Entrance Fee

Aquariums in South Africa ticket prices: Current Prices, Discounts & Visitor Guide

Aquarium ticket prices in South Africa generally range from R30 to R280 for adult standard entry, depending on the facility’s size, exhibits, and location. World-class destinations such as the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town and uShaka Sea World in Durban charge between R245 and R280 for adults, while smaller regional aquariums and municipal marine centers offer entry from R30 to R90. Discounted rates are widely available across all facilities for children, South African pensioners, and students with valid identification.

South Africa Aquarium Entrance Fees Overview

South Africa boasts a diverse coastline bordered by both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, reflected in its varied marine facilities. Admission prices reflect the scale of the attractions, ranging from massive oceanariums with thousands of sea creatures to historic, community-focused coastal aquariums.

AquariumLocationAdult TicketChild TicketPensioner / Student
Two Oceans AquariumCape Town, Western CapeR280R130 (4–13 yrs) / R210(14–17 yrs)R210
uShaka Sea WorldDurban, KwaZulu-NatalR245R198 (3–12 yrs)R198
uShaka Shipwreck Aquarium OnlyDurban, KwaZulu-NatalR126R126 (3–12 yrs)R126
East London AquariumEast London, Eastern CapeR70 – R90R40 – R50R50
BayworldGqeberha (PE), Eastern CapeR30R20 (3–17 yrs)R25
National Zoo AquariumPretoria, GautengR110 – R120R75 – R85Discounted

Two Oceans Aquarium (Cape Town)

Located at the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront in Cape Town, the Two Oceans Aquarium showcases the rich marine biodiversity where the cold Atlantic and warm Indian Oceans meet.

Standard Admission Rates

Discounts, Specials, and Annual Memberships

Specialized Experiences

Beyond general admission, Two Oceans Aquarium provides immersive animal encounters and scuba diving in their predator and kelp forest exhibits:

uShaka Sea World & Shipwreck Aquarium (Durban)

uShaka Marine World in Durban is home to the largest aquarium in the Southern Hemisphere, set within a series of recreated underground shipwrecks.

Ticket Options & Pricing

Animal Encounters & Add-On Activities

Regional Aquariums and Marine Exhibits

East London Aquarium (Eastern Cape)

Opened in 1931, the East London Aquarium is South Africa’s oldest operating public aquarium. It features coastal marine life, seal presentations, African penguin feeding sessions, and an oceanfront viewing deck for seasonal whale watching along the coast.

Bayworld (Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth)

Bayworld combines cultural history, a snake park, and a marine section on the Gqeberha beachfront.

National Zoological Garden Aquarium (Pretoria, Gauteng)

For inland travelers in Gauteng, the National Zoo in Pretoria houses a large inland marine and freshwater aquarium comprising dozens of tanks with both temperate and tropical aquatic fauna.

Tips for Saving on South African Aquarium Tickets

  1. Book Online in Advance: Many large venues provide digital discounts or skip-the-line privileges when purchasing tickets on their official websites.
  2. Utilize Off-Peak and Afternoon Rates: Facilities like Two Oceans Aquarium offer lower rates for visits scheduled late in the afternoon on regular school weekdays.
  3. Carry Valid Identification: South African pensioners and tertiary students should bring a valid ID or student card to qualify for local concession rates.
  4. Consider Tourism City Passes: If you are touring multiple attractions in Cape Town or Durban, multi-attraction passes often bundle aquarium tickets at a fraction of standard gate prices.
  5. Evaluate Annual Passes: If you plan to visit a major aquarium more than twice in 12 months, an annual membership generally pays for itself by the third visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is general admission to the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town?

Standard day tickets to the Two Oceans Aquarium cost R280 for adults (18+), R210 for teenagers aged 14 to 17, R130 for children aged 4 to 13, and are free for toddlers under 4 years old. Valid South African pensioners and students pay a discounted rate of R210 upon presenting their identity or student card.

Which aquarium in South Africa is the cheapest to visit?

Bayworld in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is the most budget-friendly marine facility in South Africa, with standard adult entry priced at R30 and child entry at R20. The East London Aquarium is also very economical, with admission fees ranging between R70 and R90 for adults.

Can I buy South African aquarium tickets online?

Yes, major facilities such as the Two Oceans Aquarium and the National Zoological Garden offer online booking through their official portals. However, some attractions like uShaka Marine World require general admission or specialized encounter tickets to be purchased directly at on-site ticketing counters on the day of the visit.

Are animal encounter activities included in standard entry fees?

No, specialized activities such as scuba diving in display tanks, shark cage encounters, ray feeding, and penguin interactive programs are premium add-ons requiring separate bookings and additional fees. Standard tickets grant access to all public viewing galleries, educational exhibits, and scheduled public feeding demonstrations.

Do South African aquariums offer free entry for babies and toddlers?

Yes, all major public aquariums in South Africa offer free admission for young children. Two Oceans Aquarium grants free entry to children under 4 years old, while uShaka Sea World, Bayworld, and the East London Aquarium offer free entry for children under 3 years old.

Does uShaka Marine World offer combined tickets for the aquarium and water park?

Yes, uShaka Marine World offers combo passes covering both Sea World (the aquarium and marine shows) and the Wet ‘n Wild water park. Combo tickets cost R366 for adults and R297 for children and seniors, offering significant savings compared to buying separate admissions.