UShaka Marine WorldAbout UShaka Marine World
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.
Nearby Attractions to UShaka Marine World
Best Time to Visit UShaka Marine World
UShaka Marine World is enjoyable year-round; visit outside peak South African school holidays for smaller crowds.
Weather & Climate near UShaka Marine World
Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 11°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1013 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 21° - 28° | 24° | 133 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.8 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 13.7h |
| February | Excellent | 21° - 28° | 24° | 123 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.0h |
| March | Excellent | 20° - 27° | 23° | 121 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.1h |
| April | Excellent | 18° - 26° | 22° | 66 mm | some cloud | 77% | 2.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.3h |
| May | Excellent | 14° - 25° | 20° | 55 mm | mostly sunny | 73% | 2.8 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.5h |
| June | Ideal | 12° - 23° | 17° | 24 mm | mostly sunny | 69% | 2.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.1h |
| July | Excellent | 11° - 23° | 17° | 47 mm | mostly sunny | 70% | 3.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.3h |
| August | Excellent | 13° - 23° | 18° | 55 mm | mostly sunny | 74% | 3.1 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.0h |
| September | Excellent | 15° - 23° | 19° | 72 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.8h |
| October | Very Good | 16° - 24° | 20° | 100 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.2 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.7h |
| November | Very Good | 18° - 25° | 22° | 105 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.9 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.5h |
| December | Very Good | 20° - 27° | 23° | 112 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.9 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.9h |
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.