Cape Town Aquarium

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A visit to the Cape Town aquarium is the only legal way I know to steal a slice of the One and Only Hotel's serenity.

The aquarium nestles under the hotel's left elbow and benefits from the peace and quiet that rubbing shoulders with all that fabulous exclusivity brings :-)

The seals love to lounge outside beyond the Café railings, so why not pay them a visit, too?

While the oceans that lap our famous Cape are far from tropical, no aquarium worth its salt(water) is complete without a display of tropical fish, now is it?

One of our special crowd pleasers for the little 'uns is the "get inside with us" display of jaunty orange-and-white stripes – you guessed it – clown fish!

Everyone always want to find Nemo was soon as they arrive at the Aquarium!

The Why and Who, What and When of the Cape Town Aquarium

Why and Who

The Aquarium is definitely one of the Top 10 Must-Do Family Activities in Cape Town. The displays are fascinating visually and there's so much wonder and excitement for all ages.

Toddlers love it, and babies are mesmerised by the fish. But it's not JUST for kids - it's good for grown-ups too! I keep promising myself a solo visit, when I get to go at my own (slower) pace and read the things that interest ME.

What - as in 'what gem might I overlook'...?

The sharks in the predator tank are totally in your face, you can't miss them! But there are other places that are outwardly less impressive but deserve a little publicity I think.

When - best time to go

Get going early in the day if you can, or leave it till after lunchtime.

Why? Well, during school terms there are often educational groups visiting between 0930 and 1200 which can make for a rather frenetic experience.

During South African school holiday periods thre are always lots of local visitors, so it's still good to steal a march on the late risers.

Allow at least 2 hours to ensure you don't feel pushed for time.

Kelp Therapy and Fishy Fast Food

I get a 'peace fix' halfway round by sitting in front of the tranquil Kelp Forest and watching the fronds sway in the watery 'breeze'.

My brother loves watching the shoal of pilchards in Cape Town Aquarium predator tank - they are totally mesmerizing as they swirl in perfect time. (I think they get replaced every so often - numbers dwindle as they get turned into fishy fast food)

Useful information - Two Oceans Aquarium at the Waterfront

Opening hours

Open every day of the year from 09h30 until 18h00.

Your tickets are valid for the whole day, so you can nip out for a bite to eat or a change of scene.

Feeding time is always fun to watch, so plan to be there for one of these if you can. We recommend the penguin feeding – you won't believe how they swallow their fish whole!

Feeding times at Two Oceans Cape Town Aquarium

• I&J Predator Exhibit - 15h00 daily
• Kelp Forest Exhibit - Wednesdays and Sundays at 12h00
• Penguins - 11h30 and 14h30 daily

Admission prices

Valid until 31 August 2009

• Adults R85
• Under 4 years Free
• Children ( 4 - 13 years ) R45
• Children ( 14 - 17 years ) R65
• Pensioners R65.00 *
• Undergraduate Students R65.00 *

*identification required

Directions to the Cape Town Aquarium

• Coming into the CBD on the N1 or N2
• Turn right into the V&A Waterfront at the first traffic lights
• Take the first left at the first traffic circle
• Drive 2km, the Two Oceans Aquarium is on the right hand side