uShaka Marine World
Durban's premier oceanfront attraction, offering a world-class aquarium, thrilling water park, and captivating marine shows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
uShaka Marine World
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Durban's premier oceanfront attraction, offering a world-class aquarium, thrilling water park, and captivating marine shows.
"A must-visit for anyone looking to combine fun, adventure, and a touch of education."
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your uShaka Marine World tickets in advance online. :admission_tickets:
☀️ Sunscreen is Essential
Durban sun is intense! Reapply sunscreen frequently, especially at the water park. :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Aquarium
Sea World
Explore diverse marine life in stunning, immersive exhibits. A must-see for all ages!
Wet 'n Wild Water Park
Water Park
Thrill-seekers rejoice! Experience exhilarating slides and splash zones for endless fun.
Dolphin & Seal Shows
Sea World Amphitheatre
Be amazed by the intelligence and agility of dolphins and seals in captivating performances.
Cargo Hold Restaurant
Oceanographic Exhibition
Dine surrounded by sharks and marine life for a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Sun Protection is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your uShaka Marine World tickets in advance online. :admission_tickets:
☀️ Sunscreen is Essential
Durban sun is intense! Reapply sunscreen frequently, especially at the water park. :sunwithface:
⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and make the most of your day by arriving as soon as uShaka opens. :clock1:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your uShaka Marine World tickets in advance online. :admission_tickets:
☀️ Sunscreen is Essential
Durban sun is intense! Reapply sunscreen frequently, especially at the water park. :sunwithface:
⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and make the most of your day by arriving as soon as uShaka opens. :clock1:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera or phone to capture the amazing marine life and fun experiences. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ Dining Reservations
For the Cargo Hold restaurant, book your table in advance for aquarium-side seating. :knifeforkplate:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
uShaka Marine World is widely praised as a vibrant and engaging destination, blending education with entertainment. Visitors highlight the stunning aquarium, captivating animal shows, and thrilling water park as major draws. While some minor areas might be closed or shows could be improved, the overall experience is highly recommended for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking fun and marine wonders.
"One of the coolest experiences in KZN. It was a rainy day when we visited, so we didn't do the water park and some of the other outdoor activities. We went to the aquarium and the dangerous creatures sections. Overall this was a great experience for the whole family.
Dangerous creatures: My sons love animals and creepy crawlies, so we've been to A LOT of reptile parks, this one is different - there is an overarching theme in the exhibits and surprises to add the fear factor. There are also really cool interactive experiences, like a python grip simulation. This was an awesome experience.
Aquarium and live shows: The aquarium also has an overarching theme, being a shipwreck, which accounts for a really cool experience. The exhibits are really well kept and there are friendly staff scattered throughout to add a fun fact while you're enjoying the exhibits. We were fortunate enough to be there for a shark feeding, what an experience, the actual feeding was really cool and the narrator was awesome. We also went to the dolphin and seal shows, not getting into the debate about animal shows here, but the animals were well kept, mostly rescues and trained to have the choice of whether they want to do a trick or not. There is a good educational emlement built into the shows and interactiveness with the audience is well embedded."
Nico Pretorius
"This place is truly one of Durban’s gems and a must-visit for anyone looking to combine fun, adventure, and a touch of education.
From the moment I walked through the vibrant uShaka Village Walk, I felt immersed in the atmosphere. The seal show was entertaining and full of charm, while the dolphin show was nothing short of magical; seeing these intelligent creatures up close was unforgettable. The aquarium is breathtaking, with its wide variety of marine life and incredible underwater displays.
I also explored the Dangerous Animals and Reptiles exhibit, which added an exciting edge to the day - it was fascinating and a little thrilling to see these creatures so closely. Every section was well thought out, interactive, and engaging.
What really stood out for me was how well the park blends education with entertainment. It’s not just about having fun; you also walk away learning more about marine life, conservation, and the beauty of the ocean. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the facilities were clean and well-maintained.
Overall, uShaka Marine World elevated my experience in Durban - it’s the kind of place where families, couples, or even solo adventurers can all find something special. I left with great memories, plenty of photos, and the desire to come back again!
Highly recommended. 🌊🐬🐠🐊"
Tebogo Sweatz
"🌊 1. Sea World
Home to one of the largest aquariums in the Southern Hemisphere.
You can walk through underwater tunnels and view sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins, and colorful fish up close.
There are dolphin and seal shows scheduled daily — both entertaining and educational.
💦 2. Wet ‘n Wild Water Park
Features water slides, lazy rivers, splash pools, and high-speed rides.
Great for families and thrill-seekers.
Lifeguards are stationed throughout, and facilities are well maintained.
🏖️ 3. uShaka Beach and Village Walk
Located right next to the ocean, with easy beach access.
Village Walk offers shops, restaurants, and cafés — from fast food to seafood dining with ocean views.
You can also find souvenirs, surfwear, and local crafts.
🧭 4. Animal Encounters
Optional experiences like snorkeling in lagoons, shark cage dives, or meeting dolphins (book in advance).
Great for adventure seekers or photography lovers.
🎭 5. Cultural and Family Vibes
Themed around King Shaka Zulu — you’ll see touches of Zulu culture and storytelling throughout.
The staff are generally friendly, and it’s a very family-friendly and educational space.
