What Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation does

The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation is a registered non-profit Trust and Public Benefit Organisation (PBO No: 930061845; NPO No: 234-805-NPO) established in 2019 by the Two Oceans Aquarium, which has operated at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town since 1995. The Foundation operates three integrated verticals — marine conservation (the Turtle Conservation Centre with an 85% rehabilitation release rate, the Marine Wildlife Management Programme, the Urban Otter Project, and the Turtle Rescue Network of more than 2,000 members), ocean education (the Ocean Campus offering curriculum-aligned school programmes, Grades 9-12 job shadowing, FET Marine Sciences, and Thinkific-hosted online courses), and research (the People and Ocean Lab, acoustic tracking with SAIAB's ATAP platform, the Searching for Sunfish citizen science programme, and more than 60 supported research projects governed by a formal Research Advisory Board and Ethics Committee). It is governed by a Board of Trustees chaired by Ann Lamont, with the Aquarium's CEO Michael Farquhar and senior V&A Waterfront executives as members.

The business model is hybrid non-profit revenue. Commercial income flows through ticket sales, annual memberships, PADI dive school courses, snorkelling and penguin experiences, behind-the-scenes tours, and school group bookings via the proprietary e-commerce shop (shop.aquarium.co.za) and a tour operator portal. Non-commercial income includes Section 18A tax-deductible individual donations, recurring corporate sponsorships (AVI, SPAR, DHL, FNB, One&Only Cape Town), the Adopt-a-Turtle programme, and the #NOOW African penguin campaign. The customer base spans general public visitors, school and tertiary students, corporate sponsors, and research institutions including UCT, CPUT, UWC, and the University of Cardiff. No revenue figures are publicly disclosed; pricing is available only at point of sale on the e-commerce shop.

Name

Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation

Legal name

Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation

Website

https://aquarium.co.za

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation is a South African non-profit Trust and Public Benefit Organisation operating marine conservation, ocean education, and research programmes out of the V&A Waterfront aquarium in Cape Town. It serves the public, schools, corporate sponsors, and universities through turtle rescue, Ocean Campus courses, and a 2,000+ member Turtle Rescue Network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Aquarium and Marine Conservation Services

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine Conservation & Citizen-Science Experiences (reef monitoring, turtle walks) (THAAAIAH), Marine Wildlife & Coastal Nature Tours (Whale/Dolphin Watching, Sea Kayaking) (THAAAEAD)

Keywords

• Marine conservation education
• Public aquarium services
• Sea turtle rehabilitation
• Ocean literacy programs
• Marine wildlife research

Headquarters

HQ city

Cape Town

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Direct admission fees for visitors to the Two Oceans Aquarium. Tickets are sold through the aquarium's e-commerce shop.
2. Annual Memberships: Recurring membership programme offering unlimited access to the aquarium with various benefits.
3. Experiences and Programmes: Revenue from dive school courses, snorkelling experiences, behind-the-scenes tours, penguin experiences, and adventure diving programmes.
4. School Group Bookings: Educational programmes and group bookings for school groups including curriculum-aligned marine education.
5. Corporate Sponsorships: Direct sponsorships from corporations supporting conservation, education, and marine animal welfare programmes.
6. Donations: Tax-deductible donations under Section 18A of the Income Tax Act. As a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO No: 930061845), qualifying donations are tax-deductible.
7. Turtle Adoption Programme: Adopt-a-turtle programme where supporters can contribute to the care and rehabilitation of rescued turtles.
8. African Penguin Campaign (#NOOW): Campaign donations supporting African penguin conservation efforts.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation operates a public aquarium at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, delivering visitor experiences across multiple marine exhibits, a PADI-certified Dive School, and educational programmes through Ocean Campus. The Foundation runs marine conservation services including the Turtle Conservation Centre (with an 85% turtle release rate), the Marine Wildlife Management Programme, the Turtle Rescue Network (over 2,000 members), the Urban Otter Project, and the People and Ocean Lab research unit. Revenue is generated through ticket sales, annual memberships, dive school courses, visitor experiences, school group bookings, corporate sponsorships, and Section 18A tax-deductible donations to a registered Public Benefit Organisation.

Product overview

The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation operates a zoo/aquarium and conservation organization with a platform-plus-programmes architecture. The core offering is the Two Oceans Aquarium attraction featuring multiple exhibits (I&J Ocean Exhibit, Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit, Kelp Forest Exhibit, Penguin Exhibit, Microscope Exhibit, Diversity Gallery). Conservation programmes include the Turtle Conservation Centre (85% release rate), Marine Wildlife Management Programme, and Urban Otter Project. Education offerings span Ocean Campus with school programmes, job shadowing, and online courses. The Foundation also operates a PADI Dive School and visitor experiences including Penguin Experiences and behind-the-scenes tours. All programmes are connected through the Foundation's research initiatives including the People and Ocean Lab and citizen science projects like the Sunfish programme.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Turtle Conservation Centre: Sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and release programme; flagship conservation project of the Foundation.
• Marine Wildlife Management Programme
• Ocean Campus
• People and Ocean Lab
• Turtle Rescue Network
• Urban Otter Project
• Searching for Sunfish

Products and services

• Two Oceans Aquarium Visitor Experience
• PADI Dive School
• Ocean Campus Education Programmes
• Penguin Experience
• Snorkelling Experience
• Behind the Scenes Guided Tours
• Job Shadowing Programme
• Turtle Conservation Centre
• Marine Wildlife Management Programme
• Turtle Rescue Network
• Urban Otter Project
• Searching for Sunfish Citizen Science Programme

