Tour Guide
Dolphin show at uShaka Marine World in Durban

Entertainment Venue

🎭 uShaka Marine World

Africa's largest aquarium, built inside five replica shipwrecks on Durban's waterfront

Photo: Derek Keats · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

What is there to do at uShaka Marine World?

Opened in 2004 at the southern end of Durban's Golden Mile, uShaka Marine World is built around five replica shipwrecks that house one of the world's largest aquarium complexes. The Sea World aquarium contains 32 tanks displaying over 10,000 marine creatures, including ragged-tooth sharks cruising through a massive open ocean tank. Beyond the aquariums, the complex includes Wet 'n Wild water slides, a dolphin stadium, a village of shops and restaurants, and Dangerous Creatures, a separate reptile and arachnid exhibit.

Weather in uShaka Marine World

Weather data from MET Norway

Events Schedule

Open ocean tank -- Walk through an underwater tunnel as sharks, rays, and turtles glide overhead. Dolphin and seal shows -- Educational displays in a purpose-built outdoor stadium. Shipwreck architecture -- The aquarium's five replica wrecks are attractions in themselves. Wet 'n Wild -- Water slides and a lazy river for cooling off after the aquarium.

Seating Guide

Choosing the right seats or viewing position at uShaka Marine World can make the difference between a good experience and a great one. Guides and experienced visitors recommend specific locations based on the type of event, sightlines, and acoustics.

When to Visit

Sea World aquarium: Daily 9 AM - 5 PM. Wet 'n Wild: Daily 9 AM - 5 PM (weekends and holidays only in winter). Dolphin shows: Usually 11 AM and 2 PM; check the daily schedule. Best: Weekday mornings for a quieter aquarium experience

Admission and Costs

Sea World entry: R260 ($14) adults, R185 children. Wet 'n Wild combo: R325 adults, R260 children. Dangerous Creatures add-on: R95. Shark dive experience: R950 per person (certified divers only)

Tips for Visitors

Arrive at opening: The open ocean tank is most magical when the morning light filters through the water. Combo tickets: Save money by purchasing Sea World + Wet 'n Wild bundles online in advance. Shark cage experience: Book ahead for the in-tank shark dive; you don't need to be a professional diver. Bring swimwear: Wet 'n Wild is included in many combo tickets and is ideal for families. Village dining: The uShaka Village restaurants offer seafood and bunny chow with beachfront views

Frequently Asked Questions

What season is best for a visit to uShaka Marine World?

The aquarium is an indoor attraction that works well year-round, but the Wet 'n Wild water park is most enjoyable from October through April when Durban's subtropical warmth makes water slides and outdoor pools inviting. The water park operates on weekends only during winter (May through September), and cooler temperatures reduce its appeal. School holidays in December and January bring the biggest crowds, so visiting on weekdays during the shoulder months of March, April, or October offers the best combination of warm weather and manageable queues.

What are the opening hours at uShaka Marine World?

Sea World aquarium: Daily 9 AM - 5 PM. Wet 'n Wild: Daily 9 AM - 5 PM (weekends and holidays only in winter). Dolphin shows: Usually 11 AM and 2 PM; check the daily schedule. Best: Weekday mornings for a quieter aquarium experience

What do tickets cost at uShaka Marine World?

Sea World entry: R260 ($14) adults, R185 children. Wet 'n Wild combo: R325 adults, R260 children. Dangerous Creatures add-on: R95. Shark dive experience: R950 per person (certified divers only)

How should visitors prepare for uShaka Marine World?

Shark cage experience: Book ahead for the in-tank shark dive; you don't need to be a professional diver. Bring swimwear as Wet 'n Wild is included in many combo tickets and is ideal for families. The Village restaurants offer seafood and bunny chow with beachfront views.