The best way to experience the oceanarium? Book Singapore Oceanarium Insider Experience. Here’s why we loved every moment.
The city’s newest must-visit destination is making waves – Singapore Oceanarium is a big, breathtaking, and uniquely immersive experience. At three times the size of the former aquarium, it’s home to 22 zones, new marine animals, and experiences not found elsewhere. Excited to discover the wonders of the sea, we embarked on the Singapore Oceanarium Insider Experience, an insightful behind-the-scenes guided journey into the world-leading ocean institute. It’s the ultimate marine life experience!
Know before you go
Best for: Families, marine enthusiasts, and visitors curious about ocean life
What to wear: Comfortable clothes, a light jacket, and covered shoes (support areas can get chilly)
What to bring: A small bag with essentials
Price: $288 for adults, from $228 for children and seniors (non-peak); $318 for adults, $258 for children and seniors (peak)
Duration: 3.5 hours, with time slots at 9am and 1pm (in English and Mandarin)
Address: Resorts World Sentosa, 24 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098137
First impression: There’s so much to explore and discover
As fans of the former aquarium, we were blown away by the massive new space. Thanks to the Singapore Oceanarium Insider Experience, we roamed around iconic zones and gleaned fresh insights from our friendly guide’s stories. It’s a rare chance to have meaningful conversations with the education team. Perfect for anyone who’s intrigued by the secrets of the ocean!
It begins at the exclusive lounge, where you can relax with refreshments like juice, tea, chips, and chocolate. Once everyone in the group arrives, special lanyards are distributed, and you’ll enter Singapore Oceanarium through a private door.
Tip: ask questions! We peppered our guide with queries and gained fascinating facts about sharks, the world’s deepest ocean trench, and the future of climate change.
What to expect: Incredible insights into the ocean
We started strong at Ocean Wonders, where sea jellies drift gracefully. Fun fact: there are over 20 species of sea jellies here, all bred in-house to maintain a sustainable population! Want to know more? Get a closer look during a pitstop in the Aquarist Lab.
Next, we stepped into Ancient Waters, home to a life-sized replica of the extinct Dunkleosteus. Interactive areas let you “excavate” fossils on a screen or scan a QR code to see the giant fish come to life. As we strolled around, we spotted a crowd admiring the quirky-looking Axolotl, a crowd favourite with its own plushies at the store.
At Whale Fall and Seamount, we stared in awe at the towering whale skeleton replica. Our guide explained how it sinks to the ocean floor, feeding scavengers and creating shelter for other organisms. The zone also showcases captivating animals like the Japanese spider crab, Botan shrimp, and Australian ghostshark.
One of our favourite zones? Life in the Deep, a space of preserved deep-sea species showcased under controlled lighting to replicate the natural environment of the deep sea, where sunlight barely penetrates. Strange and otherworldly, these animals seemed to stare right back at us from the shadows. Of course, the Open Ocean is as spectacular as ever. Settle in at the viewing panel to watch manta rays, Indo-Pacific Leopard Sharks, and other marine species glide around the oceanarium’s largest habitat.
Oh, and don’t forget to use the $10 meal voucher that comes with the ticket. We suggest heading to the new Explorer’s Nook cafe for croffles or adorable marine-themed buns.
Highlights: Interactive and exclusive experiences
What makes the Singapore Oceanarium Insider Experience truly memorable? Exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to restricted areas that remain closed to the public. Here’s a teaser: expect a peek behind the scenes at what goes into caring for marine animals. Look forward to a simple activity (with a souvenir), alongside a complimentary photo and your lanyard to take home.
We also loved Singapore’s Coast, a zone dedicated to local biodiversity. Our guide even pointed out the favourite hiding spots of local species! Eager to get hands-on, we stepped up to the Intertidal Pool and touched shark eggs, brain corals, flower pot corals, and shark teeth – each with its own unique texture.
Next, we dipped our hands into the Discovery Pool to interact with the cleaner shrimps. As naturally curious animals, the cleaner shrimps will approach voluntarily. We were told to let them come to us and nibble our skin. The feeling was surprisingly light and ticklish!
Another standout is the Dolphin Exploration programme, a 30-minute session suitable for all ages. The dry, close-up encounter lets you meet dolphins at the edge of their habitat while learning about their behaviour from animal care specialists. Families with little ones will love this!
Verdict: A unique deep dive into the oceanarium
If you only have time for one adventure in the city, make it the Singapore Oceanarium Insider Experience. It’s immersive, interactive, and the closest you’ll get to exploring the ocean without diving in. Tip: book the 9am slot to enjoy entry into the oceanarium before it officially opens at 10am.
Other niche programmes are also available, such as the Fossilist Workshop ($88), a one-day masterclass about fossils at the Research and Learning Centre. Or check out the Animal Spotlight sessions on sea jellies and corals ($28 each) for a guided tour with behind-the-scenes access.
Before you leave, swing by the marine-inspired retail store for an ocean-inspired curated collection celebrating icons big and small – from the graceful Manta Ray and sleek Blacktip Reef Shark to the whimsical Axolotl.
Book the Singapore Oceanarium Insider Experience for an unforgettable dive into the deep!
This post is in partnership with Resorts World Sentosa.
