Marine Month is the perfect time for a visit to the aquarium, where sea creatures and humans meet. The two biggest in South Africa are the uShaka Marine World in Durban and the Two Aquarium in Cape Town.
Old and young alike are fascinated by aquariums. (Image: uShaka Marine World, Facebook, reposted from Allyzahra Dinath)
Compiled by Priya Pitamber
It is easy for a grown-up to capture the wonder of a kid again when they visit an aquarium, where the otherworldly sea creatures open their minds to adventure and discovery.
South Africa’s main coastal cities of Durban and Cape Town house the country’s two largest aquariums, the uShaka Marine World and Two Oceans Aquarium, respectively. Both are immensely delightful to young and old alike.
Make the most of the last week of Marine Month to visit these water treasures.
Located at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, the Two Oceans Aquarium opened its doors in November 1995.
Today, it is recognised as one of the top tourist attractions in the Mother City, reads its website.
Through its various exhibits, education and conservation programmes, it has become integral in increasing environmental awareness.
There is a lot to see at the Two Oceans: it houses more than 3 000 living sea animals, including sharks, fish, turtles and penguins.
It also has an ethereal kelp forest and an exhilarating predator exhibit.
Watch
See images of some of the amazing specimens at the aquarium:
(Image: Priya Pitamber)
(Image: Priya Pitamber)
(Image: Priya Pitamber)
(Image: Priya Pitamber)
Spanning more than 16 hectares of prime beachfront, it is easy to understand why uShaka Marine World is the biggest theme park in Africa and the fifth-largest aquarium in the world.
There is a lot for visitors to do: wild water rides, visit the aquarium, watch the dolphin shows, or eat and shop.
There is also a recreation of a 1920s ship wreck.
Watch:
See some of the amazing activities at the aquarium:
(Image: South African Tourism, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr)
(Image: South African Tourism, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr)
(Image: South African Tourism, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr)
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