One of the finest aquariums in the World and one of Cape Town’s most visited attractions, the Two Oceans Aquarium is a must visit especially in these winter months when cloud covers our beloved mountain. Situated in Portswood Square at the V&A Waterfront the aquarium showcases the unique marine life of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Although technically the two Oceans meet about one hundred kilometres further east at Cape Agulhas rather than at Cape Point as many believe, whose counting? Besides all Agulhas has is a lighthouse, compare that with over 3000 marine creatures on view. From sharks, turtles and rays to the small fry, there are penguins, a kelp forest and even African Bullfrogs!
The Two Oceans Aquarium is the perfect family adventure in Cape Town with kid friendly exhibits including a touch pool. Informative and exciting, a trip to the Two Oceans Aquarium is a superb way to spend a morning or an afternoon. If you get your times right you can witness the shark feeding or you can even get into the tank itself! They also host various events at the Aquarium and it’s always fun to attend something different with the shark tank as a backdrop! The other day I attended an acoustic music evening, it was surreal watching people play their instruments whilst behind them Ragged Tooth Sharks swam idly by.
The Two Oceans Aquarium has recently launched a brand new website (www.aquarium.co.za) with an emphasis on information, social networking and an all round fun vibe. Try changing the background of the entire website to the ocean of your choice, it’s a hoot! On their new website you can find information on feeding times, ticket prices and scuba diving. You can download educational resources as well as read their blog, which is very well written… clearly fishy people started out in copywriting! They also have a fantastic Facebook profile, a dedicated Youtube channel, a Flickr group where you can post your own Two Oceans photographs and to round off the social set they also have a regularly updated Twitter account.
A Cape Town favourite since its construction in 1995 the Two Oceans Aquarium shows no signs of slowing down and like a fine wine is only getting better with the years. Well done we say!
Photographs courtesy of the Two Oceans Aquarium Flickr Group.