Two Oceans Aquarium

Two Oceans Aquarium

The southern tip of Africa is the meeting place of two mighty oceans – the Indian and Atlantic – and the Two Oceans Aquarium is perfectly placed to showcase the incredible diversity of marine life from both. Two Oceans Aquarium

This Cape Town aquarium is among the top tourist attractions in the Mother City, and with over 8 000 specimens representing over 300 species in their care, it's not hard to understand why. Two Oceans Aquarium

Most popular of all the displays is the magnificent I&J Predator Exhibit, the grand finale to a Two Oceans Aquarium visit. Here, in more than 2 million litres of seawater, large ragged-tooth sharks patrol the tank as graceful rays, loggerhead turtles and shoals of giant yellowtail flash by. Two Oceans Aquarium

If you hold an open-water diving certificate – and are feeling particularly brave – there is also the option of getting into the exhibit. Shark sightings are guaranteed! Those of a less bold nature can dive and feed the fishes by hand in the more sedate Ocean Basket Kelp Forest exhibit. Two Oceans Aquarium

While lacking in the visceral thrills of big marine predators, the Ocean Basket Kelp Forest exhibit is equally popular and is one of only three living kelp forests on display in an aquarium. The kelp forest exhibit here contains three species of giant kelp that provide shelter to a variety of smaller fish species, and the simulated tidal movement of the water has a calming effect on all who spend time here. Two Oceans Aquarium

Slightly different for an aquarium is the Sappi River Meander, a display that traces a typical Western Cape river's journey, from its mouth all the way to the source upstream. Look out for the penguin beach here, where you'll find African and rockhopper penguins.

While adults will thoroughly enjoy the Two Oceans Aquarium, it's the younger members of the family who will be really thrilled, especially when they discover the AfriSam Children's Play Centre – here children and rockhopper penguins have fun alongside one another. A touch pool and microscope exhibits adds to the appeal, and the aquarium often runs special programmes and tours aimed at children. Two Oceans Aquarium

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