The New Singapore Oceanarium: Is It Better Than the SEA Aquarium? (2025 Review)

The three-month S.E.A. Aquarium renovation is finally over!

And the Singapore Oceanarium has officially reopened at Resorts World Sentosa.

We got a first look at this reimagined marine life park, now three times larger than before, with 22 themed zones and new marine species — including the viral albino axolotl from Minecraft fame.

But is it really worth visiting?

Here’s what you need to know — from must-see exhibits to ticket tips and more.

But before we dive in, check out our experience in this Instagram video:

What to See at the New Singapore Oceanarium: 10 Must-See Zones

There may be 22 zones in the new Sentosa Oceanarium.

But a few stood out during the Pelago team’s personal visit.

From moon jellies to manta rays, these are the must-see highlights to level up your Singapore Oceanarium experience.

Ocean Wonders

Super educational — but super Instagrammable too.

Ocean Wonders was a clear favourite at the old SEA Aquarium.

And it’s still a must-visit at the new Singapore Oceanarium.

You’ll find sea jellies galore here — some of the ocean’s oldest survivors, drifting through our seas for over 500 million years.

A massive tank houses thousands of moon jellies, forming one of the world’s largest kreisel habitats, mind you.

Add in multi-sensory lighting and ambient sound, and you’ve got one of the best new photo spots in Singapore.

Oh — and don’t forget to look out for other species like fried egg sea jellies and the Pacific sea nettle.

Ancient Waters

Okay — if you’ve got thalassophobia (that’s a fear of the deep sea), now’s the time to look away… or lean in.

The ocean hides some incredible ancient giants — and this zone brings them to life.

Ancient Waters features life-sized replicas and fossil displays of prehistoric marine creatures that once ruled the seas.

The coolest one? A massive animatronic Dunkleosteus — terrifyingly true to scale.

Conquering Land

Ah, the axolotl — a paedomorphic salamander so cute it barely seems real.

And thanks to Minecraft’s Caves & Cliffs update (plus an avalanche of viral content), this little critter has become more popular than ever.

Ever wondered where to find an axolotl in real life? Turns out, you don’t need to go far — you’ll find it right here at the new Singapore Oceanarium.

Conquering Land is where you can spot this endangered species, along with other fascinating creatures like the elephant trunk snake and Titicaca water frog.

Spirit of Exploration

There’s more to this new Sentosa aquarium than rare sea animals. It’s also a window into ancient seafaring.

Step into the Spirit of Exploration, where you’ll find the Jewel of Muscat — a full-scale reconstruction of a real 9th-century Omani dhow that once sailed from Oman to Singapore.

Whether you’re a fan of One Piece, Pirates of the Caribbean, or maritime history, seeing a vessel like this up close is seriously cool.

For an even better view, head to the Pier Adventure zone.

That’s where a suspended web walkway gives you a unique view of the ship. Just note: it’s a separately ticketed experience.

Oh, and if you’re feeling peckish, swing by Explorer’s Nook, a cosy café serving up pastries, salads, and coffee.

Singapore’s Coast (Pelago Team Favourite)

During COVID, intertidal walks in Singapore became extremely popular — who knew our local waters were so full of life?

The Singapore’s Coast zone makes discovering coastal marine animals even more accessible.

This hands-on zone is a joy to explore. If you're not the squeamish sort, try the Rock Pool, where cleaner shrimps will nibble on your hand when you dip it into the water.

The Seagrass Pool is also an excellent spot to observe marine animals using a bathyscope.

Other species you might spot include the archerfish, barred mudskipper, and spotted seahorse.

It’s an engaging space that kids will love — and the Pelago team definitely had fun here too.

Shark Seas

You can’t have a proper aquarium in Singapore without the apex predator of the sea, can you?

Yep — we’re talking about sharks.

And at Shark Seas, they take centre stage.

One of the zone’s biggest highlights is the Shark Tunnel.