Quantifiable outcome

• 85% turtle rehabilitation release rate
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• V&A WaterfrontcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner hosting the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront. The partnership includes co-funding the Urban Otter Project and Marine Wildlife Management Programme to promote harmonious human-wildlife coexistence in the Blue Flag Harbour.
• National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with NSRI as part of the Turtle Rescue Network to facilitate rapid and safe turtle rescues along the Western Cape coastline.
• South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with SAIAB's Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP) for tracking marine animals including turtles and sharks, advancing research on coastal movements and spatial management.
• University of Cape TowncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing sunfish research project in partnership with UCT focusing on species diversity and distribution along the southern African coast, involving biological data collection and citizen science.
• Cape Peninsula University of TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with CPUT's 3rd year Diploma in Marine Sciences Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme providing students with on-the-job training and technical skills for scientific research.
• University of the Western CapecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with the Animal Science laboratory at UWC on novel research on penguin sperm viability, offering insights into potential impacts of aquatic toxins on penguin reproduction.
• University of CardiffcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with University of Cardiff spearheading Africa's inaugural Ocean Literacy survey, aiming to establish a national network and guidelines for best practices in Ocean Literacy.
• Shark SpotterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint effort with Shark Spotters and SAIAB's ATAP addressing knowledge gaps for priority shark and ray species in False Bay, informing Marine Protected Area effectiveness.
• Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner for turtle rescue coordination and seal disentanglement collaboration as part of the Marine Wildlife Management Programme.
• SANPARKScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with SANPARKS for turtle rescues and seabird safety monitoring in the Cape Point National Parks areas and V&A Waterfront precinct.
• Cape NaturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Cape Nature for turtle rescue network points and marine wildlife management along the Western Cape coastline.
• Florida AquariumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting the #NOOW (NotOnOurWatch) African penguin campaign alongside Georgia Aquarium and Zoos Victoria to heighten awareness of the urgent need to reverse African penguin population decline.
• Georgia AquariumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting the #NOOW African penguin campaign alongside Florida Aquarium and Zoos Victoria.
• Zoos VictoriacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting the #NOOW African penguin campaign alongside Florida Aquarium and Georgia Aquarium.
• Dr Tierney Thys (National Geographic)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with National Geographic researcher Dr Tierney Thys in 2004 to capture, handle safely, and satellite tag sunfishes for research purposes.
• SANCCOBminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSANCCOB rehabilitated stranded rockhopper penguins before donation to the Aquarium. Due to disease transmission risks, these penguins cannot be released into the wild.
• AVIminorOthersCorporate supporter of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
• SPARminorOthersCorporate supporter of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
• DHLminorOthersCorporate supporter of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
• City of Cape TownminorOthersGovernment supporter of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
• First National Bank (FNB)minorOthersCorporate supporter of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
• One&Only Cape TownminorOthersLuxury resort supporter of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
• Mission BlueminorOthersConservation organisation partner and supporter.
• Ocean Family FoundationminorOthersFoundation supporter of ocean conservation efforts.
• Morukuru Goodwill FoundationminorOthersFoundation supporter of conservation and community initiatives.
• The Royal Portfolio FoundationminorOthersFoundation supporter of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
• Dyer Island Conservation TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organisation in the Turtle Rescue Network facilitating turtle rescues along the Southern Cape coastline.
• South African Shark ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organisation in the Turtle Rescue Network for shark and marine conservation research.
• Lower Breede River ConservancyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organisation in the Turtle Rescue Network for the Witsand and Infanta areas.
• Whale Coast ConservationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organisation in the Turtle Rescue Network for marine wildlife conservation.
• BayworldminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organisation in the Turtle Rescue Network along the Eastern Cape coastline.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• SeaWorld Entertainment: Large publicly traded marine theme park operator with multiple aquarium and animal-experience venues. Significantly larger scale but operates overlapping marine animal display, education, and conservation programmes.

Regional players

• uShaka Marine World: Largest aquarium in South Africa, located in Durban. Closest direct domestic competitor in the South African aquarium market, with comparable theme park/aquarium hybrid offering and marine education programmes.
• Shark Spotters: Cape Town-based shark safety and research organisation that is a current partner of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation. Comparable in marine wildlife research, conservation focus, and Cape Town operating geography.
• Dyer Island Conservation Trust: South African marine conservation trust focused on shark, whale, and other marine wildlife research. Current partner in the Turtle Rescue Network with overlapping donor-funded conservation model in the Western Cape.
• SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds): South African non-profit focused on seabird rehabilitation, including African penguins. Listed as a partner that rehabilitates and supplies penguins to the Two Oceans Aquarium; operates similar donor-supported conservation model.

Direct peers

• Georgia Aquarium: Major public aquarium in the United States with comparable mission spanning conservation, education, research, and visitor experiences. Partnered with Two Oceans Aquarium on the #NOOW African penguin campaign, indicating direct programme-level collaboration.
• Monterey Bay Aquarium: Internationally renowned aquarium and ocean conservation NGO operating exhibits, conservation programmes, and research. Comparable in combining a public aquarium attraction with a dedicated conservation foundation and education pipeline.
• National Aquarium (Baltimore): Major US public aquarium with conservation, education, and animal rescue/rehabilitation programmes. Operates a non-profit model with a similar mix of visitor revenue, donations, and conservation programming as the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
• Florida Aquarium: Public aquarium focused on conservation, education, and animal rehabilitation in Tampa, Florida. Co-partner with Two Oceans Aquarium on the #NOOW African penguin campaign, sharing similar marine conservation programming and visitor engagement models.

Others

• Ocean Conservancy: Major international ocean conservation NGO focused on policy, science, and public engagement. Comparable to the Foundation's conservation and ocean literacy mission, though without the public aquarium attraction component.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/aquariumfoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aquarium-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/2oceansaquarium
• TikToktiktok.com/@2oceansaquarium

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation