Contents
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.
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.
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.
Cebu Ocean Park is divided into several themed areas that allow visitors to experience more than just sea creatures. Here are the main highlights:
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.
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.
This area features insects, snakes, birds, and small mammals in a mini-rainforest setting. A surprising favorite among school groups!
A quirky, relaxing feature: sit down, dip your feet, and let small fish give you a gentle exfoliation.
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.
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.
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.
Category | Price (PHP) | Notes |
---|---|---|
General Admission | ₱650 | Includes access to all main zones |
Children (under 2 ft) | Free | Must be accompanied by a paying adult |
Senior Citizens / PWD | ₱520 | With valid ID |
3D Students | ₱550 (est.) | Group/student promo may apply |
Group of 10+ | ₱580/person | Advanced booking recommended |
Tickets can be purchased on-site or online via the Cebu Ocean Park official website or third-party partners like Klook.
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.
You can now hold a snake or observe iguanas up close in a supervised mini-zone, guided by staff educators.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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:
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
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
Here’s a realistic schedule for visiting Cebu Ocean Park on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon:
Time | Activity |
---|---|
12:00 PM | Grab lunch near JY Square (Mr. Sizzlers or Tsai Hotel) |
1:00 PM | Depart for Cebu Ocean Park via Grab |
1:30 PM | Arrive and buy tickets |
1:45 PM | Start tour (Ocean Tunnel, Touch Pool, etc.) |
3:30 PM | Fish spa & rest |
4:00 PM | Exit and head to IL Corso food street |
4:15 PM | Enjoy street food, coffee, or gelato |
5:00 PM | Optional: Watch sunset along SRP walkway |
6:00 PM | Return to 3D ACADEMY |
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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
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.