School’s Out, Sharks In: Winter school holidays at the Two Oceans Aquarium

Dive into an underwater adventure at The Two Oceans Aquarium this school holidays. The holiday programme focuses on celebrating sharks – not the scary movie monsters, but the incredible diversity of these amazing ocean predators that keep the oceans healthy and thriving. From the aquarium’s famous ragged-tooth sharks to the smaller (and objectively adorable) pyjama catsharks, prepare to discover just how fascinating these misunderstood animals are.

Discover The Diverse Shark Family

While the ragged-tooth sharks in the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit often steal the show, this holiday, The Tow Ocean’s team is encouraging families to explore the full spectrum of shark species throughout the Aquarium. Head to the Kelp Forest Exhibit to spot the spotted gully sharks gliding gracefully through the underwater forest, or visit the smaller exhibits to meet the camouflaged puffadder shysharks and the aptly named pyjama sharks.

Feeding Time Fun at the Two Oceans Aquarium

One of the most exciting times at the Two Oceans Aquarium is Saturdays at 12 noon, where scuba divers enter the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit to feed the ragged-tooth sharks! Viewers at the impressive main window can ask questions and learn all about these magnificent animals.

African penguin feeding time is also an exciting time at the Aquarium. Daily at 11.30am and 2.30pm, the colony is fed delicious fish by the Penguin Keepers at the Penguin Exhibit. And, while you watch the African penguins enjoy their meal, you can learn about their habits, lifestyles, and the risks they face in the wild.

Penguin lovers can also enjoy a Penguin Experience – a chance for up to two people to join one of the Penguin Keepers for an informative, fun, and exhilarating face-to-face experience with the feathered friends! During this time, you can learn how the penguins are cared for at the Two Oceans Aquarium, discover their stories, and have the chance to meet the penguins behind the scenes.

Kids’ Activities and Entertainment at The Two Oceans Aquarium

The Children’s Play Centre offers a variety of fun, shark-themed crafts for the little ones to enjoy and take home. From DIY pencil bags and photo frames to bracelets and wire mobiles, the early childhood development team has a variety of fascinating crafts for your little ones to enjoy.

Children between the ages of 3 and 9 will love meeting all the characters: Geo and Beauty, Sally the Seal, Henry the Seahorse, Exo the Crab, Peter the Penguin, Bruce the Shark and Dolly the Dolphin, Tinks the Tortoise, Bella the mommy turtle, Lilly the Leopard Catshark, Whiskers the Mouse and Edgar the Eagle and many, many more in fun and interactive puppet shows. The shows take place daily at the I&J Play Centre at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

Special Offers at the Two Oceans Aquarium

Free birthday entry: Enjoy a free visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium. The special has been extended to include your entire birthday month, valid until 31 January 2026. Bring your SA ID along to show your birth date.
After 3pm Special: Buy your ticket at the aquarium ticket office after 3pm for entry on the same day, and you’ll qualify for a discount – find out more here.
Membership Upgrades: An annual membership offers fantastic value for regular family outings. Members enjoy unlimited visits, discounts at our Gift Shop and Bootlegger Coffee Company, plus exclusive access to members-only events.

Ocean Campus Holiday Courses

Looking for something extra special to enrich your child’s holidays? The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation Ocean Campus is offering exciting educational courses during the winter break.

Grade 7 Smart Living Course: This engaging and interactive course for Grade 7s explores how our daily lives connect to the natural environment. From the water flowing through our taps to the electricity fuelling our appliances, learners discover the significance of environmental preservation, energy conservation, waste reduction, and responsible water use. The course features exciting hands-on activities and includes a fascinating excursion.

Ocean Funatics Course (Grade 2 -3): Foundation Phase parents, this one’s for you! Ocean Funatics is all about diving into the incredible world of ocean animals. Your little ones will discover fascinating creatures that can camouflage and even construct their very own cosy homes! This course turns learning into an exciting adventure through hands-on activities and creative arts and crafts. If your child loves nature and enjoys getting artsy, this course will be an absolute blast.

PADI Winter Special – 10% Off Dive Courses

Winter is one of the best times to learn scuba diving in Cape Town. False Bay offers excellent diving conditions during the winter months, with calmer seas and fantastic visibility.

The Two Oceans Aquarium PADI Dive School is running an exciting Winter Special with 10% off selected dive courses – perfect for boosting your underwater skills during the school holidays. This limited-time offer is available until 31 August 2025.

Courses included in the Winter Special:

PADI Open Water Course – 10% off
PADI Advanced Open Water Course – 10% off
PADI Rescue Diver Course – 10% off
Emergency First Response (EFR) Course – 10% off

How to book: Email [email protected] to secure your spot.

Where: Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town
Opening times: 9am to 6pm

Website: www.aquarium.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @2oceansaquarium
Facebook: @TwoOceansAquarium