The Two Oceans Aquarium is one of the items that just have to be on every visitor’s “to-do” list when they explore the Mother City of South Africa, Cape Town. This is the home of some of nature’s most impressive marine species and invites visitors to get as close to them as possible without actually getting wet (unless, of course, they want to).
This aquarium is situated within the V&A Waterfront and both of these attractions welcome multitudes of visitors from all over the world on a daily basis. There is plenty of safe, undercover parking as well as provisions for the physically disabled.
The viewing rooms for the tanks at the Two Oceans Aquarium are simply spectacular. The glass extends from the floor to the double-volume ceiling, and you can sit right against it as giant turtles and ragged-tooth sharks glide by in elegant suspension. There is plenty of seating for young and old alike in the spacious auditoriums.
The penguin enclosure is home to a friendly colony of these quirky creatures, who just love showing off their antics at feeding time. In fact, watching any of the feeding encounters leaves visitors in no doubt as to the wonders of nature and how important our role within it really is. The African Penguins are fed daily at 11h45 and 14h30, while the amusing Rockhopper Penguins are fed daily at 11h30. The other feeding times are as follows:
I&J Predator Exhibit Daily – at 15h00 OR shark feeds on Sundays at 15h00
Kelp Forest Exhibit – Wednesdays and Saturdays at 12h00
The Two Oceans Aquarium is ideal for families with children, and caters especially for the little ones. There are plenty of opportunities for them to get their hands wet, feeling different marine species and watching them react to the human touch. There is also a playroom with a window into the Rockhopper penguins’ tank. While your children play with a range of puzzles and crafts (under the watchful eye of dedicated childminders), they can watch these animals dive, feed and play with one another.
There is also a full playroom that is attached to the restaurant. This is filled with things for them to climb up and slide down while they wait for their food to arrive. The restaurant, the Shoreline Café (including Mario’s Gelateria), has an extensive menu with plenty of variety. The kitchen is open from 09h00 to 17h30. The views of the yachts bobbing peacefully in the harbour with Table Mountain looming overhead are unbeatable.
The souvenir shop offers a wonderful array of memories by which to keep your trip to Two Oceans Aquarium close to your heart. These include ornaments, clothing, jewellery and stationery.
Useful Links:
- V&A Waterfront Attractions
- Things to Do in V&A Waterfront
- V&A Waterfront Hotels
- V&A Waterfront Accommodation