Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Two Oceans Aquarium

The Two Oceans Aquarium is a public aquarium situated at the V&A Waterfront in [Cape Town](/page/Cape Town), South Africa, dedicated to showcasing the diverse marine life of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans that converge at the southern tip of the African continent.^[1] Opened on 13 November 1995, it houses over 8,000 animals representing more than 350 species, emphasizing the rich biodiversity of southern African waters through immersive and educational exhibits.^[2]^[3] The aquarium's development stemmed from a vision to create a world-class facility highlighting the unique marine ecosystems influenced by the Benguela and Agulhas currents, with construction beginning in the early 1990s and rapid growth in visitor numbers following its debut.^[4] By its 25th anniversary in 2020, it had welcomed millions of visitors and established itself as a key tourist attraction, employing around 80 staff members supported by volunteers as of 2025.^[5] In 2025, the aquarium celebrated its 30th anniversary, having launched the Ocean Campus educational facility in 2024 to expand outreach programs.^[6]^[7] The facility spans multiple galleries, including the I&J Predator Exhibit featuring ragged-tooth sharks and the Kelp Forest display with giant kelp species sheltering local fish.^[8] Other notable areas encompass the Seal Pool, African Penguin Exhibit, and Jelly Gallery, offering interactive experiences with species like moray eels, seahorses, and African penguins.^[9]^[10] Beyond exhibition, the Two Oceans Aquarium plays a significant role in marine conservation and education, operating the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation since 2018 to fund research and rehabilitation projects, such as tagging and releasing sharks and rescuing sea turtles from five of the seven global species. It collaborates on the Waterfront Wildlife Management Programme and holds accreditations from international zoo and aquarium associations, while achieving Diamond status in the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme for sustainability in 2017.^[1] Educational programs target schools and families, promoting ocean awareness and sustainable practices to protect the approximately 12,000 marine species off the coast of southern Africa.^[4]

History

Founding and Construction

The Two Oceans Aquarium was conceived in the late 1980s as a visionary project to highlight the unique marine biodiversity at the convergence of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans along South Africa's southern tip in Cape Town, fostering greater public awareness and appreciation of these ecosystems.^[11] The initiative was spearheaded by two brothers whose passion for marine life drove the early conceptualization, attracting a coalition of supporters to realize a world-class facility.^[4]^[12] Key stakeholders and funders included the Transnet Pension Fund, which held a significant shareholding, Norwich Life SA (later amalgamated into Investec Bank), V&A Waterfront Holdings, marine industry leader Irvin & Johnson, and the City of Cape Town, providing essential financial and logistical support.^[13]^[14]^[11] The aquarium's foundational vision rested on three core pillars: captivating exhibits to immerse visitors in ocean worlds, innovative education programs to build knowledge, and targeted conservation efforts to protect marine environments.^[15] Planning and research efforts spanned eight years, beginning around 1987, to design exhibits that authentically represented local ocean habitats while ensuring operational sustainability.^[11] Construction commenced in mid-1994 on a then-barren strip of land within the V&A Waterfront precinct, lasting 18 months and involving the engineering of expansive, multi-million-liter tanks capable of housing diverse species under controlled conditions.^[11]^[13] Challenges arose in integrating the structure seamlessly with the evolving waterfront development, requiring precise coordination to balance aesthetic harmony, structural integrity, and proximity to the harbor's dynamic marine environment, all within an initial construction budget of R34 million for the core buildings.^[13] The project culminated in completion by late 1995, setting the stage for its public debut.^[11]

Opening and Milestones

The Two Oceans Aquarium opened its doors to the public on November 13, 1995, establishing itself as a premier marine attraction in Cape Town, South Africa.^[16] In its inaugural years, the facility drew approximately 500,000 visitors annually, offering immersive experiences of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans' biodiversity.^[17] Over the decades, the aquarium has marked significant growth milestones, including surpassing 10 million cumulative visitors by 2020.^[18] In 2025, it celebrated its 30th anniversary with a series of special events, such as a collaborative Trash Bash beach cleanup with Save A Fishie on November 15 and public reflections on its enduring legacy in marine conservation and education.^[19]^[6] These celebrations highlighted the institution's evolution from a local attraction to a global hub for ocean advocacy. The 2010s brought major updates through expansions and renovations, including a 2014 building extension adding 1.5 million liters of seawater capacity and seamless viewing tunnels, followed by refurbishments to key exhibits like the Predator tank in 2017 and the Kelp Forest in 2018, which featured updated rockwork and enhanced habitats.^[20]^[21]^[22] The aquarium faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, closing temporarily from March to August 2020—the first shutdown since its inception—and implementing rigorous health protocols upon reopening, which supported a steady recovery to near pre-pandemic attendance levels.^[23]^[24] Strategic partnerships have bolstered its conservation focus, notably a 2020 collaboration with the Save Our Seas Foundation dedicated to shark protection, which sponsored the restoration of the Shark Exhibit and led to initiatives like the 2021 opening of Shark Alley for public education on these species.^[25]^[26] As of 2025, the aquarium sustains over 8,000 animals representing more than 350 species, with its largest tank—a 2 million-liter showcase—housing diverse marine life including sharks, rays, and turtles.^[27]^[3]

