Where is Manila Ocean Park located and what unique experiences does it offer? If you’re planning a trip to Manila, Philippines, be sure to add this to your must-visit list!

If you love the vibrant underwater world but are hesitant about scuba diving, Manila Ocean Park is the place I want to recommend. Considered the first and largest ocean park in the Philippines, it’s the ideal destination for anyone who enjoys getting up close and personal with marine life. On my first visit, I was quite surprised by its scale and the diversity of its exhibits.

If you’re planning a day of unique experiences in the capital, the following section will help you understand what makes Manila Ocean Park so attractive and whether it’s worth including in your itinerary.

Discover the “Blue Sea in the Heart of the Capital” – Manila Ocean Park

Manila Ocean Park is the first internationally certified marine park and aquarium in the Philippines. Located right next to the historic Rizal Park, this location harmoniously combines marine life exhibits and entertainment experiences suitable for all ages.

While visiting, you can walk through the unique aquarium tunnel with a 360-degree view, observing a variety of colorful fish and graceful stingrays. The Oceanarium is a highlight, allowing visitors to admire fish and marine life in a realistically recreated environment. The Shark Encounter offers a close-up experience with many fascinating shark species.

Manila Ocean Park Attraction Pass

Besides the tanks, the park also hosts performances such as the Sea Lion Show and educational programs on marine conservation. Whether you’re with family, a couple, or a group of friends, Manila Ocean Park always has fun and educational activities that help you better understand biodiversity and the importance of protecting the ocean.

Aquarium Discovery Journey – Top Experiences at Manila Ocean Park

Oceanarium – The Longest Ocean Tunnel in the Philippines

If you want to fully experience the beauty of the Philippine ocean, Oceanarium is a must-visit destination. With over 14,000 marine creatures belonging to 277 different species, this vast space offers a vibrant experience of walking through the deep water layers. The 55-meter-long tunnel is divided into seven areas, leading visitors from native fish species to diverse and fascinating marine life.

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The most impressive highlight here is the 220-degree curved tunnel, giving you the feeling of being lost in the heart of the ocean as fish and creatures swim around and right above your head. Visitors can observe stingrays, sharks, and colorful fish swimming naturally, and learn about their lives and ecological behavior. This is a “super photogenic” spot, so be sure to bring your camera or phone!

Sharks & Rays Encounter – Meet Sharks and Rays

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The feeling of being close to agile predators like sharks and rays will make the tour even more special. Sharks & Rays Encounter allows visitors to admire their natural movements and hunting behavior in a safely simulated environment.

You will see sharks swimming, rays gliding gracefully, both demonstrating the amazing adaptability of marine life. This area also introduces the importance of conserving predators, helping visitors better understand the ecological balance of the ocean.

Sea Lion Show – The Most Popular Seal Show

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The South American seals in the Sea Lion Show will captivate you from the first minute with their agility and adorable expressions. The show combines educational and entertainment elements, helping children and adults understand the importance of marine environmental conservation.

I had the opportunity to watch seals perform fun tricks, interact directly with trainers, and take souvenir photos. This is an ideal experience for the whole family, especially for young children. The vibrant atmosphere combined with visual activities will help children learn more about the behavior and characteristics of seals.

All-Star Bird Show – High-Intelligence Bird Performance

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The All-Star Bird Show offers spectacular performances with macaws, cockatoos, and eagles. I liked how the show combined intelligent performances, audience interaction, and conveyed a message about environmental protection.

Children and adults can participate in games, observe birds performing complex skills, and learn interesting ecological facts. The show lasts about 45 minutes and is held at 12:30 PM, 3:00 PM (weekends), and 4:30 PM, making it convenient for the whole family to attend.

Trails To Antarctica – A Journey to the Cold Land of Antarctica

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Trails To Antarctica takes us on a journey to explore the coldest and most mysterious polar regions on the planet. This area features the first penguin aquarium in the Philippines, showcasing live Humboldt penguins in the Penguin Exhibit and a Christmas village recreating a frosty landscape. The spacious walkways allow you to explore and learn about the penguins’ habitat and habits.

In addition, the area includes a Christmas Village and simulated icy terrain, creating a fun experience for the whole family. Children will enjoy observing penguins and learning interesting facts, while adults can take stunning photos with the realistic simulated landscape.

World Of Creepy Crawlies – Discover Strange Creatures

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If you think insects and small creatures are only scary, World Of Creepy Crawlies will change that. You’ll encounter insects, spiders, worms, and other lesser-known species. The main purpose of this area is to educate about the importance of these creatures to the ecosystem, while also helping visitors recognize the adaptability and “superpowers” they develop to survive.

I found this to be a unique experience, giving children many unique experiences while also providing useful information about biodiversity. The display tanks are designed in detail, with visual explanations, making observation and photography easy and engaging.

Super Toy Collection: A Paradise for Little Fans

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Super Toy Collection is a fantastic entertainment area for children and anyone who wants to relive their childhood with superheroes. This is the largest toy collection in the Philippines, showcasing popular characters and interactive models. Children can touch some items, participate in interactive games, and take photos with giant models.

I found this area ideal for relaxing after visiting the tanks and performances, allowing everyone to unwind and giving children a chance to explore and use their imagination. The photo spots are vividly arranged, with beautiful lighting, making every photo lively and eye-catching.