It might be tricky to snap that perfect Instagram shot with crowds moving through. But it’s just as mesmerising to watch the sharks glide gracefully overhead.

Look out for shark species like the sand tiger shark, blacktip reef shark, and scalloped hammerhead shark.

Pro tip: Download the Singapore Oceanarium app to unlock a slick augmented reality (AR) experience that shows how sharks reproduce.

Open Ocean

One of the best marine exhibits in Singapore? Without a doubt — it’s the Open Ocean.

This zone features the Oceanarium’s largest viewing panel, and it’s biodiversity cranked to the max.

You’ll see all sorts of marine life gliding through this 18-million-litre habitat, transporting you to a world completely unlike our own.

The "animal spotlight" shines on stars like spotted eagle rays, manta rays, and zebra sharks.

Oh — and fun fact: it’s also one of the Oceanarium’s largest habitats, and the perfect backdrop for a cute photo op… or even a proposal to your partner!

Pro tip: Grab a quick snack from Ocean Bites if you’re need a quick nibble.

Benthos (Pelago Team Favourite)

As far as tanks go, the crème de la crème has to be the Benthos exhibit.

This cylindrical habitat is full of action, showcasing marine life typically found near the bottom of shallow seas.

Some colourful species to spot here include the Banggai cardinalfish, yellow tang, and Tasmanian giant crab.

Visitors — especially families with young ones — will love the Art-quarium zone, where you can create your own digital fish at an interactive touch table (and even give it a name too).

The Pelago team definitely had fun here — it was one of our favourite experiences.

Whale Fall and Seamount

There’s the biblical tale of Jonah being swallowed by a whale.

And stepping into the Whale Fall exhibit might just give you a sense of what that felt like. (A whale fall, by the way, refers to the final resting place of a whale on the seafloor.)

Here, you can walk through a life-sized whale fall skeleton and learn how its decomposition sustains deep-sea ecosystems for decades.

Talk about life after death in action.

Other cool species in this attraction?

Look out for the Japanese isopod, deep akaza prawn, and Australian ghostshark.

Ocean’s Future

If you’re concerned about climate change (as you should be), then Ocean’s Future might just strike a chord.

This zone features a surprisingly Instagrammable projection of melting ice shelves.

But aesthetics aside, you’ll also find the venomous red lionfish — native to the Indo-Pacific — swimming in a surreal, post-apocalyptic tank filled with suspended chairs and sofas.

The Singapore Oceanarium Store

Sometimes, a gift shop feels like an afterthought — but not at the new Oceanarium in Sentosa.

This adorably themed space is a merchandise paradise, packed with super cute souvenirs.

The axolotl plushy is a must-grab, along with other ocean creature plushies.

Don’t miss the Miffy collaboration either, featuring plushies, Miffy-themed hats, and keychains.

Singapore Oceanarium Opening Date, Hours, & Best Time to Visit

The Singapore Oceanarium's official launch was on 24 July 2025.

Opening hours are daily from 10am to 7pm.

If you're hoping to beat the crowds, your best bet is to go early in the morning. Later in the afternoon (around 4pm) on a weekday is another alternative.

Midday tends to get packed — unless you're fine with feeling like a sardine in a tin.

The first few weeks will likely be busy, with plenty of people eager to check it out — so it's worth planning ahead.

Peak periods like the June school holidays, November, and December are also expected to be crowded.

Feeding Times at the Singapore Oceanarium

This schedule is accurate as of 22 July 2025. For the latest updates and more shows, check the Oceanarium’s official website.

Singapore Oceanarium Ticket Prices & Where to Buy

Thinking of buying your Singapore Oceanarium tickets online? Here's why you might want to book them through Pelago.

For starters, you’ll earn 3 KrisFlyer miles for every 1 SGD spent. That means your Oceanarium visit could bring you one step closer to your next getaway.

You’ll also enjoy a seamless booking experience with instant confirmation. No need to fumble with physical tickets at the gate.

While promo codes don’t apply to this product, there are plenty of other attractions on Pelago where you can use them.

