There are some nice extras in the aquarium, for example an area where young an old can get in contact with sea life by touching some plants and smaller animals under the supervision of staff. Feeding time for differrent species always turn out into a mass spectacle for the visitors.
The aquarium was aquarium was really an enjoyable plase and it easy for you to spend two hours inside without feeling the time passing by. For further details about the aquarium as well as opening times and entry fees, check the website below.
Written May 22, 2008
Address: http://www.aquarium.co.za/
Helpfulness
One thing you really should visit while at the waterfront is the Two Oceans Aquarium. You can see all kinds of colourful reef fish aswell as some sharks in well maintained bassins.
While we visited a young man proposed to his girl in front of the predator tank. Very romantic :).
The aquarium is open from 9.30am to 6pm and admission is 70 Rand.
Written May 30, 2007
Address: Dock Rd, Waterfront
Phone: 021-418 3823
Website: http://www.aquarium.co.za
Helpfulness
This is a thoroughly enjoyable outing (especially if you have children!) I have been to a few aquariums throughout SA and the UK and this is my favourite one.
It's the safest way to get up close and personal with some gorgeous creatures form the depths of the ocean! I love coming here :) Wear comfy shoes as you do a lot of walking.
Lots more info on their website with tips!
ps: Parking at the Waterfront is nothing short of a nightmare at the best of times. Parking is available behind the Two Oceans Aquarium. The cost for parking is R10 for the whole day. Dont forget to ask for your parking voucher which is refundable at the Aquarium's ticket office!
Updated May 23, 2006
Address: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town South Africa
Phone: +27 21 418 3823
Website: www.aquarium.co.za
Helpfulness
The aquarium houses marine life from both Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean. It's amazing to see how marine life differs given water temperature, location, etc. I especially liked the Indian Ocean penguins. They are very silly looking things.
The aquarium is located near the Victoria Waterfront. Check out its website for most up to date information.
Updated Jan 6, 2006
Address: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa
Website: http://www.aquarium.co.za/
Sponsored Links
Cape Grace Hotel Cape Town
5 Reviews and 368 Opinions Rooms are very nice, and service is spendid. However, the hotel is simply too expensive.
12 Apostles Hotel & Spa Cape Town Cape Town
4 Reviews and 277 Opinions I booked us at the 12 Apostles for the first four nights of our honeymoon. We just wanted to relax...
An African Villa Cape Town
1 Review and 454 Opinions An African Villa is tucked away in Tamboerskloof - this area on the slopes of Signal Hill is...
Two Oceans Aquarium tips and photos posted by real travelers and Cape Town locals.
Write a ReviewThe aquarium houses marine life from both Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean. It's amazing to see how marine life differs given water temperature, location, etc. I...
822 members live in Cape Town
Q: > Hello All we (Richard, Henriet, and Juliusoure son of 2) are visiting south Africa in august. In short we want to travel...
A: Hi Richard Congratulations on finding the correct forum - repsonses coming! Regards Cathy
Read 15 Replies
1
Cape Town, the mother city of RSA. A lot of new things are happening in and around Cape Town for which we have to thank the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Living in Cape Town, probably makes me one of the...
2
For me personally , this is one of the best places in South Africa for a vacation. If you looking for a very relaxing vacation Cape Town is the place to be. Cape Town is a place which has everything...
3
Cape Town is a spectacular place with something for everyone. Best of all is that it is cheap for overseas tourists. The scenery is fantastic, the people are friendly and it is rich in culture. The...
4
My Home town - Additions under construction
It’s a bit hard to build a page of travels on Cape Town as this is where I grew up & spent a great deal of my life. Now that I live in London I go back home to visit my family and friends regularly. I...
5
No matter what the weather, Cape Town has something to offer. Electric storms are not frequently seen here but even then, Cape Town is absolutely stunning! I took a series of these pictures earlier...
Build your own Cape Town page
Sponsored Links
