Explore the Wonders of Cebu Ocean Park – A Must-Visit Spot in SRP (2025 Guide)

✨ Introduction

In the heart of Cebu’s fast-developing South Road Properties (SRP), right beside the scenic coastline and just minutes away from the iconic CCLEX bridge, lies one of the island’s most immersive attractions—Cebu Ocean Park.

Opened in 2019, and continuing to expand its features into 2025, Cebu Ocean Park is the largest oceanarium in the Visayas and Mindanao. But it’s more than just a place to see fish in tanks—it’s a fully interactive marine and wildlife park that combines education, entertainment, and conservation in one unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re:

• a 3D ACADEMY student looking for a weekend adventure,

• a tourist traveling with children,

• or simply someone who loves animals and nature…

Cebu Ocean Park offers a unique escape from the usual city mall or beach day.

Here, you can:

• Walk through a 360-degree underwater tunnel filled with sharks and stingrays

• Touch real starfish and rays at the interaction zones

• Feed colorful lorikeets and koi fish

• Watch live animal shows featuring birds, reptiles, and mammals

• Learn about Philippine marine life through interactive digital exhibits

• And even experience a fish spa where tiny fish nibble gently on your feet!

The park is fully air-conditioned, making it a perfect destination even during rainy or hot days. Its indoor layout also makes it ideal for family visits, school field trips, or study-abroad students who want to explore the natural wonders of the Philippines—without leaving the city.

In this 2025 guide, we’ll dive into what to expect when visiting Cebu Ocean Park, how to get there, updated ticket prices, must-see zones, and why it deserves a spot on your Cebu itinerary—whether you’re here for a week, a semester, or longer.

Chapter 1: What Is Cebu Ocean Park?

Cebu Ocean Park is not just an aquarium—it’s a multi-experience destination that combines marine life, exotic animals, and hands-on exhibits into one all-weather attraction. Opened in late 2019 and still expanding in 2025, the park spans multiple levels and zones, each carefully designed to engage, educate, and entertain visitors of all ages.

Location & Accessibility

The park is located in South Road Properties (SRP), right behind the IL Corso Lifemalls by Filinvest. It’s approximately:

• 25–30 minutes from 3D ACADEMY via Grab

• 15 minutes from downtown Cebu

• Right next to the coast, offering ocean views and fresh sea breeze

Its proximity to other attractions like IL Corso and the CCLEX bridge makes it ideal for combining into a full-day itinerary.

Key Features and Zones

Cebu Ocean Park is divided into several themed areas that allow visitors to experience more than just sea creatures. Here are the main highlights:

Oceanarium Tunnel

The centerpiece of the park—a 360-degree glass tunnel where you walk underneath swimming sharks, rays, and schools of colorful fish. It’s immersive, slightly surreal, and perfect for photos.

✋ Interaction Zones

Touch pools with starfish, sea cucumbers, and stingrays, plus feeding zones for koi fish and exotic birds. These are a hit with children and Instagram-loving travelers.

Creepy Crawlies & Jungle Trek

This area features insects, snakes, birds, and small mammals in a mini-rainforest setting. A surprising favorite among school groups!

Fish Spa

A quirky, relaxing feature: sit down, dip your feet, and let small fish give you a gentle exfoliation.

Educational Shows & Presentations

Daily animal shows promote conservation awareness while keeping the mood light and engaging. You might catch a parrot solving puzzles or a reptile feeding session.

Why It’s Great for Students

For 3D ACADEMY students, Cebu Ocean Park is a:

• Stress-free weekend getaway without leaving the city

• Affordable entertainment (student discounts may apply)

• Chance to explore nature and science in English

• Photo-rich experience for social media or memory books

It’s also one of the few attractions in Cebu where you can spend 2–3 hours comfortably indoors, making it a great choice on rainy days or after a full week of study.

️ Chapter 2: Ticket Prices, Operating Hours & What’s New in 2025

Operating Hours (as of 2025)

• Open Days: Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Mondays)

• Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Last Entry: 5:00 PM

Tip: To avoid crowds and get the best photo ops, arrive before noon or visit during weekdays.

Ticket Prices (2025 Updated)

Tickets can be purchased on-site or online via the Cebu Ocean Park official website or third-party partners like Klook.

What’s New in 2025?

Penguin Encounter Zone (NEW!)

In early 2025, Cebu Ocean Park introduced a penguin habitat showcasing African penguins, with timed feeding shows and informative panels. It’s air-conditioned and designed to mimic their natural climate.

Reptile Interactive Station

You can now hold a snake or observe iguanas up close in a supervised mini-zone, guided by staff educators.

Augmented Reality Stations

Scan codes with your phone to view 3D animations and learn about ocean life in an interactive, gamified way—perfect for students and tech lovers.

Eco-Friendly Initiatives

Cebu Ocean Park is working toward plastic-free policies, recycling stations, and marine conservation campaigns in collaboration with local schools and NGOs. Visitors are encouraged to participate in environmental trivia and donation drives.

Insider Tip for 3D Students

Want to save money and time?

• Visit Tuesday through Thursday to skip the weekend rush.

• Combine the trip with IL Corso food court or a sunset walk along the coast.

• Bring your student ID to ask for any ongoing discounts.

Chapter 3: Must-See Attractions Inside the Park

Cebu Ocean Park is designed as a walkthrough experience with various themed zones that appeal to all ages. While you can explore freely, there are five must-see attractions that truly define the experience and are perfect for first-timers, especially 3D ACADEMY students and travelers with limited time.

1. Oceanarium Tunnel – The Signature Experience

This is the park’s main attraction and by far the most photogenic. Walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by marine life, including giant groupers, stingrays, and blacktip reef sharks swimming just inches away.

• Perfect for group selfies and social media

• Educational panels explain species in English and Filipino

• ⏱️ Spend at least 15–20 minutes here to enjoy the flow

2. Touch Pool & Stingray Interaction

A hands-on zone where you can touch real marine animals such as starfish, sea cucumbers, and even stingrays in shallow water under supervision.

• Don’t worry—it’s safe and sanitized regularly

• A great chance to feel connected to ocean life

• Kids and students alike love this experience

3. Jungle Trek & Creepy Crawlies

Step into a mini rainforest filled with colorful birds, snakes, lizards, insects, and exotic animals. This section feels more like a mini-zoo, giving you a break from marine zones.

• Features turtles, parrots, geckos, and even sugar gliders

• Educational boards highlight rainforest ecosystems

• Great for unexpected wildlife photos

4. Lorikeet Feeding Dome

Enter a walk-in aviary where you can feed nectar to dozens of lorikeets. These small, brightly colored parrots will land on your hand or shoulder while they eat!

• Must-try for bird lovers

• ️ Feeding cups are available for a small extra fee (~₱50)

• Background music creates a peaceful, tropical vibe

5. Fish Spa Area

After walking for an hour or two, relax by dipping your feet into a tank full of Garra rufa fish, which gently nibble away dead skin.

• A quirky but relaxing experience

• Included in your general admission

• Hilarious reactions guaranteed—perfect for videos

Chapter 4: How to Get There from 3D ACADEMY + Sample Itinerary

How to Get There from 3D ACADEMY (JY Square Mall)

Cebu Ocean Park is located at the IL Corso Compound, South Road Properties (SRP). From JY Square (Lahug), there are several ways to get there:

By Grab/Taxi

• Travel Time: 25–35 minutes (depending on traffic)

• Fare: ~₱250–₱300

• ✅ Most convenient and direct route

• Tip: Set “Cebu Ocean Park” as your drop-off point in the Grab app

By Jeepney or MyBus (Budget Option)

• Take a jeepney to SM Seaside or IL Corso

• Transfer to a MyBus route heading to SRP

• Walk 5–10 minutes to the entrance

• Not recommended for first-timers or large groups

️ Sample Half-Day Itinerary for 3D Students

Here’s a realistic schedule for visiting Cebu Ocean Park on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon:

You can also combine the trip with other SRP spots, such as:

• IL Corso Lifemalls for shopping and nightlife

• Cebu’s 3rd Bridge (CCLEX) for photo opportunities

• Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod for a peaceful detour

Chapter 5: Final Thoughts – Why Cebu Ocean Park Is Worth Visiting (Especially for Students)

Cebu Ocean Park is more than just a weekend attraction — it’s a unique blend of education, entertainment, and cultural experience that fits perfectly into the lifestyle of international students studying at 3D ACADEMY.

Learn English Beyond the Classroom

Every display and interactive experience is in English and Filipino, providing a fun and immersive way to practice real-world vocabulary — especially in topics like marine biology, environmental conservation, and wildlife behavior. It’s a hidden gem for students looking to reinforce classroom lessons in a natural context.

‍♀️ A Relaxing Break from Study Routine

After a week packed with grammar drills and speaking practice, Cebu Ocean Park offers the perfect mental refresh. The peaceful oceanarium tunnel, the soothing fish spa, and the chance to engage with animals all help relieve stress and restore energy.

Plus, it’s fully air-conditioned, spacious, and indoors — making it a great alternative on rainy or hot days.

️ Conveniently Located for a Full Day Out

Being next to IL Corso Lifemalls means that you can easily turn your visit into a full-day outing: combine marine exploration with shopping, dining, and even a coastal sunset. It’s all within a 30-minute ride from 3D ACADEMY, so you won’t feel too far from home base.

What Students Are Saying

“I loved the jellyfish zone! It was so beautiful and relaxing after my exams.”
– Sara, Japan

“I practiced new English words like ‘stingray’ and ‘piranha’—and now I’ll never forget them!”
– Pedro, Brazil

“We went as a group from 3D. The penguins were so cute and the tunnel was amazing!”
– Yulia, Russia

✅ Final Verdict

If you’re studying in Cebu and looking for a fun, educational, and Instagram-worthy destination, Cebu Ocean Park is absolutely worth a visit. It combines learning with leisure, and it’s just one Grab ride away from your dorm.

So grab your friends, charge your phones, and dive into an experience that brings the ocean to life — without leaving the city.

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