Jellies Dancing Sea Fairies – A Super Cool Photo Spot

The jellyfish exhibit, named Dancing Sea Fairies, feels like stepping into a magical underwater world. Jellyfish are called “sea dancers” with their graceful movements and shimmering light.

This area combines multimedia effects and lively music, enhancing the visual and auditory experience. I found it a fantastic photo spot, especially with the colorful lighting and magical setting. The exhibits explain the structure and survival of jellyfish, while also highlighting their role in the ocean.

Dining & Shopping on-Site

Delicious Restaurants at Manila Ocean Park

When exploring Manila Ocean Park, you’ll easily find many culinary options to suit every taste and budget. Fried Rice Paradise offers delicious fried rice with a variety of toppings such as pork ribs, fried chicken, or steamed cheese, making it an ideal stop for a quick lunch. If you want to experience American flavors, Retro Grill Diner serves BBQ and fresh steaks, accompanied by tempting desserts like Apricot Crème Brulee.

For Italian food lovers, Slice of Italy impresses with freshly baked pizzas and pasta al dente, using fresh ingredients and rich flavors. Makan Makan Asian Food Village offers over 150 Asian dishes from Sambal Squid to Pancit Canton, catering to diverse palates. After sightseeing, Garden Café by Hotel H2O is the perfect place to enjoy coffee, smoothies, and light sandwiches.

In the evening, White Moon Bar by Hotel H2O becomes a chill spot with refreshing drinks, music, and views of the Manila Bay sunset. HAPAG serves traditional Filipino dishes such as Adobo and Kare-kare, offering a chance to enjoy authentic local flavors.

Ocean Treasures Souvenir Shops

To preserve memorable moments, visit the souvenir shops within the park. Ocean Treasures Main and Ocean Treasures Mall are open from 10 am to 6 pm, offering many lovely gifts for family and friends. BOPK Souvenir Shop is located right at the main entrance, making it convenient for shopping before leaving.

The Oceanarium and Super Toy Collection also feature small shops offering fun souvenirs and superhero toys, ensuring both children and adults will be excited to choose. These shops contribute to a complete visit, allowing you to shop while enjoying the characteristic blue ocean atmosphere of Manila Ocean Park.

Latest Manila Ocean Park Ticket Prices

Manila Ocean Park Attraction Pass

To enjoy Manila Ocean Park comfortably, you should buy tickets online through the official website or reputable agents like Klook. It’s convenient, fast, and you can also receive attractive discounts. Tickets are still available at the counter, but it’s usually crowded on weekends or holidays, so arriving early will save you time.

  • Advance tickets for tomorrow: 318,379
  • Same-day tickets: 339,604

Additionally, promotions and discounts for students, senior citizens, or large groups often appear seasonally. Combo packages combining multiple areas not only save money but also make the visit more complete. Remember to bring your valid ID card to help you receive discounts quickly and easily.

Tips for First-Time Visitors to Manila Ocean Park

Exploring Manila Ocean Park for the first time can be a bit overwhelming due to its vast size and many exciting experiences. To make your trip more time-efficient and enjoyable, we’ve compiled some helpful tips. These tips will help you easily navigate, enjoy the activities, and not miss any of the park’s exciting programs.

Getting to the park: The park is located in the heart of Manila and is easily accessible by private car or Grab. If taking the LRT, get off at United Nations Station and walk about 15 minutes along Taft Avenue to reach Quirino Grandstand. Jeepneys or buses along Roxas Boulevard are also very convenient.

Plan your visit: Identify the areas you want to explore, such as the Oceanarium or Trails to Antarctica, to allocate your time wisely. Some areas take about an hour to fully experience.

Prepare necessary items: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable shoes. If visiting during the rainy season, don’t forget a raincoat or umbrella.

Check the show schedule: Check the timetable for shows like the Sea Lion Show and All-Star Bird Show so you don’t miss anything.

Stay healthy: Drink plenty of water and rest in the cafes or seating areas when needed.
Respect the animals: Do not touch the glass, feed them, or use flash when taking photos in the interactive areas.

Explore the surroundings: If you have time, visit Rizal Park, Intramuros, or the National Museum to learn more about Manila’s history and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions about Manila Ocean Park

1. Where is Manila Ocean Park located?

Manila Ocean Park is located at Quirino Grandstand, Ermita, Manila, right in the heart of the capital and next to Rizal Park.

2. Is Manila Ocean Park suitable for young children?

Manila Ocean Park is very suitable for young children as the park has many educational areas, light interactive activities, and easy-to-follow shows.

3. How long can visitors spend at Manila Ocean Park?

Visitors usually need about 3-4 hours for a basic visit, but if you see all the shows, the itinerary can last almost a whole day.

4. Are there restaurants in Manila Ocean Park?

Manila Ocean Park has many restaurants serving visitors, and there is also the adjacent H2O Hotel for additional options.

5. Do visitors need to book tickets in advance to visit Manila Ocean Park?

Visitors should definitely book tickets in advance, especially on weekends or holidays, as there are large crowds and online combo tickets are often cheaper than buying them directly.

Manila Ocean Park offers a completely different perspective on the ocean world right in the heart of Manila, and I believe anyone who loves exploration will be thrilled to step into this vibrant green space. The park is large and features many diverse exhibits, making it easy for visitors to find something to suit their needs, whether traveling with family or a group of friends. It’s a great stop to enrich your Manila trip.

Ocean enthusiasts, let’s head to Manila Ocean Park!

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