Most visitors spend between 2-3 hours exploring all 22 zones, though you could easily spend longer if you catch the feeding sessions or special programs. With nearly 5km of walking paths, it's designed to be explored at a leisurely pace.
Ever wondered what it's like to step into an immersive underwater world three times larger than anything you've seen before? Singapore's newly transformed Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa offers exactly that experience—a sprawling marine wonderland that will captivate travelers of all ages.
Opened in July 2025, the Singapore Oceanarium (formerly the S.E.A. Aquarium) has undergone a massive transformation to become one of Asia's most impressive marine attractions. With 22 themed zones spanning from ancient seas to deep ocean habitats, it's an educational and awe-inspiring experience that deserves a spot on any Singapore itinerary.
Essential Visitor Information
Before diving into the details of what you'll see, here's the practical information you need for planning your visit:
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 7pm (last entry at 6pm)
- Location: Resorts World Sentosa, Sentosa Island, Singapore
- Ticket Prices:
- Standard rates: Adults S$50-S$55, Children/Seniors S$42-S$45
- Singapore Residents: Adults S$42-S$49, Children/Seniors S$35-S$39
- Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak periods
- Getting There: Easily accessible via MRT (alight at Resorts World Station), car, or the Sentosa cable car
- Nearby Attractions: Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark and Harry Potter: Visions of Magic
The oceanarium is designed to be explored at a leisurely pace, with nearly 5km of walking paths. Most visitors spend between 2-3 hours exploring all 22 zones, though you could easily spend longer if you catch the feeding sessions or special programs.
10 Must-See Zones at Singapore Oceanarium
While all 22 zones offer something special, here are the highlights you absolutely shouldn't miss:
1. Ocean Wonders
This mesmerizing zone features one of the world's largest Kreisel habitats—a specially designed 6.8m-wide tank housing over 5,000 moon jellies. Watch in wonder as these translucent creatures pulse and glide through the water in a hypnotic underwater ballet. The specialized lighting creates an otherworldly glow that makes this exhibit particularly photogenic.
2. Ancient Waters
Step back millions of years to encounter extinct marine predators brought to life through impressive animatronic models. The life-sized replicas of prehistoric giants like the armored Dunkleosteus and razor-toothed Xiphactinus offer a fascinating glimpse into ocean life from another era. You'll also find living fossils like the Australian lungfish, which has remained virtually unchanged for over 100 million years.
3. Conquering Land
Meet some of the internet's favorite aquatic creatures, including the adorable axolotl (a social media star). This zone showcases species that evolved from land-dwelling ancestors and later adapted to aquatic environments, along with other fascinating amphibians like the Japanese giant salamander and colorful poison dart frogs.
4. Singapore's Coast
This interactive zone celebrates local biodiversity with hands-on experiences that let you get up close with species native to Singapore's waters. Don't miss the opportunity to interact with cleaner shrimps that might give your fingers a tiny manicure, or watch archerfish demonstrate their impressive skill of shooting water at prey. The reconstructed mangrove habitat provides insight into this vital coastal ecosystem.
5. Shark Seas
Brave the shark tunnel for a thrilling close-up view of various shark species swimming overhead and all around you. This zone also features educational exhibits on shark reproduction and conservation efforts to protect these often-misunderstood predators.
6. Open Ocean
The crown jewel of the oceanarium is its massive Open Ocean habitat, containing 18 million liters of water. The breathtaking 36-meter-wide viewing panel (one of the largest in the region) offers panoramic views of thousands of marine animals, including majestic manta rays, spotted eagle rays, and zebra sharks gliding gracefully through the crystal-clear water.
7. Whale Fall and Sea Mount
One of the most educational exhibits, this zone recreates a fascinating deep-sea phenomenon—a whale carcass that has fallen to the ocean floor, creating an entire ecosystem. Through a combination of real specimens and immersive displays, visitors learn how a whale's final resting place provides nutrients that support diverse deep-sea life for decades.
8. Spirit of Exploration
Kids will love the suspended web playground called "Pier Adventure," which offers a bird's-eye view of the Jewel of Muscat—a replica of a 9th-century Arabian dhow. This interactive area allows younger visitors to burn off energy while learning about maritime exploration. Parents can take a breather at the adjacent Explorer's Nook Café.