Location and Facilities

Site and Accessibility

The Two Oceans Aquarium is situated at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa, with precise coordinates of 33°54′28.42″S 18°25′03.56″E.^[28] This location places it in close proximity to Table Mountain, approximately 3 kilometers away, and directly adjacent to the historic working harbor, enhancing its appeal as a gateway to the city's natural and maritime landmarks.^[28] As part of the bustling V&A Waterfront tourism hub, the aquarium integrates seamlessly with surrounding attractions such as shops, restaurants, and museums, drawing around 24 million visitors annually to the area (as of 2024).^[29] Visitors enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from the waterfront precinct, with the aquarium's entrance overlooking the harbor and providing direct access to oceanfront walkways.^[30] Accessibility to the aquarium is facilitated through multiple public transport options, including the MyCiTi bus route 104, which stops directly at Dock Road, as well as metered taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber.^[28] Ample parking is available in the nearby Portswood Garage, though fees are not included with aquarium admission; dedicated bays for wheelchair users are provided on-site.^[28] The facility is fully wheelchair-accessible, featuring ramps throughout, accessible flooring, and elevators to ensure navigation for visitors with mobility needs.^[31] Cape Town International Airport lies about 20 kilometers away, reachable via MyCiTi bus connections or a 20-25 minute drive along the N2 highway.^[28] The aquarium operates daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends and public holidays, with last entry 30 minutes before closing.^[31] Standard adult tickets cost approximately R265, with reduced rates for children aged 4-13 at R120 and free entry for those under 4; prices range from R200-300 depending on promotions.^[32] Family and group discounts are available, including an "After 3 PM" special reducing adult fares to R200 and bundled options through the Cape Town City Pass for multi-attraction visits.^[32] Constructed on land reclaimed from Table Bay in the late 1930s as part of the V&A Waterfront's expansion, the site was selected for its alignment with sustainable urban development principles, minimizing environmental impact while repurposing historic docklands.^[33] The aquarium's placement emphasizes ecological responsibility, contributing to the waterfront's green initiatives certified under programs like the Green Star rating system.^[34]

Design and Infrastructure

The Two Oceans Aquarium features a modern architectural design characterized by extensive use of glass and steel elements that integrate seamlessly with the surrounding V&A Waterfront's maritime aesthetic, allowing natural light to illuminate interior spaces while providing panoramic views of Table Bay.^[35] The structure spans multiple levels, including elevated walkways and galleries that facilitate visitor progression through exhibits, with key engineering highlights such as the I&J Ocean Exhibit's 10-meter-long transparent acrylic tunnel and a 9-meter-wide viewing window, enabling immersive underwater perspectives at depths up to 6 meters.^[36] Central to the aquarium's infrastructure are its advanced life support systems, which maintain over 2 million liters of seawater across various exhibits through continuous filtration and circulation processes to ensure optimal conditions for marine life. These systems include large-scale pumps and filters that operate 24/7, recycling water multiple times daily while monitoring parameters like temperature (typically 18-24°C) and salinity to mimic natural ocean environments.^[37] The multi-level galleries are supported by robust engineering to handle the weight of massive tanks, with the I&J Ocean Exhibit alone accommodating 1.6 million liters in a 6-meter-deep enclosure.^[36] Sustainability is embedded in the infrastructure, with 500 solar panels installed across 850 square meters of roof space in 2015, generating up to 128 kWp and covering approximately one-third of the facility's energy needs for critical operations like life support pumps.^[38] Water conservation measures include aerated taps reducing flow to 0.6 liters per minute and efficient toilet systems, complementing the recirculation in filtration setups to minimize freshwater use; energy-efficient designs further reduce the environmental footprint of this energy-intensive operation.^[11] Visitor amenities enhance accessibility and comfort, including a gift shop offering marine-themed merchandise, the Harbour View Café providing casual dining with ocean views, and function spaces such as conference rooms accommodating up to 50 delegates for events. Interactive touch pools in entry areas allow hands-on engagement, while the overall design supports an annual capacity of over 500,000 visitors through capacity monitoring and flow management to prevent overcrowding.^[39]^[40]

