You've heard the news: the former S.E.A. Aquarium has been revamped and extended, and will reopen soon as the Singaporean Oceanarium – three times bigger (and we reckon, better).
Opening on July 24, the new attraction features 22 immersive zones, life-sized animatronics, interactive exhibits, and digital projections working together to bring the story of the ocean and its habitats to life. There's a clearer narrative now as you journey through the oceanarium, starting with a single drop of water and prehistoric marine creatures, progressing through various ocean habitats to the future of our oceans.
Our top tip: set aside at least three hours to explore the Singapore Oceanarium – even more if you're the sort who likes to read every panel and try every activity. And we certainly lost some time zoning out in front of the 36-metre panel full of sharks, rays, and fish in the Open Ocean zone.
However, if you're short on time, here are our top picks from the Singapore Oceanarium.
Ocean Wonders
The second zone in the Singapore Oceanarium is simply mesmerising. The darkened room is filled with sea jelly exhibits – Don't miss the fried egg sea jelly (it looks exactly like what its name suggests) and the graceful Pacific sea nettle. But the mother of them all is the 6.8 metre diameter kriesel tank, one of the world's largest. The moon-like circular panel houses thousands of moon jellies, drifting with a gentle current under ever-changing lights.
Ancient Waters
Next is Ancient Waters, a zone dedicated to prehistoric sea creatures. Upon entering the zone, you're immediately greeted by a suspended, life-sized replica of a Dunkleosteus, an extinct fish that lived more than 380 million years ago. More replicas and fossils of ancient marine animals are dotted about the zone – you can also see animals that have survived the test of time, such as the American paddlefish, a queer-looking fish with a broad, flat snout.
Singapore's Coast
The kids will love this zone. Dedicated to the mangrove habitats you find in Singapore, Singapore's Coast is dominated by a large seagrass pool where you can observe archerfish prancing around, spotted seahorses wrapped around the seagrass roots, as well as sea stars and crabs on the rocks or in the sand. If you like to get hands-on, go to the rock pool at the back, where you can dip your hands in a shallow pool – little skunk cleaner shrimp will dart over immediately to feed on your dead skin, and don't be surprised if it tickles.
Coral Gardens
The most colourful zone in Singapore Oceanarium, Coral Gardens is the spot to learn about coral reefs and their invaluable role in sustaining ocean ecosystems. The highlight is a towering live coral display, with moray eels and giant clams tucked in the layers of the reef. Smaller tanks show off technicolour torch coral, magnificent sea anemone, and flashy fish like the Achilles tang and mandarinfish.
Open Ocean
Here's where you can get your money shot with the iconic 36m-wide viewing panel, teeming with approximately 120 species of marine animals. Spot sharks and rays – the most recognisable being the three manta rays, Mako, Manja, and Mika.
Whale Fall and Seamount
Zone 15 onwards takes you into the deep ocean, where you can discover bottom-dwelling sea creatures and artificial habitats (think sunken ships). Not to be missed is zone 19, Whale Fall and Seamount, where you'll encounter an almost life-sized replica of a whale fall skeleton. Whale falls refer to the sinking and decomposition of whale carcasses – rather morbid, but actually the starting point for the flourishing of life in the deep sea. You can walk under the ribs of the skeleton, before peering into dark tanks showcasing curious creatures like the Australian ghostshark and Japanese isopod.
What else is there to see and do in the Singapore Oceanarium?
Your journey through the Singapore Oceanarium ends on a hopeful note, with uplifting success stories about ocean conservation and protection in the Hallway of Hope – so don't miss that.
Those with kids might also want to fork out some money ($10 for adults and $6 for kids) for 20 minutes on the bouncy nets at Pier Adventure in the Spirit of Exploration zone (zone 5). Tip: it's free until August 31 if you purchase your entry ticket via the Singapore Oceanarium app launching on July 23.
How much do Singapore Oceanarium tickets cost?
Tickets are priced like so for adults (ages 13-59), children (ages 4-12), and seniors (ages 60 and above):
- Residents: $42 for adults, $35 for children (non-peak), $35 for seniors; $49 for adults, $39 for children, $39 for seniors (peak)
- Non-residents: $50 for adults, $39 for children (non-peak), $39 for seniors; $55 for adults, $43 for children, $43 for seniors (peak)
Non-peak hours are on weekdays, while peak hours are on weekends, public holidays, and the full months of June and December.
Where can I buy tickets to the Singapore Oceanarium?
Book now on the Singapore Oceanarium website.
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