Check out our guide to the latest Pelago promo codes

Research and Learning Centre: The Oceanarium’s Green Heart

The new Sentosa Oceanarium isn’t just about exhibits. It’s also leading the way in marine conservation.

There’s a collaboration with local institutions like NUS, NTU, and the Earth Observatory of Singapore.

And together, they’re driving long-term research and education efforts.

At the heart of this mission is the on-site Research & Learning Centre. It’s a sustainability hub focused on outreach, innovation, and protecting the ocean.

Step inside and you’ll find labs, seminar rooms, and co-working spaces. There’s even a rooftop venue you can book for private events.

Pretty impressive, we’d say.

How to Get to the Singapore Oceanarium (By MRT, Car, Cable Car)

There are several ways to get to the new Oceanarium. And it's pretty much the same route you'd have taken to the old S.E.A. Aquarium.

By Car

• If you're driving, stick to the left lane on Sentosa Gateway. You'll head down a slope straight into the RWS car park.

• Next, filter right and enter the tunnels marked for cars and taxis.

• From there, it's easy — just follow the overhead signs to B1 East, where you can park.

• Once you've parked, look for the directory and follow directions to the Oceanarium on Level 1

The bonus? You'll avoid paying the Sentosa Island drive-in admission fee if you enter this way.

Pro tip: Driving down? Head to the B1 East Zone car park — the same one used for the old S.E.A. Aquarium.

By MRT

• Take either the North-East Line or Circle Line to HarbourFront MRT Station

• Exit via Exit E to VivoCity, then take the escalators or lift to Level 3

• Hop on the Sentosa Monorail Express — it's just one stop to Resorts World Station

• From there, follow the signs. After walking past the Universal Studios globe, you'll find the Singapore Oceanarium entrance.

By Cable Car

Why not switch things up a little and take a ride on the Singapore Cable Car? It's a unique way to see a different side of the city — and a scenic, practical route to the Oceanarium.

• Make your way to the Singapore Cable Car Station at HarbourFront Tower II

• Board the cable car towards Sentosa Station

• Disembark at Sentosa Station, then re-board at Imbiah Station

• Get off at Sensoryscape Station

• From there, hop on the Sentosa Express — it's just one stop to Resorts World Station

Nearby Attractions in Sentosa: What Else to Do

Even beyond the S.E.A. Aquarium Singapore's rebranding into the Oceanarium, there's so much for families to see and do in Sentosa — no matter your age.

You've got Universal Studios Singapore, arguably the crème de la crème of the island's attractions.

Adventure Cove Waterpark is always a crowd favourite, especially among older kids and teens.

And more recently, Harry Potter: Visions of Magic has captured the hearts of every kid (and grown-up) who grew up with the Wizarding World. (Check out our review to see why it's worth a visit.)

Recommended Sentosa Hotels Nearby

Planning a staycay with the family or the rest of the gang? Here are a few nearby hotels worth checking out:

• Equarius Ocean Suite – Yes, this is the one with the legendary underwater aquarium suite and viewing panel.

• Crockfords Tower – The ultimate mix of luxury and convenience. It's an all-suite hotel — what more could you want?

• Hotel Michael – A beautiful hotel with rooms designed in a tasteful, art gallery-inspired style.

• Hotel Ora – A family-friendly option with loft beds, a wet play area, and even a dedicated kids' pool.

Wrapping Up: Why the New Singapore Oceanarium Is Worth Getting Excited About

The new Singapore Oceanarium isn’t just a destination — it’s a transformation from the old space.

With a more than impressive line-up of immersive exhibits, life-sized replicas, animatronics, and activities that blend science with storytelling, it’s designed to spark curiosity across all ages.

Whether you're learning about jellyfish, witnessing an animatronic Dunkleosteus in action, or using the mobile app for insights during your tour, every step into this underwater world feels like a voyage into a living, breathing ecosystem.

If you’re curious about what life in the oceans really looks like, this is one experience you have to see for yourself.