Exhibits

Ocean Galleries

The Ocean Galleries at the Two Oceans Aquarium encompass the Diversity Gallery and the I&J Ocean Exhibit, providing immersive displays of marine biodiversity from the Indian and Atlantic Oceans that meet at South Africa's southern tip. These sections highlight the stark contrasts between the warm, species-rich waters influenced by the Agulhas Current and the colder, nutrient-dense Benguela Current, using simulated habitats to educate visitors on regional ocean ecosystems.^[41] The Indian Ocean Gallery, part of the Diversity Gallery's warm-water exhibits, simulates vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful species such as interactive Western clownfish, honeycomb moray eels, floral moray eels, and geometric moray eels. A prominent 3-meter-wide cylindrical tank showcases the dazzling hues of Indian Ocean fish, underscoring the high diversity driven by the warm Agulhas Current, which supports butterflyfish, damselfish, surgeonfish, and angelfish among South Africa's 2,200 marine fish species—representing 15% of the global total, with 13% endemic to the region.^[41] In contrast, the Atlantic Ocean Gallery focuses on cold-water environments, featuring cryptic fishes, translucent jellies, common octopuses, rare Knysna seahorses, and other inhabitants of the Benguela Current, which exhibits lower species diversity but exceptional biological productivity supporting pilchards and anchovies. These displays emphasize the ecological differences at Cape Agulhas, where the two oceans converge.^[41] The I&J Ocean Exhibit serves as a expansive mixed-species tank representing South Africa's subtropical eastern coastlines, holding 1.6 million liters of seawater maintained at 20–24°C and reaching a depth of 6 meters. It houses green sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles, rays, musselcrackers, and various indigenous fishes, offering a dynamic view of warm-water marine life.^[36]^[42] Immersive viewing is enhanced by large acrylic panels, including a 9-meter-wide by 4-meter-high main window weighing 22 tons, and a 10-meter-long transparent tunnel that allows visitors to walk through the underwater scene for a close-up perspective on the exhibits' biodiversity. The cold-water sections in the Diversity Gallery briefly connect to adjacent kelp forest habitats, illustrating the transition from open oceanic contrasts to structured coastal environments.^[36]^[41] Overall, these galleries feature a diverse array of over 100 marine species unique to the Indian and Atlantic Oceans surrounding southern Africa, prioritizing the conceptual contrasts in temperature, current influences, and ecological productivity to foster appreciation for regional marine heritage.^[43]^[41]

Kelp Forest and Open Habitats

The Kelp Forest Exhibit features an 800,000-liter tank that recreates the underwater forests of South Africa's west coast, dominated by giant sea bamboo (Ecklonia maxima), a key species in the Great African Seaforest.^[44] This exhibit houses West Coast rock lobsters (Jasus lalandii), along with endemic fish such as white steenbras, galjoen, and red roman, and invertebrates including abalone and sea urchins, all thriving in the swaying kelp fronds.^[45] Visitors observe the dynamic ecosystem from above through the tank's open-to-the-sky design, allowing natural sunlight to penetrate for kelp photosynthesis, and from underwater viewing tunnels that provide immersive perspectives below the surface.^[45] Adjacent open habitats extend the coastal theme with seal pools hosting Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus), where these charismatic mammals haul out and interact in semi-natural settings overlooking the harbor.^[46] These areas simulate rocky shore environments, displaying anemones, starfish, and other intertidal species in structured pools and rockwork that mimic the Cape Peninsula's tide pools.^[47] The integration of natural light and advanced wave simulation systems—such as plungers, streamer pumps, and dump boxes—generates realistic tidal surges and currents, enhancing the authenticity of movements for both kelp and marine life.^[48] Educational signage throughout the zone emphasizes kelp's ecological significance, noting its role in carbon sequestration by absorbing inorganic carbon into biomass and its function as a habitat provider supporting diverse marine biodiversity along temperate coastlines.^[49] Kelp in the exhibit grows rapidly, up to about 10–15 cm per day under optimal conditions, mirroring natural processes that sustain food webs and coastal protection.^[44] Animal care protocols prioritize welfare, with kelp harvested sustainably every two months from nearby sites like Robben Island and Bantry Bay to maintain exhibit vitality, while biofilters and chillers keep water conditions optimal at 12–15°C.^[50] Cape fur seals in the open pools undergo rotation to prevent stress, supported by the aquarium's marine wildlife management program that monitors health and disentangles individuals from debris, ensuring long-term sustainability.^[46] Overall, this zone encompasses more than 20 species, from fish and crustaceans to macroalgae and mammals, fostering a comprehensive view of coastal ecosystems.^[45]

Shark and Predator Displays

The Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit serves as the centerpiece for the aquarium's displays of large marine predators, housing a diverse array of shark species in a simulated cool-water coastal environment. This exhibit features spotted raggedtooth sharks (Carcharias taurus), gully sharks, pyjama catsharks (Poroderma africanum), and leopard catsharks (Poroderma pantherinum), among other predatory fish such as giant yellowtail and yellowbelly rockcod.^[51]^[52] The tank, with a capacity of approximately 2 million liters and a depth of up to 6 meters, replicates the conditions of South Africa's temperate ocean waters, complete with large acrylic viewing panels that offer immersive, near-360-degree perspectives for visitors via a spiral ramp.^[51]^[53] Adjacent to the shark-focused area, the Predator Exhibit—often positioned as the exhibit's grand finale—showcases additional apex predators, including powerful black musselcrackers (Cymatoceps nasutus) and moray eels (Gymnothorax spp.), which interact dynamically with the resident sharks and other large species like giant kob and spotted grunters.^[51] These habitats emphasize the ecological roles of these predators in maintaining marine food webs, with the exhibit's design allowing observers to witness natural behaviors such as hunting and schooling through expansive, distortion-free acrylic walls.^[51] Visitors can engage with these exhibits through interactive programs, including guided dive opportunities where certified divers enter the tanks for close encounters with the sharks and predators under professional supervision.^[54] Additionally, the aquarium conducts shark tagging demonstrations as part of rehabilitation and research efforts, where rescued or rehabilitated sharks like the raggedtooth are fitted with tags before release, providing data on migration patterns and contributing to broader scientific understanding.^[55] The exhibits underscore conservation priorities, particularly shark awareness, as many local species face threats from overfishing and habitat loss. In South Africa, the spotted raggedtooth shark population is classified as Near Threatened regionally by the IUCN (2003 assessment), though globally it is Critically Endangered (IUCN, 2020), with no observed decline in the country's coastal waters due to protective measures like marine protected areas.^[56]^[57]^[58] These displays educate on the species' slow reproductive rates and vulnerability, promoting public support for initiatives that safeguard South Africa's elasmobranch populations.^[51]

