Durban - UShaka Marine World is one of the main drawcards of the Durban beachfront experience. Located right on the edge of the beachfront, near the harbour entrance, the venue has become known as a hub of fun for both kids and adults.
There are many attractions here that cater both for those who want to participate and those who are happier watching from the sidelines.
Featuring the largest aquarium in the southern hemisphere, with underground viewing galleries extending 500m through a series of four superbly designed old shipwrecks, the uShaka aquarium is breathtaking.
Each display was designed to represent not only the natural habitat of the sea creatures, but to depict a story that ties in with the Phantom Ship theme.
Here you can feast your eyes on several uncommon species of fish including paperfish, needlefish and pineapple fish. You can also get up-close and personal with lethal jellyfish that are housed in a special vertical tank.
And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous you can go swimming with sharks. For R160 you can get into a special reinforced tank that is suspended in the shark tank via a rope. From the safety of the tank you can watch the creatures as they glide right past you.
Currently uShaka Marine World is also running a special discounted rate whereby, if you buy a ticket to to the Seaworld aquarium, you also get free access to the Wet ’n’ Wild slides. The tickets retail at R160 for adults, while kids between the ages of three and 12 pay R125, as do pensioners older than 61.
Among other animals that are on display at the aquarium are turtles, the oldest of which is estimated to be about 30.
In this section of the aquarium, if travelling in a large group, you can also get a tour guide to answer any questions you might have about the sea creatures on display.
This can be very helpful for schoolchildren, as well as anyone doing research into sea life in the area.
Also located inside the dark shipwreck is a coffee shop that serves different blends of the beverage, and snacks to re-energise visitors before they head back up on deck. - Independent on Saturday