Family Adventure | The One Where We Visit the Largest Ocean Park in the Philippines
Hello again, hive friends! Last time, I told you all about our exciting trip to Cebu Safari but our adventure didn't stop there. The next day, Rozen's family, my kids, and I visited Cebu Ocean Park for the first time.
Currently, there are only two ocean parks in the Philippines and did you know that the one in Cebu City is actually the biggest in the country. I haven't been to Manila Ocean Park but accordingly to data, Cebu's Ocean Park is triple in size.
Even though we live near the ocean, my kids were still thrilled to see all the different species of fish and marine animals, plus they also have crocodiles and different species of birds and other cold blooded reptiles too. In total, the park houses around 200 different species of animals.
We decided to book our tickets through the app called Klook for ₱790.00 ($14.46) per person since it was the weekend, while the weekday price is only ₱590.00 ($10.80).
The fee included one free printed photo in their souvenir booth and an all-access pass to all their exhibits, such as the Jungle Trek, Creepy Critters, Seven Seas, Lorries Loft, Amphitheater Bird Show, Crocodile Lair Exhibit, Oceanarium, and Main Tank Gallery.
I actually liked that they provide you a free soft copy of the photo souvenir plus one printed copy as well, compared to our experience in Cebu Safari where you need to pay for the pictures Before heading to Ocean Park, we had lunch at SM Seaside, which is just across the park. I suggest doing the same, as there is a wider variety of food choices in the mall and outside food is not allowed in Ocean Park. You can also find food stalls inside Ocean Park where you can grab some snacks or drinks. We bought some fries and a hotdog sandwich there.
)Eating bibimbap for lunch at SM Seaside Foodcourt
The kids had a fantastic time, and they even took pictures with the parrots before the bird show. My youngest daughter, Dannah, was especially inquisitive and asked a lot of questions about the different animals. She was really amazed by the vast array of marine life on display, and I was glad to have given my children such a unique experience. I hope this core memory grows and sticks with them through adulthood.
The bird show inside the park is scheduled every 12nn, 2pm and the last show is at 4pm. I think it lasted for about an hour and it's also one of the highlights of our tour. We really enjoyed the bird show, they showcased how smart birds can be. They were all so well trained and they entertained us with their witty tricks and math skills too.
Here is Ate Daphnie and Kuya Daniel with the lovely birds. Meanwhile Dannah was afraid of their big claws so she didn't partake in the picture taking.
Aside from the Bird Show, there are other activities inside the park that you can do and the fees varies depending on the type of the activity such as;
- Stingray Encounter
where you can touch and feed the stingrays - Fish Spa
This cost ₱100.00 (&1.83) which is perfect especially after touring the park, you can sit down and relax while the little fishes give you a tickling foot spa. - Feeding Lorie
where you can feed the birds in Lorries Loft with their special mixture of lory nectar. - SeaTREK
where you can walk on the ocean floor using a helmet with a built-in air supply.For additional information about how much each activity cost, you may check their official website at Cebu Ocean Park
Some tips and reminders when visiting Cebu Ocean Park
- Flash photography is not allowed.
- Food and drinks bought outside the facility is prohibited, although bringing your own tumbler with water in it is accepted.
- The park is open from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday, and the last admission is at 6 p.m., an hour before closing.
- Wheelchair is available upon request in the reception area
- It's very convenient to book tickets online and in advance, you can use Klook app for booking.
Lastly, It's best to come early so you can enjoy the bird show and the feeding on the main tank as it is by schedule only.
There is a restaurant available fronting the big aquarium tank, where you can enjoy a gourmet meal with the view of the big fishes in the background. Unfortunately, we haven't had the chance to try the restaurant on our visit, so I'm not familiar with the prices. You can just check their website for bookings.
And if you love souvenirs, there is also a souvenir shop located near the exit of the park, where you can get stuffed animals, keychains, shirts, and other items to bring home as a memento of your experience.
Cebu Ocean Park is located at the SM Seaside Complex, F. Vestil St., Cebu City, Cebu. If you're ever in the area, make sure to drop by for a memorable family experience. For sure the kids and kids at heart will enjoy their time in the park.
Ma. Morena is a nature enthusiast, an optimist and outgoing person who loves turning her adventure and thoughts into writing.
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All photos were either taken by me and some where shared photos from my colleagues with permission to upload unless stated otherwise. Images may have been shared to my social media accounts prior posting to the blog.
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