Specialized Exhibits

The Two Oceans Aquarium features several specialized exhibits that highlight smaller-scale marine life and interactive experiences, allowing visitors to engage closely with unique species and ecosystems beyond the larger ocean habitats. These displays emphasize education through hands-on interaction and magnification, fostering appreciation for the diversity of South African coastal waters.^[43] The Penguin Exhibit houses a colony of African penguins (Spheniscus demersus), an endemic species listed as critically endangered by the IUCN, alongside rescued Northern rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes moseleyi). Visitors can observe the penguins from both land-level viewing areas and an underwater perspective, with daily feeding sessions and guided "waddles" providing insights into their behavior. The exhibit also includes cohabiting species such as Western leopard toads (Sclerophrys pantherina) and common platannas (Xenopus laevis) in adjacent freshwater pools, supporting conservation efforts that include successful breeding programs; notably, the first African penguin chick hatched at the aquarium in February 2025, marking a milestone in captive propagation.^[59]^[60]^[61] Adjacent to the main galleries, the Microscope Exhibit offers a magnified view of live microscopic marine organisms, including plankton, diatoms, and tiny invertebrates like goose barnacles and sea urchins. Equipped with high-powered Leica microscopes featuring high-definition streaming and video capture, the display reveals intricate behaviors such as feeding and birthing in these often-overlooked creatures. Interactive elements include a small observation pool for specimens and hands-on stations with items like mermaids' purses (shark egg cases) and shark teeth, guided by trained staff or volunteers to enhance educational engagement.^[62] The Diversity Gallery showcases a variety of small, tactile marine species from the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, divided into warm and cool water sections to reflect South Africa's unique ocean currents. In the warm waters area, visitors encounter dwarf pufferfish (Torquigener flavimaculosus), known for their compact size and defensive puffing behavior, alongside colorful moray eels and a cylindrical coral reef display. The cool waters section features translucent jellyfish in flowing tanks that simulate gentle currents, as well as Knysna seahorses (Hippocampus capensis) and shysharks. Central to the gallery are interactive touch pools where guests can handle sea stars, anemones, and even octopuses under supervision, promoting safe exploration of textures and movements. Additional niches include demonstrations of abalone (Haliotis midae) farming, highlighting sustainable aquaculture practices for this economically vital species, and displays of spiny sea stars (Marthasterias glacialis), resilient predators with arms up to 80 cm long adapted to rocky intertidal zones. Digital microscopes and hands-on educational stations throughout the gallery allow for closer examination of these species, emphasizing biodiversity with over 2,200 fish species in South African waters, 15% of the global total.^[41]^[63]^[64]

Conservation and Education

Conservation Efforts

The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation plays a pivotal role in marine conservation through hands-on initiatives focused on protecting South Africa's coastal ecosystems. Established as a non-profit public benefit organization, it conducts fieldwork, rehabilitation, and research to address threats to marine biodiversity, emphasizing species recovery and habitat preservation.^[65] Key conservation initiatives include shark research and tagging programs in partnership with the Save Our Seas Foundation. These efforts involve acoustic tagging of elasmobranchs, such as ragged-tooth sharks, to track movements and behaviors in False Bay, contributing data to inform spatial management and reduce human-shark conflicts. The programs have tagged multiple individuals over the years, with results integrated into global scientific databases to support broader shark population assessments.^[66]^[67]^[17] Another cornerstone is the Turtle Conservation Centre, which rescues, rehabilitates, and releases endangered sea turtles, primarily loggerhead and green species. The centre achieves an 85% release rate for treated turtles, addressing issues like plastic ingestion and injuries through medical care and physiotherapy; for instance, in 2025, it expanded operations with funding to support releases into the De Hoop Marine Protected Area. This work also bolsters the Turtle Rescue Network, coordinating with Western Cape groups for rapid response and transport.^[68]^[69]^[70] Broader efforts encompass campaigns against plastic pollution, including position statements highlighting its impacts on wildlife through entanglement and ingestion, and community events like Trash Bash cleanups at local beaches. The foundation also supports endangered species such as abalone (perlemoen), raising awareness about over-exploitation via exhibits that underscore their critically low populations and the need for sustainable practices. These activities align with advocacy for Marine Protected Areas to safeguard reef ecosystems.^[71]^[72]^[73] The foundation collaborates with international bodies like the IUCN-linked South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) for acoustic tracking arrays, and local NGOs including Shark Spotters and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB). These partnerships facilitate contributions to global databases on over a dozen shark and ray species, as well as turtles, seals, otters, and seabirds, enhancing worldwide conservation strategies.^[74]^[75]^[76] Over 30 years of data collection—spanning water quality monitoring, species tracking, and biodiversity assessments—has informed policy on Marine Protected Areas and spatial planning in regions like False Bay, aiding efforts to protect chondrichthyans and other marine life. Although the foundation advocates against unregulated shark fin trade, which persists despite South Africa's prohibitions, its research supports enforcement and sustainable fisheries management.^[74]^[25] In 2025, marking its 30th anniversary, the foundation pledged continued expansion of ocean health monitoring through enhanced research collaborations and participation in global forums like the United Nations Ocean Conference, focusing on accelerating action for sustainable ocean use. This includes deepened commitments to turtle rehabilitation and marine wildlife management, reinforcing long-term ecosystem protection.^[19]^[77]^[70]

