This heritage month, we are celebrating the incredible marine life and ecosystems that make South Africa’s coastline so special.
This school holiday, from 24 September to 5 October 2026, come and Sea Local, Love Local at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Discover some of our very own marine locals, learn more about the ecosystems they call home, and spend your school holidays exploring the wonders of our blue backyard.
With so much to see and do, make the most of your visit by buying your tickets online and skipping the ticket office queue.
And there is no better place to start than with one of our most famous locals: South Africa’s national fish, the galjoen.
Competition time: Win a penguin experience for two!
Your school holiday visit could be the beginning of an unforgettable Aquarium adventure!
When you buy your day ticket online and visit the Aquarium during the school holidays, you will be automatically entered into a draw to win the first Penguin Experience in our exciting new penguin exhibit once it opens!
Want an extra chance to win? Upgrade your day ticket to an annual Aquarium membership during the school holidays and receive an additional entry.
Bought your ticket in person? You can still enter by upgrading your day ticket. Simply keep your ticket and visit our Visitor Centre, where you can pay the applicable difference.
Already a member? We have something special for you too. Visit the Aquarium during the school holidays, and you will be entered into a separate, Members only draw for an additional Penguin Experience for two.
No entry form is needed. Qualifying entries will use the email address linked to your ticket purchase or membership record. The new exhibit’s opening date is still to be announced. Winners will be contacted directly to arrange their Penguin Experiences.
Competition runs from 24 September to 5 October 2026. Penguin Experience participants must be aged 8 or older. Entry limits and full terms and conditions apply.
Meet the locals:
From the kelp forests of the Cape to the rocky reefs along our coastline, South Africa is home to an incredible variety of marine life. Here are just a few of the lekker locals you can meet at the Aquarium.
Galjoen
Most galjoen are nearly black, helping them to blend into the rocky coastlines they prefer, but they can change to pale bronze when around the coast.
Red stumpnose
Look out for the red stumpnose swimming through our majestic Kelp Forest Exhibit. These striking fish are easily recognised by their steep foreheads. In males, this feature becomes increasingly pronounced and bulbous as they grow older.
South African butterflyfish
You can find South African butterflyfish in our Octopus Exhibit. This species is a perfect representation of the Two Oceans Aquarium because it is the only butterflyfish species that lives in both the Indian and Atlantic oceans.
Black musselcracker
Keep an eye out for the black musselcrackers in our I&J Oceans Exhibit. These powerful locals have strong jaws and teeth that they use to crush prey with hard shells. Their impressive feeding adaptations make them well suited to life along South Africa’s rocky coastline.
Hottentot
Hottentots are another local species you can learn about at the Aquarium. Living around kelp forests and rocky reefs along the Western Cape, these fish feed on a variety of small animals. They are also listed on the SASSI green list, making them a better, more responsible seafood choice.
Cape yellowtail
Our Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit is home to the fast-swimming Cape yellowtail. These powerful predatory fish live in the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the Cape coast, but they can migrate towards warmer Indian Ocean waters in pursuit of sardines. Their speed and strength make them fascinating animals to watch as they move through the exhibit.
Catch feeding time action
Feeding time at the Aquarium is an exciting and interactive way to see some of your favourite animals in action while learning more about their behaviour, diets and natural environments.
Plan your visit around these daily feeding times:
- Sharks: Saturdays at 12h00
- Stingrays: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 12h00
- Kelp forest: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 12h00
- African penguins: Every day at 11h30 and 14h30
Kids' arts and crafts
There is plenty for our younger visitors to enjoy too! Our Children’s Play Centre is a favourite for a reason. During the school holidays, little ocean lovers can get creative with fun arts and crafts activities, from ocean-themed key rings and fridge magnets to ornaments and crowns. What better way to remember your Aquarium adventure than by leaving with your own craft creation?
Enjoy extended opening hours
Are you an early bird? From 24 September to 5 October 2026, the Aquarium will have extended opening hours, giving you even more time to explore.
We will be open from 09h00 to 18h00. Arrive early to enjoy the Aquarium before the day gets busier, or take your time exploring our exhibits and discovering something new around every corner.
Daily puppet shows
Your little ones can also enjoy our daily puppet shows, where environmental stories come to life through fun and engaging characters.
Puppet shows take place daily at 10:30, 13:30 and 15:30.
Something special for our members
Members, mark your calendars! On 1 October 2026, we are inviting you to an exclusive Members Only Evening at the Aquarium.
From 18h00 to 21h00, members will have the opportunity to explore the Aquarium after hours and enjoy a special guided preview of our new penguin exhibit while it’s still taking shape – a rare chance to see the space as it comes to life!
It is a chance to see behind the scenes, discover what is coming next and experience the Aquarium in a whole new way. Not a member yet? You can still sign up and join us for the members only evening.
Come Sea Local, Love Local
This heritage month, celebrate the incredible marine life that calls our coastline home. From kelp forests and rocky reefs to our national fish, the galjoen, there is so much to discover about South Africa’s unique marine heritage.
So, gather the family, bring your curiosity and come meet our marine locals this school holiday. Sea local. Love local. See you at the Two Oceans Aquarium!
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