Two Oceans Aquarium is Kicking Off Marine Protected Areas Day 2025

On 1 and 2 August 2025 the Two Oceans Aquarium will celebrate Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day 2025 with a fun- filled programme that feutures activities for everyone. From live radio broadcasts to rocky shore explores and a film screening at the Aquarium, MPA Day 2025 promises it all. Here’s everything you need to know.

Everything Happening on MPA Day 2025

Over the span of two days, the Two Oceans Aquarium will bring attention to our beloved ocean and other marine areas during the MPA Day 2025 celebrations. Events are taking place across Cape Town, and there are a variety of exciting things to take part in.

Friday 1 August:

9am – 12pm: Open Day Kommetjie. Celebrate MPA Day with the Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit in Kommetjie, alongside Project Marine Watch – Guardians of the Deep NPC, SANParks and the SANParks Honorary Rangers. Explore the coastal environment, meet the rangers who protect it, and learn about the Table Mountain MPA.

1pm – 3pm: Cape Talk’s “Lunch with Pippa Hudson” will broadcast live from the I&J Ocean Exhibit at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Pippa will talk with guests about the importance of MPAs in protecting the ocean’s biodiversity and about the ocean conservation work the Two Oceans Aquarium and its partners do in ocean protection.

2.30pm – 3.30pm: Virtual Tour. Immerse yourself in the diversity of MPA’s around the world with a virtual tour. Keep an eye on the website for the link.

Time TBC: Online Writing Workshop. The Ocean Advocate will host a 60-minute online writing workshop for ocean storytellers. Called Write for the Ocean, this is a dynamic, interactive masterclass designed to help participants turn their words into powerful tools to advocate for the sea.

Saturday 2 August:

9am onwards: The Ocean Hub, Simons Town. Well-known ocean conservation and tourism organisation and Two Oceans Aquarium Hope Spot co-champion, Cape Radd will offer an incredible MPA Day opportunity. Stop counting your dives and make your dives count by joining Cape RADD’s guided snorkel tour at The Ocean Hub in Simon’s Town. Book via email ([email protected])

9.30am – 12.30pm: Walk & Beach Clean Up. The City of Cape Town’s Smart Living Programme, in collaboration with local partners, will be hosting a Biodiversity & Photography Walk followed by a Beach Clean-up at Helderberg MPA, Lourens River Mouth

1pm – 3pm: Dalebrook Tidal Pool Exploration. This family-focused Rocky Shore Explore will delight explorers of all ages and is an excellent opportunity to discover the incredible natural diversity of the shoreline right on our doorstep. Expert teams from the Aquarium will be there to introduce participants to the variety of animals and plants that call Table Mountain National Park MPA home, like sea stars, anemones, colourful nudibranchs, and even octopuses. Find out more here.

The ocean-loving community of the Western Cape is spoilt for choice in MPA Day celebrations, as activities are being held along the coast and across the province at large.