⭐ Overall Experience
🌟 Fun level: 9/10
🧒 Family friendliness: Excellent
💰 Value for money: Good (combo tickets often save you money)
🍽️ Food & facilities: Varied and clean
🐠 Highlight: The massive aquarium and dolphin show"
Lwandiso Qingana
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
uShaka Marine World is located on Durban's beachfront. You can reach it by car, taxi, or public transport. Parking is available on-site and typically has a fee. Many visitors find it convenient to use ride-sharing apps for easy access.
Yes, Durban has a public transport system that can get you close to uShaka Marine World. Check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.
The address for uShaka Marine World is 1 Sea View Drive, Point, Durban, 4001, South Africa.
If your ship has an unplanned visit to Durban, uShaka Marine World is a popular and accessible option for a memorable family experience. It's a relatively short taxi or ride-share from the port.
Yes, there is parking available at uShaka Marine World. There are attendants on-site, and you typically pay at the gate. The cost is usually reasonable for several hours of parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the attractions you wish to visit (Sea World, Wet 'n Wild, Dangerous Creatures). Special combo deals are often available. It's best to check the official uShaka Marine World website for the most current pricing and any ongoing specials.
Yes, purchasing uShaka Marine World tickets online is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to avoid long queues and ensure entry.
Yes, uShaka Marine World often offers combo tickets that include access to multiple attractions like Sea World, Wet 'n Wild, and Dangerous Creatures, providing better value.
Opening hours can vary, so it's advisable to check the official uShaka Marine World website before your visit. Generally, they are open daily, but specific times for each attraction might differ.
Information on discounts for children or seniors is best found on the official uShaka Marine World website or by contacting them directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions include Sea World (aquarium, dolphin and seal shows), Wet 'n Wild (water park with slides), and the Dangerous Creatures exhibit. There are also dining and shopping options.
Absolutely! The aquarium is a major highlight, featuring a vast array of marine life and impressive underwater displays. It's a breathtaking experience for all ages. +2
The 'Body Tornado' is a popular and thrilling waterslide. uShaka Wet 'n Wild offers a variety of slides for different thrill levels.
Yes, you can experience unique activities like shark cage diving, snorkeling in a lagoon, or the Ocean Walker experience. The Cargo Hold restaurant offers dining with aquarium views. 
uShaka Marine World is very family-friendly, with attractions like the aquarium, water park, and animal shows catering to children of all ages. +1
The seal show is entertaining, though some visitors feel it could be longer. It often involves audience participation and showcases the seals' abilities.
While you can't swim with dolphins during the show, uShaka Marine World offers opportunities for personal dolphin encounters, which require advance booking.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
uShaka Marine World has various dining options, including the unique Cargo Hold restaurant with aquarium views, as well as other eateries and cafes within the complex. +1
The Cargo Hold restaurant offers a fine dining experience with stunning views of sharks and marine life. It's considered a special occasion spot, and reservations are highly recommended for aquarium-side seating.
Yes, besides fine dining, there are more casual eateries and cafes within uShaka Marine World offering a range of food options to suit different budgets.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the park. It's best to check uShaka Marine World's specific policies regarding this.
You can find a variety of cuisines, from seafood at the Cargo Hold to more casual fast food and cafe-style options throughout the park.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed in most areas of uShaka Marine World, especially for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibits to protect the marine life.
The aquarium exhibits, especially the large tanks with sharks and rays, offer incredible photo opportunities. The dolphin and seal shows also provide dynamic shots. The Cargo Hold restaurant is also very photogenic. +2
You can usually take photos during the dolphin and seal shows, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash if it might disturb the animals.
Drone usage is typically restricted in most public attractions for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to check uShaka Marine World's specific policy on drones.
Visitors often share photos of colorful fish, majestic sharks, playful dolphins and seals, thrilling water slides, and the unique dining experience at Cargo Hold. +3
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a family package for the best value. Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen and hats, as the Durban sun can be intense. 💑 Couples
🌊 Adventure Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Sea World: The Aquarium & Shows
The dolphin and seal shows are also a major draw. These performances are not only entertaining but also educational, highlighting the intelligence and natural behaviors of these marine mammals. While some reviews suggest the seal show could be extended, the dolphin show is consistently praised for its quality and engagement.
For those seeking a more personal interaction, uShaka offers opportunities for dolphin encounters, though these typically require advance booking and an additional fee. The overall experience at Sea World is designed to be both fun and informative, fostering an appreciation for marine conservation.
Adrenaline Rush at Wet 'n Wild
Whether you're looking for high-speed drops, twists, and turns, or simply a place to cool off and have fun, Wet 'n Wild delivers. It's a perfect spot for families with older children and teenagers, or anyone who enjoys water-based adventures.
Pro-tip: Arrive early to maximize your time at the water park, as it can get quite busy, especially during peak season. Remember to wear appropriate swimwear and stay hydrated under the Durban sun.
Unique Dining Experiences
While the Cargo Hold provides a fine-dining experience, it's advisable to book in advance, especially if you want a table with a direct view of the aquarium. This makes it a popular choice for special occasions and romantic dinners.
Beyond the Cargo Hold, uShaka Marine World features a range of other eateries and cafes, offering more casual dining options to suit various tastes and budgets. This ensures that visitors can find something to satisfy their hunger throughout their visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit