The Kelp Forest exhibit is one of only a few in the world to house living, growing giant kelp plants.
The I&J Ocean Exhibit displays ragged-tooth sharks and loggerhead turtles in a deep-water environment.
The aquarium runs an active sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and release program for injured animals found along the coast.
The facility uses a specialized filtration system that draws water directly from the surrounding harbor and cleans it for the exhibits.
The Penguin Exhibit houses a colony of African penguins, which are an endangered species native to the Southern African coast.
The aquarium's 'Save Our Seas Foundation' Shark Centre provides information on regional shark species and conservation efforts.
The exhibit displays are divided based on the geographical convergence of the cold Atlantic and warm Indian Oceans near the Cape.
Some of the larger exhibit tanks utilize acrylic viewing panels that are over 10 centimeters thick to withstand water pressure.
The Two Oceans Aquarium, located at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, showcases marine life from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It features several major exhibits including the Kelp Forest, the I&J Ocean Exhibit, and the Penguin Exhibit. The Kelp Forest is one of the few in the world displayed in an aquarium setting. The I&J Ocean Exhibit holds 1.6 million liters of seawater and features a 10-meter viewing tunnel. The facility focuses on conservation, education, and rehabilitation, particularly for sea turtles. A touch pool area allows visitors to interact with specific marine creatures under supervision. The aquarium is situated on the edge of the harbor, integrating local marine biodiversity into a tourist-accessible facility. It remains fully operational as of June 2026.
Inside the I&J Ocean Exhibit viewing tunnel for 360-degree marine views.
Visit during feeding times, which are displayed on boards throughout the facility, to see the animals at their most active.
Check the daily program at the entrance upon arrival to coordinate your walk-through with scheduled educational talks.
Plan to exit via the V&A Waterfront boardwalk to enjoy the harbor view immediately after your visit.
Do not rush through the exhibits; the most detailed displays are in the smaller, specialized tanks often overlooked by crowds.
Open daily, 365 days a year.
Flash photography is strictly prohibited near animal tanks to avoid causing distress to the marine life.
