Behind the Scenes Guided Tours
Go behind the blue curtain!
Ever wondered about the inner workings of the Two Oceans Aquarium? Perhaps you have questions about how our life support systems work, or how and what the animals in our care are fed. Join a guided Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Aquarium and find out!
What is a Behind the Scenes Guided Tour?
Join a member of our Curatorial team for an opportunity to go behind the scenes and wind your way through areas of the Aquarium where few members of the public ever go, and see what goes on during the daily running of the Two Oceans Aquarium.
During this exciting tour, you will journey beyond the “staff-only” access doors and into the areas where water pumps are humming, food for the animals is being prepared, divers kit up and much more. See the animals and exhibits from a completely different point of view, all while our expert staff share fascinating information about how we make the Aquarium magic happen.
- Your Behind-the-Scenes Tour booking includes general access to public areas of the Aquarium for the day.
- Guided tours take place at 10h00 and 13h00 daily and last up to 75 minutes (please arrive 15 minutes early to complete an indemnity form).
- A maximum of 8 people can join a tour.
- The Behind-the-Scenes tour is suitable for adults and children aged 8 and up.
- Tours must be booked at least 24 hours in advance, subject to availability.
Did you know?
It takes more than 100 staff and volunteers to keep the Aquarium running daily.
All the water in the Aquarium comes from the ocean and is cleaned by a combination of mechanical and natural filters.
Biosecurity is key! This means that all new organisms coming into the Aquarium go through a strict quarantine procedure.
Frequently asked questions
- Book your Behind-the-Scenes Tour online here.
Alternatively, email experience@aquarium.co.za or call us at +27 (0)21 418 3823 to book your Behind-the-Scenes Tour or book in person at our Visitor Centre.
Remember - Aquarium entry is included for all participants in a Behind-the-Scenes Tour. Anyone accompanying you, but not participating in the tour, will need to book an Aquarium day ticket to enter.
Please arrive on time.
Report to the Visitor Centre when you arrive (on your right, as you enter the Aquarium)
You will need to undergo a health screening when entering the Aquarium. Please see the next section for details.
Children must be 8 years and older in order to participate in this experience.
Please wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes (no high heels).
Payment is required at least 24 hours prior to secure your booking.
Report to the Visitor Centre at 09:45 for the 10:00 tour or 12:45 for the 13:00 tour to complete your indemnity forms.
Failure to arrive for your Tour will result in cancellation and you will be liable for the full fee.
Should you cancel your Tour 48 hours prior to the time, 90% of the fee will be refunded. Please be advised that the refund process may take 5 to 10 working days.
Should you cancel your Tour on the day, you will forfeit the entire fee. No refund will be given, unless it’s due to medical reasons and you can provide proof, e.g. a medical certificate.
Should you wish to postpone your Tour for another day, please do so at least 24 hours in advance. If you postpone on the day of the booking, you will be charged a penalty fee of 50% of the experience fee. If the reason for the postponement is medical and happened on the day of the booking, there will be no penalty fee, provided you have proof.