Two Oceans Aquarium: Media Pack

General Aquarium-related resources for interested parties.

The southern tip of the African continent is the meeting place of two mighty and bountiful oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic. The Two Oceans Aquarium on the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, is ideally positioned to showcase the incredible diversity of marine life found off the southern tip of Africa.

The Two Oceans Aquarium is dedicated to informing and inspiring all to connect with and protect our ocean and the natural world through conservation, awareness, research, and education.

Quick facts

General:

The Two Oceans Aquarium showcases the biodiversity of marine life found in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
The I&J Ocean Exhibit is the first exhibit of its kind in South Africa to boast a full 10-metre-long tunnel.
The Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit is our largest exhibit, holding two million litres of water.
Living kelp forests are currently only displayed in a handful of aquariums in the world - our Kelp Forest Exhibit is one of them.
The I&J Children's Play Centre is a family-favourite - kids can enjoy puppet shows, arts and crafts, and more!
The Two Oceans Aquarium is a proud member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA), the worldwide alliance of zoos and aquariums dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats worldwide.

Offerings:

Explore:

Our Exhibits are windows into the underwater world.
Don't forget to take advantage of our specials!

Experience:

Check out our 5-star PADI Dive School!
Peek behind the scenes!
Get close to our Northern rockhopper penguins
Our exciting daily activities like feeding times and puppet shows are not to be missed!

Engage:

Visit the fish as often as you wish with our annual membership!
Choose the Aquarium as Cape Town's most unique function venue.

Vision: Abundant and healthy oceans for life

Internationally respected for its high standards in animal care, the Two Oceans Aquarium promotes sustainability through environmental education and conservation. We are active participants in the regional and international zoo and aquarium industry associations. In partnership with other like-minded organisations, we are involved in meaningful marine research and conservation projects.

In all that we do, our philosophy is to be:

Responsible
Ethical
Compassionate
Respectful
Dedicated
Passionate

Mission: To inspire action for the future well-being of our oceans

Our beautiful and mysterious oceans (the planet’s life support system) are in crisis because of human activities. We know that a change in behaviour is needed to ensure abundant and healthy oceans for the future of all life.

The Two Oceans Aquarium is designed to showcase the beauty and diversity of the oceans off southern Africa. Our awe-inspiring exhibits aim to encourage love, respect, and understanding of our oceans so that people are motivated to take action for their future well-being and to use marine and other natural resources sustainably.

Through fun, interactive exhibits, state-of-the-art education programmes, and innovative communication campaigns, the Aquarium offers a world-class, all-weather experience, designed to ensure quality family time and unforgettable memories.

The Two Oceans Aquarium

History:


1995	After eight years of research and 18 months of construction, the Two Oceans Aquarium opens on 13 November 1995. Longfin tuna (Thunnus alalunga) and snoek (Thyrsites atun) are displayed for the first time in the world.
2002	The first fully equipped wet laboratory opens. This exciting new facility, complete with aquariums, terrariums, microscopes, and other laboratory equipment, provides opportunities for hands-on experiential learning and close inspection of a range of animals and plants. Eighteen smooth-hound sharks (Mustelus mustelus) are born on 17 August.
2004	On 18 March, in collaboration with the AfriOceans Conservation Alliance, the Two Oceans Aquarium releases Maxine, a 197kg ragged-tooth shark (Carcharias taurus) back into the ocean. Maxine is the iconic ambassador for the Save our Seas Foundation M-Sea (Maxine Science, Education and Awareness) Programme. With assistance from South Africa’s leading shark experts, the M-Sea Programme provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the lifestyle of ragged-tooth sharks and to raise public awareness of the plight of sharks worldwide.
2005	On 13 November, the Two Oceans Aquarium celebrates its 10th birthday.
2007	The Two Oceans Aquarium receives a silver rating for its environmentally responsible operations from the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme on its first audit. The Two Oceans Aquarium is the second aquarium in South Africa to receive this rating after uShaka Marine World.
2008	In September, the Two Oceans Aquarium is awarded its gold status in the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme for its efforts to minimise the impact of its operations on the environment.
2011	The Two Oceans Aquarium is certified Platinum by the Heritage Environmental Rating Company in recognition of its sustainability initiatives. The Aquarium is currently one of only three attractions in the Western Cape to hold Platinum status.
2012	The Two Oceans Aquarium hosts the 8th International Aquarium Congress – the first time it is held in the southern hemisphere and on African soil.
2014	The Two Oceans Aquarium begins construction of a brand-new, large-scale exhibit. The new exhibit will contain 1.5 million litres of seawater and will be six metres in depth. A single acrylic panel measuring nine metres long and four metres wide will provide a seamless window into the exhibit. The most exciting aspect of this new exhibit is a 10-metre-long tunnel, the first of its kind in South Africa.
2015	Otto the hawksbill turtle is released - the first turtle that we tagged with a satellite tag.
2016	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 years at the Two Oceans Aquarium, Yoshi the loggerhead turtle is successfully released back into the ocean. She is fitted with a satellite tag and begins her journey of discovery and adjustment back into the wild. The Aquarium achieved diamond status in the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme, in 2017. Diamond status indicates that we continually strive to reduce the impact of our operations on the environment and local communities.
2018	The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, the non-profit, public benefit organisation (PBO) of the Aquarium, is officially launched. The Foundation inspires people to take action for the ocean and builds connections between communities and the marine ecosystem. The Foundation continues the Aquarium's legacy of marine sciences education, conservation, and research efforts. The Two Oceans Aquarium’s beach cleanup series, Trash Bash, is launched.
2019	The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Marine Sciences curriculum is introduced into three node schools. Later the same year, the curriculum was gazetted and made available for public comment. The Two Oceans Aquarium hosts the 2019 South African Shark and Ray Symposium. The Two Oceans Aquarium wins Gold in the World Travel Market Africa Responsible Tourism awards for Best Responsible Attraction and Silver in the Global Goals Reporting category.
2020	In March, the Two Oceans Aquarium closes its doors to the public temporarily in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Essential staff remain working in the building, looking after the animals and life support systems. This is the first time in 24 years that the Aquarium has closed its doors in such a way. The Aquarium reopened in September 2020. Yoshi the loggerhead turtle reaches Australia, becoming a record holder for the longest animal migration ever recorded by satellite tag. She also leads Australian scientists to previously unknown loggerhead feeding grounds.
2021	Our dive school is established as a PADI Dive Resort. We celebrate the first Marine Protected Areas Day on 1 August.
2022	The Two Oceans Aquarium’s PADI Dive School is recognised as a PADI Five Star Dive Centre.
2023	Bob the green turtle is released in Durban, KwaZulu Natal, after eight years of rehabilitation with the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre! We host the first waddle in support of the African Penguin #NotOnOurWatch campaign on International African Penguin Awareness Day. The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation celebrated 20 years of the Young Biologist Course.
2024	The Two Oceans Aquarium and its Foundation become co-champions of Mission Blue's Hope Spot in False Bay. In collaboration with Upwell and Florida Atlantic University, our Turtle Conservation Centre releases 14 satellite-tagged loggerhead turtle hatchlings in an African first! The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation launches Ocean Campus, where children and adults alike can access our exciting, interactive, and unique educational offerings, all in one place!