9. Drop of Water
The entrance to the oceanarium makes an immediate impression with its domed ceiling designed to look like a giant water droplet. Inside, magnified plankton projections demonstrate how these tiny organisms form the foundation of all ocean life. It's a beautiful reminder that the ocean's health begins with its smallest inhabitants.
10. Ocean's Future
The journey concludes with thought-provoking exhibits on marine conservation and climate change, including a sobering projection of a glacier crumbling into the ocean. The "Hallway of Hope" spotlights successful marine protection stories and features a digital pledge wall where visitors can make personal commitments to ocean conservation.
Educational Programs and Feeding Sessions
The Singapore Oceanarium offers several daily educational talks and feeding sessions that add another dimension to your visit:
- Sea Jelly Feedings: Learn how these delicate creatures are fed and cared for
- Dive Feedings: Watch divers enter the massive habitats to feed the marine life while explaining their behaviors
- Shark Feeding Shows: A popular attraction where you can observe these apex predators during meal time
Check the daily schedule upon arrival to plan your visit around these fascinating demonstrations. During the opening celebrations (July 24 to August 31, 2025), additional behind-the-scenes tours, talks, and conservation workshops are available with same-day admission tickets.
The Research and Learning Centre
Adjacent to the main attraction, the new Research and Learning Centre serves as a hub for marine science and conservation. This facility represents a significant commitment to ocean preservation through:
- Partnerships with top academic institutions including the National University of Singapore and the Earth Observatory of Singapore at Nanyang Technological University
- Advanced facilities for scientists and researchers
- Immersive learning labs for educational programs
- Collaborative workspaces for marine conservation initiatives
The center offers various educational programs for schools, ranging from preschool to secondary levels, covering topics such as ocean ecosystems, Singapore's marine biodiversity, and coastal heritage.
Visitor Experience Tips
To make the most of your visit to the Singapore Oceanarium, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Download the official app before your visit to access AR/VR features, exclusive content, and interactive elements throughout the exhibits.
- Visit early in the day (10am-11am) or later in the afternoon (after 3pm) to avoid the largest crowds.
- Check the feeding schedule upon arrival and plan your route accordingly to catch these fascinating demonstrations.
- Take your time in the Open Ocean zone—there's something mesmerizing about watching the gentle giants of the sea glide by the massive viewing panel.
- Bring a light jacket as the air-conditioning can be quite cool inside some parts of the oceanarium.
- Don't miss the Explorer's Nook Café for marine-themed pastries and a moment to rest during your visit.
- Visit the Singapore Oceanarium Store on your way out for unique marine-inspired souvenirs created by sustainable brands.
- Consider combining your visit with other Sentosa attractions for a full day of fun—Universal Studios is just a 5-minute walk away.
Conservation Focus
The Singapore Oceanarium isn't just about entertainment—it's deeply committed to marine conservation. The facility is certified as Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy, runs primarily on solar power, and houses critically endangered species such as the Bowmouth Guitarfish and the Sunflower Sea Star.
Visitors can learn about successful conservation stories in the Hallway of Hope and even make digital pledges to protect our oceans. The oceanarium also welcomes volunteers to support marine life research, outreach, and conservation initiatives.
Conclusion
The Singapore Oceanarium represents a remarkable evolution from its previous incarnation as the S.E.A. Aquarium. With its expanded size, 22 immersive zones, and dedicated Research and Learning Centre, it offers a perfect blend of entertainment, education, and conservation awareness. Whether you're traveling with family, as a couple, or solo, this underwater journey provides a fascinating glimpse into the mysteries of marine life while inspiring a deeper appreciation for ocean conservation.
For travelers visiting Singapore, the Oceanarium stands as a must-visit attraction that showcases not just the wonders of the ocean but also humanity's responsibility to protect it. The experience goes beyond simple entertainment to create meaningful connections with the underwater world—connections that will hopefully inspire visitors to become ocean stewards long after they've returned home.
Book Your Singapore Experience
Looking to make your Singapore visit even more seamless? Consider booking a professional chauffeur service to transport you between attractions like the Singapore Oceanarium, your hotel, and other destinations around the island. With door-to-door service in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, you can focus entirely on enjoying your Singapore adventure without worrying about navigation or public transportation.
