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Amusement parks #1 in Durban

uShaka Marine World

4.5 · 55,610 reviews
Energetic and family-oriented
uShaka Marine World, 1 King Shaka Ave, Point, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Interesting facts
1

The aquarium utilizes over 17 million liters of water across its various exhibits.

2

The structure was intentionally designed to resemble an old shipwreck to blend with the Durban maritime history theme.

3

The Cargo Hold restaurant allows diners to eat while viewing a large shark tank through a glass wall.

4

uShaka Marine World was part of a major urban regeneration project aimed at revitalizing Durban's Point Waterfront area.

5

The facility features one of the largest aquariums in the Southern Hemisphere.

Overview

uShaka Marine World is a 16-hectare marine theme park located at the southern end of Durban's Golden Mile. The facility is anchored by a large aquarium built inside a reconstructed shipwreck, featuring 32 indoor and outdoor tanks. The park integrates a water park known as Wet 'n Wild, a cargo hold-themed restaurant, and a dolphinarium. It houses a diverse collection of marine life, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish. The park's design mimics the ruins of a 1920s cargo ship that ran aground, providing a thematic backdrop for the exhibits. It serves as an educational center for marine conservation and local biodiversity. The complex is situated at the point where the Durban harbor entrance meets the Indian Ocean.

Photo spot

The glass window inside the Cargo Hold restaurant offering a direct view of the shark tank.

Insider tips

Visit the exhibits in reverse order to avoid the morning crowds typically entering from the main entrance.

Check the daily show schedule upon arrival, as dolphin and seal shows run at specific intervals.

Use lockers provided in the Wet 'n Wild section to secure belongings before entering the water park.

What to avoid

Avoid visiting during South African school holidays if you prefer quieter walkways, as the water park attracts large family groups.

Good to know

The water park and certain outdoor attractions may have reduced operations or closures during winter months.

Etiquette

Swimwear is required for water park attractions; shirts and shoes must be worn in the aquarium and restaurant areas.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
5-7 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings during the South African shoulder season (March-May or September-November) to avoid school holiday crowds and intense summer heat.
Address
uShaka Marine World, 1 King Shaka Ave, Point, Durban, 4001, South Africa
-29.867, 31.046
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsReconstructed shipwreck aquarium, dolphinarium, and shark tank
FacilitiesWet 'n Wild water park and Cargo Hold themed restaurant

Frequently asked

Plan for about 5-7 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings during the South African shoulder season (March-May or September-November) to avoid school holiday crowds and intense summer heat..

The glass window inside the Cargo Hold restaurant offering a direct view of the shark tank.

Close by you'll find Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban Botanic Gardens, Durban Funworld.