South African citizens and permanent residents can visit the Two Oceans Aquarium for free during their entire calendar birthday month by presenting a valid South African ID at the onsite ticket office. Visitors can also take advantage of significant savings through the daily After 3 Special during school terms, discounted pensioner and student rates, free entry via the Cape Town City Pass, and day-ticket upgrades toward annual memberships.
Overview of Two Oceans Aquarium Ticket Specials
Located at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, the Two Oceans Aquarium offers several promotional rates, seasonal discounts, and permanent concessions to make marine exploration accessible for families, locals, and travelers.
| Ticket Type / Special | Standard Price | Special / Discount Price | Eligibility & Key Terms |
| Birthday Month Special | R280 (Adult) | Free (R0) | SA citizens & permanent residents throughout their birthday month (onsite only). |
| After 3 Special (Adult) | R280 | R210 | Onsite purchase after 15:00 during SA school terms. |
| After 3 Special (Youth 14–17) | R210 | R158 | Valid 15:00 to 18:00 daily during SA school terms. |
| After 3 Special (Kids 4–13) | R130 | R97 | Valid 15:00 to 18:00 daily during SA school terms. |
| Children Under 4 | Free | Free (R0) | Year-round complimentary admission. |
| SA Pensioners & Students | R280 (Standard Adult) | R210 | Valid SA pensioner card or current student ID required. |
| Cape Town City Pass | Individual Entry | 100% Free Entry | Included with active Cape Town Official City Pass. |
Top Two Oceans Aquarium Discounts and Promotions
Free Birthday Month Special
The Aquarium provides complimentary general entry to all South African citizens and permanent residents for a single visit on any day during their calendar birthday month.
- How to Redeem: Birthday tickets cannot be booked online in advance; they must be collected in person from the onsite ticket office on the day of your visit.
- Accepted Identification:
- Adults: Green barcoded South African ID book, Smart ID card, or South African driver’s license displaying a visible SA ID number.
- Children (ages 4–17): South African birth certificate, clinic card, or medical aid card showing the ID number and birth date.
- Validity Period: If your birthday falls on June 10th, you can redeem your free ticket on any single day between June 1st and June 30th.
The “After 3 Special” (Afternoon Discount)
The After 3 Special offers discounted entrance for late afternoon visitors during the South African school term.
- Operating Hours: Applicable seven days a week from 15:00 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:30) during active school term dates.
- Savings: Adults pay R210 instead of R280, youth (14–17) pay R158, and children (4–13) pay R97.
- Purchasing Rule: Discounted tickets are sold exclusively at the onsite ticket desk from 15:00 onwards for same-day entry.
Annual Membership Upgrade Special
If you purchase a general day ticket and decide you want unlimited access, you can upgrade your day ticket to a 12-month annual membership on the day of your visit.
- Upgrade Cost: The full price of your day ticket is deducted from the annual membership fee (e.g., adults pay only the remaining R390 upgrade balance).
- Membership Benefits:
- Unlimited admission for a full 365 days.
- 25% discount on scuba diving experiences and behind-the-scenes tours.
- 10% discount at the Aquarium Gift Shop and Bootlegger Coffee Company.
- Invitations to exclusive member-only preview nights and ocean webinars.
Additional Concessions and Partner Discounts
Pensioner and Student Concessions
South African pensioners aged 60 and older, as well as registered tertiary students, receive a year-round concession rate of R210 (a R70 reduction off the standard adult rate). A valid student card or South African pensioner’s card must be presented upon purchase or entry.
Cape Town City Pass & Tourism Discounts
- Cape Town Official City Pass: Cardholders receive complimentary general entry into the Aquarium along with access to dozens of other premier Western Cape attractions.
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Presenting an active City Sightseeing bus ticket or bundle at the ticket desk or participating operators may unlock seasonal discounts on entry tickets and waterfront boat cruises.
Tips for Maximizing Your Savings at Two Oceans Aquarium
- Avoid School Holidays for After-3 Rates: The After 3 Special pauses during official public school holiday periods, so plan your afternoon visits during term time.
- Combine Free Entry with a Group Visit: South African family members can utilize their birthday month while remaining guests purchase After-3 tickets to significantly lower total family outing costs.
- Upgrade Before Leaving: Always keep your physical day ticket receipt; you must finalize your membership upgrade at the desk before exiting the building.
- Pack School IDs: High school students aged 14 to 17 qualify for reduced youth pricing rather than standard adult rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit the Two Oceans Aquarium for free on my birthday?
Yes, South African citizens and permanent residents receive one free general admission ticket during their calendar birthday month. You must bring a valid South African ID, driver’s license, or birth certificate directly to the onsite ticket office on the day you wish to visit.
What is the Two Oceans Aquarium After 3 Special?
The After 3 Special is a discounted afternoon rate available daily from 15:00 to 18:00 during South African public school terms. Tickets must be purchased in person at the ticket office after 15:00, lowering adult prices to R210, youth tickets to R158, and child tickets to R97.
Can international tourists use the Birthday Special?
No, the free birthday month promotion is restricted to South African citizens and legal permanent residents who can present a valid South African identification number. International visitors can save by booking afternoon slots or utilizing a Cape Town City Pass.
How do I upgrade my day ticket to an annual membership?
You can upgrade to an annual membership at the onsite visitor desk before leaving the Aquarium on the day of your visit.The value of your single-day entry ticket will be deducted from the total membership fee.
Are student and pensioner discounts available online?
While standard adult and child tickets can be bought online, student and pensioner discount tickets generally require valid proof of identification (such as a South African pensioner card or a current student card) when purchasing or validating at the venue.
Is entry to the Aquarium free for children under 4?
Yes, children aged 3 and younger enter the Two Oceans Aquarium for free year-round without needing a pre-purchased ticket. All children aged 13 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.