Hello Hivers,
Here’s the full story of my visit,
Getting There and First Impressions!
When you exit SM Seaside Complex, you actually see Cebu Ocean Park right away. It’s walking distance from the mall — super convenient.
The ticketing counter is just outside, beside their entrance. So as soon as you approach, you see where you buy your tickets. Even from a photo or map, you can spot it easily.
Tickets, Hours,
• The park is open every day from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the last ticket sale is at 5:00 PM.
• Regular weekday promo rate is about ₱550. On weekends and holidays, the rates rise (promo weekend rate is around ₱700).
• Children under 2 feet tall can enter for free. Senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs) get a 20% discount on regular non promo rates.
• You can park on the premises.
Attractions and What You Can Do
There are so many things to see and activities to try — here are some of the highlights:
Exhibits & Displays
• The big draw. It has a 360 degree viewing tunnel so you feel like you’re walking under the sea, surrounded by marine animals.
• Colorful coral reef fish, reef dwelling species from the Philippines, beautiful displays. • A freshwater ecosystem exhibit. You see animals and fishes from rivers and lakes, giving a contrast to the marine sections. • If you like reptiles, amphibians, insects, etc. This is the place. Unique creatures, sometimes ones people are afraid of, but they are displayed in a way that teaches you about their role in the environment. • A walk in aviary for lories and lorikeets. You can feed them. It’s bright, cheerful, and very interactive. • Birds like macaws and cockatoos perform, sometimes with guest participation. Interactive Experiences • SeaTREK: Wearing a helmet, you walk under water surrounded by marine life — great for both non swimmers and those who want something more immersive. • Stingray Encounter: You get to pet stingrays, sometimes even swim with them in shallow pools. • Croc Cage: For the more adventurous, you get into a glass enclosure which is lowered near the lair of a 14 foot saltwater crocodile. Good thrill. • Fish Spa: Really relaxing. Dip your feet in water where tiny fishes nibble off dead skin. Feels weird but in a good way.
Shows & Best Times
• Bird Show - It’s not just for entertainment — there is an environmental/educational component, teaching about birds’ intelligence, habitats, and conservation.
• And Aqua Dining — you eat in a part of the aquarium surrounded by sea life, especially during a feeding show. It’s atmospheric and special.
Summary!
As soon as I walked in, I felt like I stepped into another world. The lighting, the tanks, the quiet hum of water and fish – very immersive. The oceanarium especially wowed me; walking through that tunnel and seeing sharks and rays glide above and around you is unforgettable. The contrast between serene exhibits (like the Seven Seas or Jungle Trek) and the more intense ones (Croc Cage, Stingray Encounter) was nice — you go from relaxing to excitement. The Fish Spa was a nice break after walking around, to rest a bit and just enjoy something simple but different. Also, part of what made it great was how interactive a lot of the experiences were. Not just looking, but doing — feeding birds, interacting with certain animals, getting close enough to almost feel a connection. Plus, for me, even the small things like spotting different species of fish, reading about them, seeing their behavior — that added to the amazement.
Why It’s Special?
• It’s the largest oceanarium in the country.
• It has a wide range of exhibits — marine, freshwater, reptiles, birds — so it appeals to many interests.
• The mix of education + entertainment is well done. You learn about ecosystems, conservation, animals, while also being entertained.
• Location is very accessible, which helps a lot. You can pair it with a mall visit (food, rest, etc.).
Thank you for taking time to read. See you on my next blog!
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