About us
Where oceans meet...
The southern tip of the African continent is the meeting place of two mighty and bountiful oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic. The Two Oceans Aquarium on the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, is ideally positioned to showcase the incredible diversity of marine life found off the southern tip of Africa.
To inspire action for the future well-being of our oceans
We know that our beautiful and mysterious oceans, which are the planet’s life support system, are in crisis because of human activities, and that a change in behaviour is needed to ensure abundant and healthy oceans for the future of all life.
To raise awareness of the oceans, the Two Oceans Aquarium is designed to showcase the beauty and diversity of the oceans off southern Africa. Our awe-inspiring exhibits aim to encourage love, respect and understanding of our oceans so that people are motivated to take action for their future well-being and to use marine and other natural resources sustainably.
Through fun, interactive exhibits, state-of-the-art education programmes, and innovative communication campaigns, the Aquarium offers a world-class, safe, clean and all-weather experience, all designed to ensure quality family time and unforgettable memories.
Abundant and healthy oceans for life
Internationally respected for its high standards in animal care, the Two Oceans Aquarium promotes sustainability through environmental education and conservation. We participate in the regional and international zoo and aquarium industry associations and are involved in meaningful marine research and conservation projects, in partnership with other like-minded organisations.
In whatever we do, our philosophy is to be:
- Responsible
- Ethical
- Compassionate
- Respectful
- Dedicated
- Passionate
We invite you to join us and explore, experience, and engage with our world.
Sustainability
The Two Oceans Aquarium actively strives to minimise the impact of its operations on the environment and is deeply committed to having a regenerative footprint. The Aquarium aims to be a positive influence, to build environmental and social resilience, and to lead as an organisation in which sustainability is embedded within all aspects of its operation.
The Two Oceans Aquarium makes informed decisions to reverse the impacts of human activity to regenerate ecosystems and species, building in circularity, longevity, resilience, and balance so that all may thrive now and into the future. The Aquarium is a proud certified Diamond member of the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme, an internationally recognised eco-labelling programme. We achieved Diamond status in 2017 after maintaining Platinum status, the programme's highest level of achievement, for five years. Diamond status indicates that we continually strive to reduce the impact of our operations on the environment and local communities.
Staff and volunteers
A small and dedicated staff of approximately 60 supports the Two Oceans Aquarium. They are supported by volunteers whose work is also invaluable to the Aquarium.
Accreditations and memberships
The Two Oceans Aquarium is a member of several professional bodies and we participate in regional and international zoo and aquarium industry associations.
Our partners
Sincere thanks to our corporate partners, whose generosity and shared vision enable us to foster love, respect and understanding of our oceans. Through these associations, we are able to offer our visitors world-class exhibits, ensure that our staff and visitors have access to state-of-the-art equipment, and ensure that our animals receive the best care.
With support from these partners, we are also able to present education programmes, run conservation projects, and conduct research through the registered non-profit public benefit organisation, the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
