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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Two Oceans Aquarium Summary
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| Public website: | www.aquarium.co.za |
South Africa – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type M
Type M:
 Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
South African Rand (ZAR) £1 ≈ ZAR 22.10 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in South Africa, and credit cards are commonly used in most establishments.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in South Africa, with 10-15% being the standard in restaurants. Small tips for taxis and hotel staff are also appreciated. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in designated areas, including parks and beaches. However, it is generally prohibited in public spaces like streets. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Designated smoking zones are available in certain locations. |
| Freedom Day (27 April) |
Celebrates South Africa's first democratic elections |
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| Christmas (25 December) |
A major festive holiday in the country |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 10111 (Police), 10177 (Ambulance), 112 (from mobile phones) |
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| Taxi apps: | Bolt, Uber |
| Other: | South Africa is famous for its wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural diversity. It offers a wide range of travel experiences from safaris to coastal adventures. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Two Oceans Aquarium, South Africa
Open daily; shark and penguin feeding times fixed, check the schedule on arrival
South African school holidays (mid-December to January, Easter, late June to mid July) bring long queues, book timed tickets online
Don't miss
- 🌊 Walk through the 10-meter-long ocean tunnel
- 🦈 Watch ragged-tooth sharks and graceful rays
- 🐧 Visit interactive touch pools and penguin exhibits
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Two Oceans Aquarium showcases the fascinating marine ecosystems of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, nearly colliding off the Cape of Good Hope. Opened in 1995, the aquarium features over 3,000 marine creatures across numerous exhibits including sharks, penguins, turtles and colorful fish.
The highlight includes the massive Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit and a large kelp forest tank that mimics the coastal South African environment. Interactive touch pools and a children’s play area invite families to engage in hands-on experiences. Regular feedings and talks by aquarium staff provide insight into animal behavior and conservation efforts.
Visitors should note that the aquarium can be busy during holidays and weekends and ticket prices are mid-range. The aquarium offers a unique opportunity to learn about marine biodiversity while supporting local conservation programs. For those with diving certification, diving experiences with predators in large tanks provide an extraordinary encounter.
Overall, the Two Oceans Aquarium blends education, entertainment and conservation, making it a memorable stop on any Cape Town itinerary.
Knowledge before you go
- Arrive early; crowds peak during lunch hours at Two Oceans Aquarium.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring a reusable water bottle, as the exhibit spans multiple levels and includes outdoor walkways.
- Check the aquarium’s website for current ticket prices, special exhibits and any temporary closures before planning your visit.
- Explore the nearby Table Bay Park after the aquarium; its coastal trails offer panoramic views of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, enhancing your Cape Town experience.
How to travel to Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium is located at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. Visitors can reach it easily by taxi, rideshare or public transport from Cape Town International Airport or downtown Cape Town. The Waterfront is accessible by foot from many city center hotels, making it convenient for tourists.
Access summary
- From Cape Town Airport (CPT): Taxi or shuttle, roughly 20–30 minutes.
- From central Cape Town: Taxi, bus or walk, about 5–25 minutes.
- Located at the V&A Waterfront; many hop-on hop-off buses stop nearby.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Two Oceans Aquarium
Cape Town's Waterfront and city center have numerous accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses, providing easy access to the aquarium and other attractions.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Cape Town Lodge Hotel
City Lodge Hotel V&A Waterfront Cape Town
Pepperclub Hotel
The Rockefeller Hotel by NEWMARK
Habitat Aparthotel by Totalstay
Victoria and Alfred Hotel by NEWMARK
One Thibault Hotel by ITC Hospitality
Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town
The Capetonian - Halal
ONOMO Hotel Cape Town - Inn On The Square
Packing recommendations for Two Oceans Aquarium
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
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Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Light jacket
🎒
Small rucksack
🔋
Power bank
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
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To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 43% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to ZAR) is 2% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Cape Town’s Two Oceans Aquarium is generally safe for visitors, with well‑trained staff and secure facilities. Tourists should stay vigilant in crowded areas, keep valuables close, avoid isolated spots after dark and follow local advisories to ensure a worry‑free visit.
Accessibility
Cape Town’s Two Oceans Aquarium is largely accessible: wide entrances, elevators, wheelchair‑friendly pathways and audio guides for visually impaired visitors. However, some exhibit areas have narrow gaps and the main lobby can be crowded during peak times, so plan visits early.
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