麻豆APP

UShaka Marine World, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa photo by South African Tourism –

Top 10 Remarkable Facts about uShaka Marine World, Durban

UShaka Marine World is a highly rated tourist attraction in Durban that offers a variety of appealing establishments and exciting activities that ensure a visitor will have a wonderful time in the KwaZulu-Natal region. Most visitors make a point of seeing this massive water world.

UShaka has fast positioned itself as a key attraction on Durban鈥檚 Golden Mile, offering a world of entertainment, excitement, fun and uniqueness. From an educational aquarium visit to a heart-racing ride down the Wet ‘n Wild slide, uShaka Marine World has got it all.

UShaka Marine World has developed out of a vision to create a world-class entertainment and tourism destination for Durban and all of South Africa. UShaka Marine World offers a lot of beach, water and action activities.

There are numerous fascinating things to see 鈥� from an old shipwreck to indoor and outdoor displays and exhibits. UShaka Marine World is open-plan so that you can enjoy the wonderful subtropical weather, feel the sun kiss your skin and watch the passing parade at the beachfront.

One of the most thrilling places to visit in Durban is uShaka Marine World. UShaka Marine World, located on Durban’s Golden Mile and positioned right outside the entrance to Africa’s busiest port, is everything you’ve always anticipated when it comes to having fun by the water.

Here are the top 10 remarkable facts about uShaka Marine World.

1. It opened to the general public on April 30th 2004 

uShaka Marine World entrance, Durban, South Africa photo by Christophe Badoux –

The world-class uShaka Marine World, situated in Durban, South Africa, opened its turnstiles to the general public on April 30th 2004. UShaka Marine World has fast positioned itself as a key attraction on Durban鈥檚 Golden Mile, offering a world of entertainment, excitement, fun and uniqueness.

2. It spans over 15 hectares of prime beachfront

UShaka spans over 15 hectares of prime beachfront, known as Shaka Beach and is considered to be a key attraction on Durban鈥檚 Golden Mile. It is a tasteful theme with a focus on family entertainment as you can enjoy plenty of fun and excitement.

3. UShaka Marine World incorporates fresh and seawater

UShaka Marine World, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa photo by South African Tourism –

UShaka Marine World incorporates fresh and seawater, lush vegetation, natural materials and the re-creation of a wreck of a 1940s cargo ship. With the 5th largest aquarium in the world by volume of water, the park is tastefully themed with a focus on family entertainment.

No matter what the occasion, you will always find something to do in a uShaka Marine World.

4. UShaka Marine World鈥檚 most popular attraction is Sea World

UShaka Marine World, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa photo by South African Tourism –

In the heart of UShaka is its most popular attraction 鈥� Sea World. Here you can get close to hundreds of fascinating marine animals 鈥� turtles, sharks, fish, penguins, seals, dolphins, snakes, frogs and many more creatures.

There are interactive displays like the rays鈥� touch pool and beach exhibit, and you can even dive among reef species in the Snorkel Lagoon.

5. It鈥檚 the only place in South Africa to see Dolphins

UShaka Marine World, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa photo by South African Tourism –

Located in the centre of uShaka Marine World you can experience the saltwater aquarium with indoor and outdoor displays and exhibits, a 1200-seater dolphin stadium where you’ll be entertained by the world-famous Dolphins, the seal stadium and penguin rookery.

In addition, Sea World offers edutainment tours behind the scenes and special interactive activities such as snorkelling through reefs and grottos and scuba dives.

6. UShaka Marine World includes a research facility

Sea World also incorporates the research facilities of the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) which manages and protects the scientific and environmental credibility of Sea World and SAAMBR as a whole.

These research facilities also offer classrooms for lectures to schools and other groups on marine and other coastal matters as well as a research and reference library. Research undertaken by the Best Practice City Commission reveals several reasons for this decline in Durban’s tourism appeal and investor confidence in the city.

In terms of tourism, factors such as the downgrading of beachfront hotels in the 1980s, changes in the socio-economic profile of the local tourist market and ‘very importantly’ the opening up to South Africans of more competitively priced international travel since 1994 have resulted in a real decline in tourist arrivals, the average duration of stay and value of spend for Durban.

7. UShaka Marine World design incorporates strong local themes 

The design of the park incorporates strong local themes, bringing a multicultural Durban flavour to the park while also providing cost-saving opportunities against more international and hi-tech themes.

The overall design theme is indigenous and multicultural in its use of colour, building materials, layout and aesthetics.

8. It hosts the fifth largest aquarium in the world

UShaka Marine World, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa photo by South African Tourism –

Adjacent to the water park you will find uShaka SeaWorld which has a variety of marine tanks, a 鈥渄angerous creatures” exhibit, a penguin exhibit, as well as dolphin shows and seal shows.

The stunning sea life on display will leave young and old amazed and there are plenty of informative plagues on the way to make the experience as educational as it is entertaining! UShaka Sea World has the fifth largest aquarium in the world.

9. UShaka Marine World has had financial troubles throughout its existence

The eThekwini Municipality has contributed a total of ZAR 450 million in subsidies toward the park’s construction, which cost ZAR 700 million. The park experienced a net loss of ZAR 44.5 million and a total deficit of ZAR 377.5 million during the 2009鈥�2010 fiscal year.

Additionally, ZAR 3.15 million in unauthorized expenditures (expenditures made without following standard procurement processes) were made for the park. It has however managed to stay afloat despite the shortcomings. 

10. It was awarded for “Outstanding Achievement in thematic creative design鈥�

Designed by American Firm Creative Kingdom Inc. and opened on 30 April 2004 after 3 years of development, the park was awarded for “Outstanding Achievement in thematic creative design” by the Themed Entertainment Association in 2005. 

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) is an international non-profit association that represents creators, developers, designers and producers of themed entertainment.