Educational Programs and Research

The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation delivers a range of educational programs designed to foster ocean literacy and marine biology awareness among diverse audiences, particularly schoolchildren and youth. These include subsidized school tours featuring interactive lessons at on-site Discovery Centres and puppet shows tailored for early childhood development (Grades R-3), which introduce basic concepts of marine ecosystems through engaging storytelling.^[78] Virtual livestreamed lessons for Grades 1-12 and guest teacher visits to Cape Town schools further extend access to topics in marine science, reaching over 70,000 young people annually through school visits, workshops, and community events in the 2023-2024 financial year.^[79] Additionally, the Ocean Campus initiative offers curriculum-aligned courses such as the Grade 2-3 Ocean Funatics program, focusing on foundational ocean exploration; the Grade 6 Junior Biologist course, emphasizing hands-on marine biology experiments; and the Grade 7 Smart Living course, which covers sustainability topics like biodiversity, energy, water conservation, and waste management.^[80] For older students, a three-year online Marine Sciences curriculum (Grades 10-12) integrates ocean conservation principles with practical skills in oceanography and environmental stewardship.^[78] Public engagement extends beyond formal schooling through outreach programs like Oceans In Motion, a mobile classroom that brings live marine specimens to underserved communities for interactive sessions, and the Ocean Campus newsletter, which provides updates and resources to subscribers for continued learning.^[78] These initiatives have collectively impacted over 1 million individuals since the aquarium's opening in 1995, emphasizing experiential learning to build advocacy for ocean health.^[78] The aquarium's exhibits also serve as informal educational platforms, with annual visitor numbers exceeding 500,000, many of whom participate in guided interpretations that highlight marine biology and conservation themes.^[81] Complementing its educational efforts, the Two Oceans Aquarium maintains on-site research laboratories that support biophysical studies and workplace-integrated learning opportunities, guided by a Research Advisory Board, Research Steering Committee, and Ethics Committee to ensure rigorous standards.^[74] Key research focuses on species behavior and ecology, including collaborative projects with the University of the Western Cape on African and northern rockhopper penguin reproduction, such as analyses of sperm viability, diet impacts, moulting patterns, and breeding success.^[74] Other studies examine sea turtle epibiont communities and sevengill cowshark populations, contributing to broader marine ecosystem understanding through tagging and behavioral observations.^[17] Partnerships with institutions like Cape Peninsula University of Technology, University of Cardiff, SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds), SAIAB (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity), and National Geographic have facilitated over 60 research projects since 1995.^[74] The aquarium annually hosts postgraduate students from the University of Cape Town and Rhodes University for hands-on research training, integrating them into ongoing studies on local marine species.^[82] Milestones include the production of numerous peer-reviewed publications from 1995 to 2025, such as Mashkour et al. (2020) on disease risk analysis including epibionts in stranded sea turtles in PLOS ONE^[83] and Johnson et al. (2025) on the influence of feather wear on mercury concentrations and stable isotope values in penguin feathers in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry,^[84] which have advanced knowledge in coastal ecology and informed conservation strategies.^[74] These efforts underscore the aquarium's role in bridging public education with scientific inquiry, producing curricula and resources that disseminate research findings to wider audiences.

