Manila Ocean Park

The Basics

Manila Ocean Park is divided into multiple sections and offers both attractions and experiences. Don’t miss the 82-foot-long (25-meter-long) viewing tunnel containing sharks, stingrays, eels, and a large variety of fish. Other highlights include the multimedia jellyfish exhibit and the sea lion show. The park also offers a chance to get up close and personal with their underwater residents, from dry encounters with sea stars, rays, and sharks to partially or even fully submerged encounters, where guests wear special diving helmets with pumped-in air. Or try the fish spa, where tiny fish nibble dead skin off your feet or hands.

Each attraction or experience charges a fee, and depending on what catches your interest, you can purchase tickets for individual attractions or experiences or choose passes that bundle multiple attractions and experiences. Bundles can sell out, so purchase them earlier in the day, or ahead of time.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Manila Ocean Park is a must for families with children and animal lovers.

• Flash photography is not allowed in the oceanarium.

• Outside food and drink is not permitted inside the park.

• There is no re-entry to attractions or experiences.

How to Get There

Manila Ocean Park is located behind the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park. It’s easiest to take a taxi or jeepney there. To get there by public transit, take the LRT to United Nations Avenue or the bus to Swagman.

When to Get There

Manila Ocean Park is very popular, especially on weekends and public holidays. Visit during the week for fewer crowds. Stay for Symphony, the daily multimedia light and water show at 6:30pm.

Shows and Experiences at Manila Ocean Park

A number of the entertainment options here are shows, such as the Sea Lion Show or the All Star Bird Show, and experiences, such as the Mermaid Swim Experience or the Aquanaut Voyage, on set schedules. Check the schedule before you start your day to best plan your route and avoid disappointment.

Ways to explore

Manila Ocean Park is divided into multiple sections and offers both attractions and experiences. Buy tickets for the park alone or purchase ticket bundles that include entry to other sites in the complex, either the Ocean Park Aqua Adventure water park or the Philippine Biodome. Shows include displays of colorful tropical birds, plus you can sign up to feed the penguins.

You can also opt to stay on-site at the marine-themed Hotel H2O, home of the Zenyu Eco Spa, offering full-body fish spa experiences, in which tiny doctor fish nibble away dead skin.

Accessibility

Manila Ocean Park is not fully wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

There’s free admission for children under 2 feet tall (61 centimeters).

What to pack

The complex is air conditioned, but it’s still worth bringing water with you.

What to wear

Most travelers spend about three hours exploring Manila Ocean Park, so wear comfortable shoes.

Not allowed

Outside food or drinks, flash photography, drones, professional cameras or video equipment

Amenities

Restrooms, shop, eateries

Address 

Manila Ocean Park is by the waterfront, behind the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, about a 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) walk south of Fort Santiago.

Driving

Manila Ocean Park is off Roxas Boulevard, the city’s waterfront promenade. If you’re coming from the south, turn left onto South Road soon after you pass the US Embassy; if you’re coming from the north, turn right either before or after Rizal Park.

Public transportation

Most travelers find taxis, tours, or rideshares easier than piecing together jeepneys.

Best times to visit

The park is open 10am–6pm daily. Visit as soon as it opens for the quietest experience.

Best days to visit

Weekends and public holidays are the busiest days at this popular attraction. Visit during the week for fewer crowds.

Best months to visit

Manila Ocean Park is a great rainy-day option, and rainy days are most common July through September.

Special events

In December, the park hosts a Christmas village.