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uShaka Marine World

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uShaka Marine World (South Africa)

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uShaka Marine World is a 16-hectare theme park in Durban, South Africa, which opened in April 2004 and houses one of the largest aquariums in the world. The complex is located at the Point Waterfront and is architecturally designed around the wreck of a fictional 1940s cargo ship called the 'Phantom Ship'. The aquarium tanks are viewed through underground galleries within the shipwreck, featuring massive viewing windows that reveal sharks, rays, and thousands of tropical fish. In addition to the aquarium, the park includes 'Wet 'n Wild' water park, a dolphin and seal stadium, and an open-air shopping village. The uShaka Sea World research facility is internationally recognized for its work in conserving marine ecosystems in the Indian Ocean. Visitors can engage in interactive experiences such as shark diving or ray feeding encounters. The park plays a central role in KwaZulu-Natal's tourism, combining entertainment with critical education about ocean conservation. Its prime location on the Indian Ocean shore also provides direct access to protected beach areas for water sports.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

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Rain mm1078490654027423665100122110

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
uShaka Marine World in Durban is a large aquarium and water park with an aquarium, water park, and restaurants. The park is open year-round and gives attractions for all ages.
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Typical hours
The park typically opens daily at 9 AM and closes between 5 and 6 PM depending on season. It is advisable to check exact hours on the website.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in most areas of the park except where signs prohibit it. In the aquariums, avoid flash to avoid disturbing the animals.
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Time needed
Allow at least half a day to see the main attractions. A full day is recommended if you also want to use the water park.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a trip to Durban's nearby beaches or Moses Mabhida Stadium. uShaka Marine World is located near the Golden Mile entertainment district.
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Getting there
The park is located on Victoria Embankment in central Durban, easily reachable by car or taxi. Ample paid parking is available.
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Insider tip
Visit the park on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. Bring swimwear and towels if you plan to use the water park.

Geography

Coordinates
-29.87000, 31.05000

Facts

  • Opened on April 30, 2004, in Durban's Point area.
  • The aquarium holds a total of 17.5 million liters of water.
  • The 'Phantom Ship' wreck is the park's central architectural icon.
  • Home to the largest dolphinarium on the African continent.
  • The park spans 16 hectares of prime coastal land.
  • Features a specialized Marine Research Institute (ORI).

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Port of DurbanPort of Durban2 km · SExplore →
DurbanDurban3 km · SExplore →
Moses Mabhida StadiumMoses Mabhida Stadium5 km · SEExplore →
The Pearls of UmhlangaThe Pearls of Umhlanga14 km · EExplore →
Toyota Prospecton PlantToyota Prospecton Plant17 km · SWExplore →
KwaMakhuthaKwaMakhutha26 km · SWExplore →
BallitoBallito37 km · NEExplore →
Salt RockSalt Rock41 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town uShaka Marine World (1)

Dolphin Stadium Stands📍 landmark

The Dolphin Stadium Stands offer tiered seating for visitors to enjoy captivating live aquatic performances.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does uShaka offer?
A huge water and theme park with an aquarium, dolphinarium, and water slides.
Is it suitable for small children?
Yes, there are special areas and wading pools for small children.
How long is a visit?
Plan for a full day for the park and aquarium.
Is food allowed?
Outside food is not allowed in most areas; there are many restaurants.
Are there changing rooms?
Yes, the park has well-equipped changing rooms and lockers.
uShaka Marine World: where is it located?
uShaka Marine World is located in South Africa.
uShaka Marine World: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
uShaka Marine World: why is it worth visiting?
uShaka Marine World is a 16-hectare theme park in Durban, South Africa, which opened in April 2004 and houses one of the largest aquariums in the world.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
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History & landmarks

Durban City Hall — uShaka Marine World (South Africa)
Durban City Hall
A magnificent Edwardian neo-Baroque building that closely resembles the City Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
88 on Field — uShaka Marine World (South Africa)
88 on Field
A prominent skyscraper in Durban, dominating the downtown skyline.
Juma Masjid Mosque — uShaka Marine World (South Africa)
Juma Masjid Mosque
One of the largest mosques in the Southern Hemisphere, located in the center of Durban.
Moses Mabhida Stadium — uShaka Marine World (South Africa)
Moses Mabhida Stadium
A multi-use stadium in Durban renowned for its striking arch that spans over the pitch.
The Pearls of Umhlanga — uShaka Marine World (South Africa)
The Pearls of Umhlanga
A striking, luxury residential complex in Umhlanga on the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.

Nature

Lake St. Lucia — uShaka Marine World (South Africa)
Lake St. Lucia
A large estuarine system in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Tugela Falls — uShaka Marine World (South Africa)
Tugela Falls
One of the highest waterfalls in the world.

More places

Port of Durban — uShaka Marine World (South Africa)
Port of Durban
The busiest port in South Africa and one of the largest in Africa, serving as a major hub for container and general cargo.
Toyota Prospecton Plant — uShaka Marine World (South Africa)
Toyota Prospecton Plant
Toyota's massive assembly facility producing the Hilux, Fortuner, and other models for Africa and Europe.
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Sugar Cane Plantations KZN
Vast fields for sugar cane production in KwaZulu-Natal.
Zulu Highlands — uShaka Marine World (South Africa)
Zulu Highlands
Hilly highlands in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal.
Port of Richards Bay — uShaka Marine World (South Africa)
Port of Richards Bay
A deep-water port primarily known for exporting coal and other dry bulk commodities.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park — uShaka Marine World (South Africa)
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
A huge park with coastal forests and lagoons.
Sodwana Bay Marine Reserve — uShaka Marine World (South Africa)
Sodwana Bay Marine Reserve
Diver's paradise with a unique underwater world.
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Drakensberg Amphitheatre
A huge rock wall in the Drakensberg.