uShaka Marine World, Durban
uShaka Marine World is situated in Kwazulu Natal, Durban. It opened doors to the public on the 30th of April 2004 and has fast become a world class tourism and entertainment destination.
uShaka spans over 15 hectares of prime beach front, known as Shaka Beach and is considered to be a key attraction on Durban’s Golden Mile. It is tastefully themed with a focus on family entertainment as you can enjoy plenty of fun and excitement.
uShaka has incorporated ocean and fresh water, natural materials, lush vegetation and the re-creation of a 1940 cargo shipwreck. As well as, boasting the 5th largest aquarium across the globe by volume of water and is Africa’s largest Marine Theme park.
Enjoy an unforgettable meal in the remarkable Sharks restaurant, which is situated within the shipwreck and take pleasure in a view from your window of the sharks, as they swim by in their tank. The retail space spans over 11,250m², featuring outdoor gear, clothing boutiques, indigenous-focused goods and crafts, information and services.
The salt water aquarium is located in the middle of the marine world, with outdoor and indoor exhibits and displays. You’ll be entertained by the world famous dolphins in a 1200 seated dolphin stadium, enjoy the penguin rookery and seal stadium. Sea World offers special interactive activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling through reefs and educated tours behind the scenes.
Bell’s Beach, which lies adjacent to uShaka Marine World, is the ideal hub for adventure seekers and offers all-year non-stop fun. You can enjoy windsurfing, beach rugby, beach volleyball, surfing, kite surfing, jet skiing, paddle boat rides, international and national beach sports events and dolphin viewing charters.
Wet ‘n Wild World is a fresh water entertainment wonderland, offering spine-tingling amusement for the entire family. It features relaxing river rides, high speed chutes for the adrenaline junkies and separate swimming pools for kids and adults.
A definite must to experience if you aren’t claustrophobic, is the tunnel ride – a roller-coaster enclosed ride. You’ll speed around curves at a heart-wrenching four metres per second in the dark. This makes for a thrilling experience and you’ll definitely be coming back for more.
Sea World incorporates the research facilities of the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI), which protects and manages scientific and environmental credibility of Sea World and SAAMBR as a whole. The research facilities also offer classrooms for lectures to groups and schools on marine and coastal matters as well as a reference and research library.
HIGHLIGHTS AT USHAKA MARINE WORLD INCLUDE:
ROCKY TOUCH POOL – You get to touch marine life with the help of a specially trained guide.
THE OPEN OCEAN – Gaze through a window 8m long and by 3m high observe the open ocean such as tuna, dorado, pompano and rays.
DANGERS OF THE DEEP – Experience sharks, devil fire fish, sea snakes and stone fish that inhabit the area
CORAL GARDENS – Observe the beauty of the richest and most diverse ecosystems on the earth.
THE DEEP ZONE – Peak into the lives of some of the most spectacular and weirdest creatures that inhabit the ocean bed, often in total darkness.
PENGUINS – Although an endangered species, our breeding colony provides you with a opportunity to see these rare birds as they waddle on land and ‘fly’ through the water.
DIRECTIONS TO USHAKA MARINE WORLD:
From central Durban, take Point Road from Victoria Embankment or West Street and travel south, turn left into Southampton and then left into Albert Terrace.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- No food or refreshments will be allowed to be taken into the venue or it will be confiscated.
- Visit uShaka Marine World for up to date opening times and entrance fees.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Address: 1 King Shaka Avenue Point DurbanThe Tourism KwaZulu Natal has an information office and shop situated close to the Treasure World entrance. Contact 031-337-8099 for more information.