References

[1]
About us - Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town is at the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic oceans and showcases the incredible marine life of these waters.
[2]
It's our birthday! The Two Oceans Aquarium turns 29
Nov 13, 2024 · On 13 November 1995, the Two Oceans Aquarium opened its doors for the very first time. Today, we celebrate 29 incredible years of being a hub of Cape Town's ...
[3]
Two Oceans Aquarium partners with International Welfare Charity
Jul 9, 2024 · The aquarium is home to over 8,000 animals representing over 350 species from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. TOA is a leading institution ...
[4]
Two Oceans Aquarium: World Class Conservation for 25 Years
Nov 29, 2020 · Situated at the tip of Africa, the Aquarium chose to focus on the theme of the “two oceans”. There are 27000 to 30000 known marine species ...
[5]
Aquarium animals and the MPAs they call home!
Aug 1, 2023 · The Two Oceans Aquarium Kelp Forest Exhibit is home to three species of giant kelp, that help shelter the local fish as they drift among the ...Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
[6]
Two Oceans Aquarium - Cape Town Tourism
The Two Oceans Aquarium showcases the different oceans' wildlife through interactive displays and more than 8 000 marine animals from 200-plus marine species.Missing: notable | Show results with:notable<|separator|>
[7]
It's World Endangered Species Day, and we're…
May 17, 2024 · In honour of the African penguin, the Two Oceans Aquarium has opened an exciting new extension of our Penguin Exhibit, entitled Save the African ...Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
[8]
[PDF] HISTORY - Two Oceans Aquarium
The I&J Ocean Exhibit and Jelly Gallery open to the public on 16. June. Michael Farquhar takes over as the Two Oceans Aquarium's CEO. 2017. After 20 ...
[9]
Two Oceans Aquarium celebrates 28 years of ... - Cape Town ETC
Nov 13, 2023 · On 13 November 1995, the Two Oceans Aquarium, a dream envisioned by two brothers, opened its doors and enthralled visitors with its display of marine life.<|separator|>
[10]
The Two Oceans Aquarium, 25 years old | News24
Oct 12, 2021 · The Two Oceans Aquarium was originally funded by the Transnet Pension Fund and Norwich Life SA, which was later amalgamated into Investec Bank.
[11]
Two Oceans Aquarium – International Aquarium Congress | IAC 2012
The Two Oceans Aquarium opened in November 1995. Though it is not the largest aquarium in the world, its ambience is magical, its exhibits are beautiful.
[12]
[PDF] Two Oceans Aquarium - Defined Learning
The exhibit includes “living fossils” such as crocodiles, iguanas and giant deep-water isopods. Many of the animals on display have remained virtually unchanged ...
[13]
It's our birthday! the two oceans… - Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation
Nov 13, 2020 · On 13 November 1995, the Two Oceans Aquarium opened its doors to the public for the very first time, and we've since welcomed more than 6 ...Missing: history construction timeline budget<|control11|><|separator|>
[14]
The Two Oceans Aquarium - Save Our Seas Foundation
Situated at the southern tip of Africa in Cape Town's V&A Waterfront, the Two Oceans Aquarium is ideally positioned to showcase the incredible diversity of ...Missing: facts | Show results with:facts<|control11|><|separator|>
[15]
Two Oceans Aquarium Celebrates 25 Years - V&A Waterfront
Nov 12, 2020 · The Two Oceans Aquarium opened in 1995, has welcomed over 10 million visitors, and is a well-respected facility with a focus on conservation ...Missing: timeline | Show results with:timeline
[16]
We want you to be part of the Two Oceans Aquarium's 30th birthday!
Feb 18, 2025 · The Two Oceans Aquarium is celebrating its 30th birthday this year! We want you to be part of it! 18 February, 2025 - Blog, Our team, Press ...
[17]
https://saveourseas.com/sponsorship/the-two-oceans-aquarium/
[18]
The Two Oceans Aquarium Begins Work on Expansion Project
Feb 3, 2014 · The Two Oceans Aquarium is working on a new predator exhibit. The expansion project includes a new building to be constructed in the parking area.Paignton Zoo Put On The... · Shanghai Disneyland To... · Join Us For The Reveal
[19]
Cape Town's Two Oceans Aquarium completes major renovations
One of three large-scale installations at the Cape Town aquarium, Kelp Forest has undergone considerable refurbishment, with new rockwork replacing the previous ...
[20]
Revamp of Two Ocean Aquarium's flagship predator exhibit almost ...
Jun 26, 2017 · Cape Town - The Two Oceans Aquarium has confirmed the revamp of its 21-year-old flagship predator exhibit is almost complete - just in time ...
[21]
Covid-19 sinks Cape Town aquarium for first time since Christmas ...
Mar 17, 2020 · The Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town says it is closing for the first time in 23 years due to the coronavirus disaster.
[22]
Two Oceans Aquarium: Reopening Announcement - V&A Waterfront
Aug 20, 2020 · Upon arrival all visitors will be screened for Covid-19 symptoms and will have their temperatures taken; Visitors who are feeling ill or ...
[23]
Two oceans aquarium joins forces with the save our seas foundation ...
Oct 1, 2020 · The two organisations will collaborate to increase communication efforts about marine conservation and research specifically related to sharks.
[24]
Shark alley: a brand new exhibit in partnership with the save our…
Oct 27, 2021 · We're proud to announce the official opening of Shark Alley, the latest addition to our Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit.
[25]
Animals - Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium is home to over 8 000 incredible marine species - from magnificent ragged-tooth sharks to colourful anemones and everything in ...Sharks · Penguins · Jellyfish · Octopuses
[26]
Directions and parking - Two Oceans Aquarium
GPS coordinates. 33°54”28.42”S 18°25”03.56”E. Directions: Drive from Cape Town International Airport/ ...
[27]
Our Expansive History – V&A Waterfront
The extension of the Two Oceans Aquarium is completed, which includes a new 1.5-million litre seawater tank for larger scale exhibitions at the aquarium. The ...
[28]
Visit us - Two Oceans Aquarium
Directions and map. Opening Times: 09h30 to 18h00, 7 days a week | Contact us: +27 (0)21 418 3823 | Location: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront Cape Town, South Africa.Aquarium map · Tickets · Special Offers · Plan your trip
[29]
Opening hours, prices, and more - Two Oceans Aquarium
Wheelchair-friendly and accessible flooring, parking bays for wheelchair users, first-aid assistance, and nappy changing facilities are on-site. The ...Missing: MyCiTi bus airport
[30]
After 3 Special - Two Oceans Aquarium
Adults: R200 (usually R265) · Children 14-17: R147 (usually R195) · Children 4-13: R90 (usually R120) · Children under-4: Free (as always) · SA Students and ...
[31]
How The Two Oceans Aquarium Is Going Green in Support of the ...
May 25, 2018 · The Aquarium is one of only three properties in South Africa to hold the coveted Diamond status awarded by the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme.Ocean Education · Rethink The Plastic Bag · Yacht Boaz Collaboration
[32]
Two Oceans Aquarium | Explore, Experience and Engage
Experience the incredible diversity of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans at one of Cape Town's top tourist attractions, the Two Oceans Aquarium.About us · Visit us · Exhibits · Cape Town City Pass
[33]
I&J Ocean Exhibit - Two Oceans Aquarium
It is the first exhibit of its kind in South Africa to boast a full 10-metre-long tunnel. The exhibit's main viewing window is a continuous 9-metre-wide panel, ...Missing: underwater length
[34]
14 Things to Do at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town
Feb 16, 2021 · Approximately 8000 animals of 300 species can be found here. It is committed to educating visitors about preserving the ocean as well as ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[35]
Our sustainability journey - Two Oceans Aquarium
Thanks to the V&A Waterfront and through Sustainable Power Solutions, the Aquarium currently has a total of 500 solar panels covering 850m2 of roof space.Missing: engineering scale tanks
[36]
Food and Drink - Two Oceans Aquarium
Aquarium visitors can purchase snacks and coffee from the Snack Stop at the I&J Ocean Exhibit. Snack on a freshly baked muffin or enjoy an ice-cold cooldrink ...
[37]
[PDF] Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation Annual Report 2021/2022
Its conservation work includes contributing to the conservation of five of the seven marine sea turtle species, collaborating on animal welfare programmes ...
[38]
Diversity Gallery - Two Oceans Aquarium
Our exhibits include the very popular interactive Western clownfish (AKA Nemo) exhibit, honeycomb, floral, and geometric moray eels and a coral reef exhibit.About · Warm Waters · Cold Benguela Current
[39]
5 amazing animals in the I&J Ocean Exhibit!
Aug 16, 2023 · The I&J Ocean Exhibit is currently home to three turtles: one green and two loggerhead turtles! These turtles are all currently undergoing ...
[40]
Exhibits
No readable text found in the HTML.<|separator|>
[41]
Kelp forest - Two Oceans Aquarium
The Kelp Forest Exhibit holds 800 000 litres of water and a myriad of endemic fish including white steenbras, galjoen (South Africa's national fish), red ...
[42]
Kelp Forest Exhibit - Two Oceans Aquarium
A plunger creates a surge, while a streamer pump delivers approximately 70 000 litres of water per hour to create circular water movement. "Dump boxes" tip ...
[43]
Seals: Media pack - Two Oceans Aquarium
Cape fur seals are scientifically known as Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus. They are the only seal species native to the South African mainland. Cape fur seals ...
[44]
Exploring the rocky shores with guided lesson - Two Oceans Aquarium
Oct 11, 2021 · The teachers led the exploration of the rock pools by pointing out animals and plants, but also encouraging the learners to ask questions and ...Missing: Habitats seal
[45]
https://www.aquarium.co.za/exhibits/kelp-forest-exhibit
[46]
Plunging into the Great African Seaforest: How does kelp impact us?
Sep 13, 2025 · When kelp takes up inorganic carbon, it transforms it into organic biomass, a vital part of the carbon cycle. Some of this breaks off, drifting ...
[47]
Where does the Two Oceans Aquarium's kelp forest come from?
Oct 26, 2025 · Roughly every two months, the Two Oceans Aquarium's Collections team embarks on a kelp collection trip to refresh the Kelp Forest Exhibit.
[48]
Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit - Two Oceans Aquarium
The Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit is a chance for a close encounter with some of the most misunderstood species in South Africa's oceans.
[49]
Sharks - Two Oceans Aquarium
The Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit is a chance for a close encounter with some of the most misunderstood species in South Africa's oceans.
[50]
Explore the Exciting Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town.
Feb 3, 2025 · The I&J Ocean Exhibit is a massive 1.6-million-liter tank that ... With a 2-million-liter capacity, the Predator Exhibit also provides ...
[51]
Dive with these 5 animals at the Two Oceans Aquarium
Sep 6, 2023 · This World Shark Day, a collaborative acoustic tagging project is shining a light on elasmobranch. 14 July, 2025. This World Shark Day, a ...Missing: demonstrations programs
[52]
The Two Oceans Aquarium released Gen, the ragged-tooth shark ...
Mar 28, 2025 · She weighed just 62kg and measured 238cm in length. In line with the Aquarium's tradition, the fisher was given the honour of naming the shark, ...Missing: tank | Show results with:tank
[53]
Ragged-tooth shark - Two Oceans Aquarium
The status of the South African ragged-tooth shark population was considered to be “near threatened” by an International Union for Conservation of Nature ...Missing: stats | Show results with:stats
[54]
A globally threatened shark, Carcharias taurus, shows no population ...
Oct 21, 2020 · The results reported here indicate that South Africa could possibly harbour the last remaining, relatively pristine population of this widespread but ...
[55]
Penguin Exhibit - Two Oceans Aquarium
The Penguin Exhibit is home to a colony of African penguins and rescued Northern rockhopper penguins. The penguins share a space with our freshwater species.Missing: details | Show results with:details
[56]
African penguin - Two Oceans Aquarium
African penguins are endemic to the coastlines of South Africa and Namibia. Unfortunately, they are currently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN ...
[57]
Celebrating our African penguin chicks' journey on World Penguin Day
Apr 24, 2025 · It was a groundbreaking moment for our penguin team and the Two Oceans Aquarium when the first African penguin chick hatched on 10 February.Missing: details | Show results with:details<|separator|>
[58]
Microscope Exhibit - Two Oceans Aquarium
This display opens up a new world of delicate tentacles, tube feet, suckers and nippers. Watch some of the remarkable activities of creatures.About · Microscope Exhibit · Zoom In, Get CloserMissing: touch | Show results with:touch
[59]
Six animals you should meet at the Two Oceans Aquarium
Sep 11, 2025 · The Two Oceans Aquarium is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, from magnificent ragged-tooth sharks to spectacular stingrays.Dwarf Pufferfish · Abalone · Spiny Sea Star<|control11|><|separator|>
[60]
Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation
The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation team works with the V&A Waterfront to run a successful Marine Wildlife Management Programme, which facilitates the harmonious ...Classes at the Aquarium · Marine Sciences FET · Marine Wildlife ManagementMissing: experts | Show results with:experts<|control11|><|separator|>
[61]
This World Shark Day, a collaborative acoustic tagging project is…
Jul 14, 2025 · “Collaborative research partnerships are the backbone of research at the Two Oceans Aquarium and support the development of the next generation ...
[62]
Sharks: Media Pack - Two Oceans Aquarium
At the Two Oceans Aquarium, we typically house three to five ragged-tooth sharks in the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit at any time. These sharks ...Missing: partnership | Show results with:partnership
[63]
Turtle Conservation Centre - Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation
The center rescues, rehabilitates, and releases turtles, including hatchlings and injured adults, with a focus on medical care and a goal of returning them to ...
[64]
Happy Reverse the Red Day 2025! - Two Oceans Aquarium
Feb 7, 2025 · The Turtle Conservation Centre has treated and rehabilitated five turtle species of varying ages for a range of ailments, from plastic ingestion ...Missing: 30th anniversary pledges
[65]
Morukuru Goodwill Foundation Deepens Longstanding Support for ...
Aug 19, 2025 · Expanded three-year commitment funds rescue, rehabilitation, and release of endangered turtles into the De Hoop Marine Protected Area.
[66]
Plastic pollution: Our position statement - Two Oceans Aquarium
Plastic pollution impacts marine wildlife through entanglement, ingestion and degrades marine habitats. It results in economic losses to fisheries, poses a ...Missing: reef abalone
[67]
Our dedicated Marine Wildlife Monitors – Ayanda Cimani, Abdullah ...
Mar 3, 2025 · Join the Two Oceans Aquarium team for a Trash Bash this weekend at Sunset Beach! Let's keep our oceans clean by removing harmful plastics ...Missing: abalone | Show results with:abalone
[68]
Learn more about the almost-extinct abalone or perlemoen
Abalone, or perlemoen, is a large snail with a strong shell and fleshy inside. It is slow-growing, and its numbers are critically low due to over-exploitation.Missing: monitoring plastic pollution
[69]
Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation | Research
The Two Oceans Aquarium, active for 30 years, engages in marine research collaborations with higher education institutions, researchers, and scientists.Missing: engineering large- scale tanks<|separator|>
[70]
Marine Wildlife Management Programme - Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation has a team of wildlife monitors and specialists that manages the marine wildlife of the V&A Waterfront and Port of Cape Town.Missing: founders Holdings experts
[71]
https://www.aquarium.co.za/about/position-statements/position-statement-plastic-pollution
[72]
What the Two Oceans Aquarium learned from 2025's United Nations ...
Jun 27, 2025 · The overarching theme of this year's conference was “accelerating action and mobilising all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”.Missing: collaboration | Show results with:collaboration
[73]
Educational offerings
### Summary of Educational Programs at Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation
[74]
[PDF] Annual Report 2023 - 2024 - Two Oceans Aquarium
Thanks to the Marketing team, Sales team, and Aquarium teachers, we exceeded budget for fully paid courses. In February 2024, we ran our Wetland activities with ...
[75]
Ocean Campus Courses - Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation
Ocean Campus Courses · Grade 2 - 3 Ocean Funatics Course · Grade 6 Junior Biologist Course · Grade 7 Smart Living Course · Grade 8 - 9 Introduction to Marine ...
[76]
[PDF] Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation Annual Report 2020/2021
In addition to being an award-winning attraction which sees more than 500 000 visitors a year, the Aquarium is deeply invested in environmental education and.
[77]
The Two Oceans Aquarium
The Aquarium also hosts post-graduate students from the University of Cape Town as well as Rhodes University annually. Internally, our conservation programmes ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[78]
https://www.aquarium.co.za/foundation/education
[79]
https://www.aquarium.co.za/uploads/files/Foundation/Reports/Annual-Report-2023-2024.pdf