CEBU Ocean Park is now open and ready for Cebu and the rest of the country! From the same team that built Manila Ocean Park, Cebu Sealife Park Inc., Cebu Ocean Park had its soft opening, Aug. 24, and promises to give its visitors that all-inclusive educational and experiential tour.
Here are some of the things you can look forward to on your visit to the 1.5-hectare marine attraction.
Attractions
The experience begins at the “Jungle Trek” where visitors are introduced to its collection of river giants, freshwater fish mostly found in the Amazon and African rivers, while Australian lorries and lorikeets fly all over the zone. Head on over to the “Creepy Critters” section to explore dozens of reptiles and insects. This is an exhibit that aims to celebrate the beauty and diversity of both native and exotic reptiles and insects. If you have some aversion to those creepy crawlies, this area might change your mind.
Visit the “Seven Seas” to check out the display of aquariums filled with fish and garden eels. In the middle of an exhibit stands an aquarium filled with a sea of tiny clownfish with a gap in the center for visitors to crawl their way into, so you’ll feel like you’re one with the fishes. Don’t forget to take a photo but no flash photography please. This applies to all areas of the place.
Cebu Ocean Park boasts the largest oceanarium in the country. With a volume of 3,500 cubic meters of seawater and a 7.2-meter water depth, the Deep Tank Lagoon found inside the oceanarium is the deepest in the country where you can marvel at mermaids swimming with sea life friends. Don’t forget to hit up the underwater walkway leading to a 360-degree viewing tunnel for a closer look at the many sea creatures from stingrays to sharks.
Look forward to the marine attraction’s multi-animal show as it showcases the beauty and intelligence of some of the creatures.
Interactions
More than marveling at the creatures, visitors get the chance to have an up close encounter with the animals; go on an underwater adventure wearing a diving helmet exploring the marine life; experience hands-on learning with various species of stingrays and sharks at the Stingray Interaction pool; cage dive for that thrilling encounter with a 14-footer saltwater crocodile. Most of these activities have limited slots per day so it’s always best to book a spot early on.
If you want to go for a more relaxed and leisurely activity, head to the second floor for a better look at the colorful Australian lorries and lorikeets, and even get the chance to feed them! Or dip your toes—or your whole feet for that matter—as the toothless doctor fishes nibble away your dead skin cells at the same time give you a micro massage for 20 minutes of exfoliation and improved blood circulation in the body. We recommend doing this after you’ve covered all the bases.
Amenities
After all that exploring, head to Gusto Food Hall for that wide selection of local and international fare. Then head to the gift shop where you can score on some souvenirs for you to keep or to give to your loved ones.
Cebu Ocean Park is located within the SM Seaside City Cebu Complex at South Road Properties and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.