About East London Aquarium
East London Aquarium and Whale Viewing Deck, said to be the oldest aquarium in South Africa, opened its doors originally in 1931 and lies on the esplanade on the beachfront in East London.
Did you know? The best time of year to watch the whales from East London Aquarium's whale viewing deck is from August to November. The East London aquarium makes it easy to see when the best viewing times are as they fly a set of blue flags immediately whales are sighted.
The East London Aquarium is an interesting little aquarium with daily fish feeding and rather exciting seal shows, and more than makes up for its lack of size with a few wholly unique displays, like the three Cape pigmy clawed lobsters - the only specimens ever to be kept in a public aquarium anywhere in the world.
There is a colony of African penguins that produces an average of 20 chicks a year, which are then exported to other countries around the world.
The aquarium also serves as a haven for injured, oiled and distressed marine creatures washed up on East London’s beaches, which total a few hundred seabirds, turtles and dolphins that are treated, rehabilitated and released every year. There’s also a shark tank built above the shoreline rocks.
However, the big draw card to East London’s aquarium is the wooden boardwalk that protrudes from the foyer over the inter-tidal zone and surf, offering hours of uninterrupted whale watching during whale season, and part of the Cape Whale Route.
The observation deck hovers 11 metres above the Indian Ocean and the aquarium has provided token operated binoculars at the far end of the deck, which dramatically improve your view of breaching humpback whales or bottlenose dolphins that are virtually daily visitors to the deck. The East London aquarium makes it easy to see when the best viewing times are as they fly a set of blue flags immediately whales are sighted.
Need to Know
WhereEast London Aquarium, Aquarium Building, Esplanade, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
WhenOpen daily, please confirm times
Telephone+27 (0)43 705-2637
OvernightStay in East London Accommodation, Eastern Cape
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
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Jam Sessions at Imbizo Jazz Cafe
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Accommodation convenient to East London Aquarium
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Eastern Cape Accommodation / Sunshine Coast Accommodation / East London Accommodation