Construction at the Two Oceans Aquarium: FAQ
Exciting changes are coming to the Aquarium! Here's what you need to know.
We’re excited to begin the next step in the Aquarium’s evolution – a major upgrade focused on improving your visitor experience. This project includes new spaces to relax, a vibrant youth centre filled with fascinating facts for our youngest guests, enhancements to the living spaces for the animals in our care, and more comfortable, collaborative workspaces for the growing Aquarium and Foundation teams.
Look forward to a refreshed and expanded Penguin Exhibit, a massive new children’s centre, relaxing ecosystem-themed spaces to enjoy a cup of coffee, and much more!
Frequently asked questions
Yes! The Aquarium will remain open seven days a week during our regular hours. Construction is not expected to significantly impact the visitor experience.
While some exhibits and activity areas have been temporarily relocated, all your favourite highlights, including the Children’s Play Centre and Penguin Exhibit, will remain open throughout the construction period.
The well-being of our animals is our top priority. As members of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), we are held to strict global welfare standards as well as our own.
Noise, light, vibration, and dust can all pose risks to animals. Our experienced team has developed detailed plans to mitigate these impacts. Trained aquarists continuously monitor the animals' health, behaviour, and environment. If any concern arises, construction work is paused until the issue is addressed or mitigated.
This is a dynamic process, and while we can’t list every intervention in real-time, we welcome questions – reach out on social media or email aquarium@aquarium.co.za. And remember, you are part of the team: If you notice anything that seems unusual, please alert an Aquarium staff member.
While you may notice a few changes to the layout and some construction hoarding, we're not expecting any significant disruption to your visit.
Most construction is taking place on the rooftop and in external areas. When work occurs inside the Aquarium, such as the redevelopment of the old play centre, all active construction areas will be securely isolated behind hoarding.
As always, our Visitor Services team is trained and ready to assist with any needs during your visit.
Construction begins in May 2025 and is expected to take approximately one year, with changes happening in phases, so you’ll see exciting progress along the way!
All front-of-house activities, including feeding presentations and puppet shows, are continuing as normal.
However, behind-the-scenes experiences, including Penguin Experiences and back-of-house tours, are paused for now.
Temporarily, no. Behind-the-scenes areas are currently closed to the public, so our in-tank diving experiences are on hold.
But the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School is still running full steam – offering PADI Discover Scuba Diving experiences in False Bay, shore dives, boat dives, freediving, and more. Explore the ocean with us outside the Aquarium!
Yes! Our members-only sleepovers and community events will continue as usual, with a few changes to the usual schedule to accommodate the work in the Aquarium. Members will be kept up to date via email.
Yes – the Aquarium is available for bespoke private evening events, from cocktail parties to corporate dinners! While some venues are temporarily offline, favourites like the Tranquillity Boardroom and full Aquarium event packages remain available. Email functions@aquarium.co.za to enquire.
Not at all! Our ticket office will continue to operate as normal, although we encourage you to purchase your ticket online to make things easier for your visit. You can get your tickets here.
No! While our Ocean Campus classrooms are undergoing renovation, we've created two fully equipped temporary classrooms to ensure school visits continue uninterrupted. School groups from all areas are welcome and invited to enjoy the full range of lessons on offer.
Not significantly. All Foundation operations, including the Turtle Conservation Centre, Marine Wildlife Management Programme, and conservation education efforts, will continue as usual.
The final phase of construction includes a new Foundation office space, designed to better support our collaborative mission to protect the ocean, its inhabitants, and people.
Yes! While this project focuses on key improvements, it also lays the groundwork for even more exciting developments. We’re always looking ahead, but you’ll have to wait and see!
Here’s a sneak peek:
- An expanded, upgraded Penguin Exhibit
- A brand-new children’s play and marine science education centre
- A multipurpose “ecosystem space” to unwind and grab a coffee
- Modern, flexible classrooms for school groups and workshops
- A brand-new temporary exhibits hall for rotating experiences
We will continue to keep the public up to date when these new spaces and experiences become available. Exact dates are not available at present, but you’ll hear from us on our social media platforms and regular newsletter.
We’ll share updates on our website, social media, and in our newsletter – especially as part of our 30th birthday celebrations. Aquarium members will also receive regular updates via email.
