Cebu Ocean Park Guide: Our Experience, Where to Buy Tickets & Tips
We visited Cebu Ocean Park to accompany our cute little niece to see different kinds of animals — from birds to reptiles, and of course, the marine creatures. Aside from animals, it also has a restaurant with a huge aquarium, an events center, and a souvenir shop. And, did you know that it currently holds the title as the largest oceanarium in the Philippines? It is said to be three times larger than Manila Ocean Park, which we can attest to as we’ve been to both ocean parks in the Philippines.
Cebu Ocean Park officially opened on 24 August 2019 but temporarily closed in April 2020 due to COVID-19. It finally reopened in Nov 2020 and has since been receiving visitors both young and the young at heart. If you are interested to visit Ocean Park Cebu soon, we’ve compiled a simple guide to help you plan your great adventure.
Cebu Ocean Park admission
It is highly encouraged that you buy your admission tickets online to avoid the possible long queue at the walk-in counter.
Cebu Ocean Park entrance fees
- ₱550 for weekdays excluding holidays
- ₱700 for weekends and holidays
*Note that children who are two feet and above will have the same entrance fees as adults
Tip: If you book your Cebu Ocean Park tickets via Klook, you can get a 10% discount on admission tickets. This already includes admission to Jungle Trek, Creepy Critters, Seven Seas, Lorries Loft, Amphitheater Bird Show, Crocodile Lair Exhibit, Oceanarium, Main Tank Gallery and a free digital photo. You can then present your e-voucher at the counter and exchange it with an actual ticket.
How to get there
Ocean Park Cebu is located at SM Seaside Complex Mambaling, Cebu City. You may take a taxi or Grab to get there. Alternatively, you can also ride a Beep bus going to SM Seaside and walk towards San Pedro Calungsod Chapel, which is just beside the park.
Also read: 10 Best Malls in Cebu to Shop, Dine, or Simply Unwind
Our actual experience
Overall, we really had fun, except probably for the crowd — we sometimes had to elbow our way through. But we’re glad that people are learning to live in the new normal. Always wear your face masks and practice social distancing (though it’s challenging!) as much as you can.
By the way, there is a photo op before entering. This is free and included in your admission, so don’t hesitate to approach the photographer and strike a pose!
Here’s a photo dump of our Ocean Park adventure:
Friendly reminders
- Wear comfy clothes with good walking shoes. Some parts of the park are open-air while others are air-conditioned.
- Food and drinks from the outside are not allowed inside.
- Dangerous items like bottles, firecrackers, lasers, and other things that may disturb visitors are prohibited.
- Pets are not allowed, except for service animals with valid ID.
- Smoking and drinking are prohibited.
- Photography is allowed, but no flash photography.
- Videos and photos for commercial purposes, and live broadcasting are strictly prohibited.
- You cannot re-enter after you leave the premises.
Also read: 16 Cebu Delicacies We Love & Where to Buy Them
That’s it! We’ll leave the rest to your own discovery. Have a safe and fun adventure at Cebu Ocean Park soon!