Download the full history of the Two Oceans Aquarium and its Foundation here!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is entrance to the Two Oceans Aquarium?
Does the Aquarium have any special discounts?
There are various discounts on Aquarium tickets available.
After 3 Special:
Enjoy the Two Oceans Aquarium at a discount after 3pm every day of the week - your After 3 Special ticket can be purchased at only the Two Oceans Aquarium's on-site ticket office. The After 3 Special allows you to explore the Two Oceans Aquarium from 3pm until the closing time of 6pm on the day of purchase. Find our After 3 special prices here.
City pass:
Purchase your City Pass at the City Sightseeing bus stop right outside the Two Oceans Aquarium. Not only is this the perfect place to start your city adventure (with stops at tourist sites all over Cape Town), but it also includes a visit to the Aquarium at no additional cost!
Free birthday entry:
Visit us on your birthday or six days thereafter for free admission to Two Oceans Aquarium for the whole day. All you need is a valid identity document that reflects your date of birth and your day of ocean exploration is on us! Find our birthday special here.
Is the Aquarium open all year round?
Yes! The Aquarium is open 365 days a year! Come rain or shine, we're ready to ensure you and your loved ones have an amazing experience whenever you like.
How many species does the Aquarium exhibit?
Currently, the Aquarium is home to 800 species from the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
Are there any special experiences available in addition to a standard Aquarium visit?
Dive inside the Aquarium:
Our PADI Dive School offers three different, unique, all-weather scuba diving experiences for qualified scuba divers (Open Water-equivalent or higher). If you have not dived in 6 months, a PADI Refresher course is required, which is offered right here at the Aquarium. Take a look at our Dive School or a PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience if you haven't dived before.
Meet the penguins:
Get up close and personal with the adorable Northern rockhopper penguins of the Two Oceans Aquarium with our awesome, educational, and interactive Penguin Experience!
Go Behind the Scenes:
The Behind the Scenes Guided Tour is your opportunity to peek behind the closed doors of the Two Oceans Aquarium, to see the people, systems, and little-known areas that keep our underwater world alive and thriving.
Enjoy our daily Aquarium activities:
Watch a puppet show, learn more at our daily animal feeds, and more!
Host an event at the Two Oceans Aquarium:
Choose the Aquarium as Cape Town's most unique function venue.
How do I become a Two Oceans Aquarium member?
Visit the fish as often as you wish with a Two Oceans Aquarium Membership - perfect for ocean-loving families. To become an Aquarium member – simply sign up online here or pop in at our Visitor Centre the next time you are at the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Who owns the Aquarium?
The Two Oceans Aquarium is a for-profit private trust owned by V&A Holdings Pty Ltd. It does not receive any government funding or subsidies.
Is the Aquarium affiliated with any international associations?
The Two Oceans Aquarium is proud to be a member of several international organisations that help us remain accountable, credible, and ethical. We pride ourselves in maintaining world-class standards, and these memberships assist us in this endeavour. Our memberships include the following organisations: The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquariums (PAAZA), the International Zoo Educators Association (IZE), and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).
Does the Aquarium practice sustainability?
Yes! The Two Oceans Aquarium actively strives to minimise the impact of its operations on the environment and is deeply committed to having a regenerative footprint. The Aquarium aims to be a positive influence, to build environmental and social resilience, and to lead as an organisation in which sustainability is embedded within all aspects of its operation.
The Two Oceans Aquarium makes informed decisions to reverse the impacts of human activity to regenerate ecosystems and species. This fosters systems of circularity, longevity, resilience, and balance so that all may thrive now and into the future. The Aquarium is independently audited annually and is a proud certified diamond member of the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme.
Read more here.

Multimedia

Browse a selection of images and videos of the Two Oceans Aquarium. Find captions below each.

All credits to the Two Oceans Aquarium.