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uShaka Sea World

About

uShaka Marine World is an impressive themed marine park located in the coastal zone of Durban, South Africa. It is one of the city's main tourist attractions, offering visitors a unique combination of entertainment and educational experiences related to marine life.

uShaka Sea World. Illustration.
Source: Kupi.com AI

Traveller photos:

The heart of the complex is one of the largest aquariums in the world, home to thousands of marine creatures, from colorful reef fish to fearsome sharks. In addition to the aquarium, uShaka Marine World includes the large "Wet 'n Wild" water park with various water slides and pools, the "Village Walk" entertainment area with shops and restaurants, and a special zone for children called "uShaka Kids World."

The park occupies a significant area on Durban's famous Golden Mile, right on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Unique themed zones, dolphin and seal shows, and the opportunity to get up close with marine life make uShaka Marine World an ideal place for leisure and educational activities for the whole family. It is not just an entertainment center, but a place where you can learn a lot about the ocean and its inhabitants.

Contacts

To obtain the latest contact information for uShaka Marine World, including phone numbers, email addresses, or the official website, it is recommended to check the official tourism portals of Durban or the tourism resources of South Africa. There, you can find the most up-to-date data and plan your visit.

How to contactContact
Address1 King Shaka Ave, Point, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Phone+27 31 328 8000
Websiteushakamarine.com

What to Do

uShaka Marine World in Durban, South Africa, invites visitors to dive into the amazing underwater world and enjoy a wide variety of entertainment. The main attraction of the complex is the extensive aquarium, home to over a thousand species of marine animals. Here you can see fearsome sharks, graceful rays, and many exotic fish. The unique Shipwreck aquarium, styled after a sunken ship, makes a special impression, adding a sense of mystery and adventure to the exploration.

For fans of active recreation and water fun, uShaka Marine World features the uShaka Wet ‘n Wild water park. It delights guests with ten different water slides, refreshing pools, and two types of rivers for a leisurely float on inflatable tubes, suitable for all ages. Additionally, the complex regularly hosts exciting shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and penguins, who showcase their skills and provide plenty of positive emotions for the audience.

Beyond observing marine life and water rides, uShaka Marine World provides unique opportunities for closer interaction with nature. Those interested can interact with dolphins, experience a thrill during a shark dive (in a specially equipped cage for full safety), take an "ocean floor" walk in special gear, or go snorkeling in designated areas to view underwater life up close. For younger visitors, there are also engaging play areas, a climbing park, and a zipline, guaranteeing a fun and active time.

Getting There

Getting to the famous uShaka Marine World aquarium in Durban is easy, as it is conveniently located in the heart of the city on the popular Golden Mile beachfront. Thanks to this central location, many hotels and other tourist attractions are within walking distance of the complex. If you prefer public transportation, most city routes traveling along the coast pass by uShaka Marine World. Of course, you can always use a taxi or rent a car for maximum comfort.

For travelers arriving in Durban from other cities in South Africa or from abroad, the nearest airport is King Shaka International Airport. It is located approximately 35 kilometers north of the city center. From the airport, you can easily reach uShaka Marine World by taxi, book a transfer, or rent a car directly at the airport. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Nearest city: Durban

History & Facts

uShaka Marine World, located in Durban, opened its doors to visitors in the early 2000s. Its creation was an important part of a large-scale coastal development program, and it almost immediately earned the status of one of the main tourism gems of South Africa. The uniqueness of this place is largely defined by its original architecture and thematic design: the entire complex is styled after shipwrecks, which immediately immerses guests in an exciting atmosphere of maritime adventure and mysterious underwater exploration.

One of the main points of pride for uShaka Marine World is its impressive aquarium. By water volume, it ranks fifth in the world, making it not only the largest on the African continent but also one of the most significant aquariums on the planet. It is home to an incredible variety of marine inhabitants, from tiny colorful fish to majestic sharks and rays, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the richness of ocean fauna.

Over the years, uShaka Marine World has received numerous prestigious national and international awards. These accolades highlight its significant contribution not only to regional tourism development but also to vital areas such as environmental education and active marine species conservation. The complex does not just entertain; it fulfills an important educational mission, fostering a love and respect for the ocean and its inhabitants in every visitor.

Time Needed

When planning a visit to uShaka Marine World, it is worth setting aside at least one full day. This time is generally sufficient to fully enjoy the park's main zones: the impressive aquarium and the exciting Wet 'n Wild water park. You will also have time to take part in some of the additional activities offered by this popular complex in Durban.

If you are traveling with children or are a big fan of marine life and water attractions, we recommend allowing even two days for your visit. This extra time will allow you to explore every corner of the park without rushing, try out various activities, and get the most out of every moment. It will let you take your time getting to know all the aquarium inhabitants and fully enjoy all the slides and pools at the water park.

Working Hours

The uShaka Marine World aquarium in Durban is generally happy to welcome guests from Wednesday to Sunday, from the morning hours until the evening. It is important to note that operating hours can vary depending on the season, so it is highly recommended to check the current schedule on the official uShaka Marine World website or contact them directly before your trip. This will help you plan your visit in the best possible way.

To make your visit as comfortable as possible, especially during the peak tourist season or on weekends, consider purchasing tickets online in advance if such a service is available. The official website also typically provides information on whether pre-booking is required for certain shows or attractions. Generally, the complex is open year-round, but for the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is always best to refer to the primary sources.

DayOpening hours
Monday9:00 – 17:00
Tuesday9:00 – 17:00
Wednesday9:00 – 17:00
Thursday9:00 – 17:00
Friday9:00 – 17:00
Saturday9:00 – 17:00
Sunday9:00 – 18:00

Nearby

Visiting uShaka Marine World is undoubtedly a highlight, but you shouldn't stop there. Exploring the surrounding area will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of Durban and discover even more interesting places that will make your trip truly unforgettable.

The area around uShaka Marine World offers a variety of options for continuing your day, whether you are looking for cultural sites, lively entertainment venues, or scenic nature spots. Don't miss the chance to broaden your horizons and see more than what is on the main route. Below is a list of some attractions located nearby:

NameDistance
uShaka Marine World0 km
The Chairman0.4 km
Egagasini Night Club1.4 km
Golden Mile1.4 km
The BAT Centre1.6 km
Durban Natural Science Museum2.1 km
Durban Beachfront2.4 km

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