UShaka Marine World

Park Marine theme park with aquarium and entertainment complex

uShaka Marine World in Durban combines a large aquarium, waterpark attractions, sea-life shows and beachfront dining; tourists visit for family-friendly marine displays and rides.

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uShaka Marine World is a large marine-themed entertainment complex on Durban’s beachfront that combines an aquarium, a waterpark and a waterfront promenade. It opened in the early 2000s as a major municipal tourist development.

The site includes a public aquarium with themed exhibits and animal presentations, a waterpark with slides and pools suitable for families, and a village-style promenade of shops and restaurants adjacent to the beach. Live shows, feeding presentations and interactive displays are among the regular visitor activities.

Developed as a municipal leisure and tourism project, the complex was constructed to extend Durban’s beachfront attractions and to provide both local recreation and regional tourism draws. It has been managed as a multi-use site combining conservation-orientated exhibits and commercial leisure facilities.

UShaka sits on the Durban Golden Mile at the city’s Point precinct, directly on the Indian Ocean shoreline and within walking distance of central Durban beachfront hotels and the promenade.

  • Combined attractions: The complex combines aquarium exhibits, water-park attractions and promenade dining, making it an all-weather family destination on Durban's beachfront.
  • Beachfront location: Located on Durban's Golden Mile, it is an easy walk from beachfront hotels and the city's main promenade.

What to See #

  • Sea World Aquarium: A public aquarium complex with themed tanks, interactive displays and animal presentations that serve as the site's main indoor attraction.
  • Wet 'n Wild Waterpark: A companion waterpark offering slides, pools and family water-play areas located adjacent to the aquarium within the same waterfront complex.
  • Village Walk: A retail and dining promenade that runs along the complex and connects attractions to the Durban beachfront boardwalk.
UShaka Marine World
1 King Shaka Ave, Point, Durban, 4001, South Africa
-29.8662, 31.0449
Daily 9am-5pm (hours can vary seasonally; check the website)
Adult admission varies; recent listings show ZAR 320-340 (~$18-$20) for adults, children discounted. Check official site for current pricing.

How to Get to UShaka Marine World #

UShaka Marine World is on Durban’s Point Waterfront. From central Durban, take the M4 or M12 roads toward the beachfront; public taxis and local buses serve the area. Parking is available on site and at nearby lots.

Tips for Visiting UShaka Marine World #

  • Buy tickets online in advance during South African school holidays to avoid long queues.
  • The aquarium and seal stadium have scheduled shows - check daily timetables on arrival to plan visits around feedings and presentations.
  • If visiting in summer, head first to the shark cage or touch-tank exhibits early when it's cooler and less crowded.

Best Time to Visit UShaka Marine World #

UShaka Marine World is enjoyable year-round; visit outside peak South African school holidays for smaller crowds.

Summer
December-February · 22-30°C (72-86°F)
Warm seas and lively outdoor exhibits; can be busy with holiday crowds.
Autumn-Spring
March-May & September-November · 18-26°C (64-79°F)
Milder crowds and comfortable conditions for exploring both aquarium and surrounding beaches.

Weather & Climate near UShaka Marine World #

Climate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

Weather

2.6
UV Index
Extreme
13.7h daylight

February

Weather

2.4
UV Index
Extreme
13.0h daylight

March

Weather

1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.1h daylight

April

Weather

1.3
UV Index
High
11.3h daylight

May

Weather

0.8
UV Index
Moderate
10.5h daylight

June

Weather

0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.1h daylight

July

Weather

0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.3h daylight

August

Weather

0.9
UV Index
Moderate
11.0h daylight

September

Weather

1.2
UV Index
High
11.8h daylight

October

Weather

1.7
UV Index
Very High
12.7h daylight

November

Weather

2.1
UV Index
Extreme
13.5h daylight

December

Weather

2.4
UV Index
Extreme
13.9h daylight

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