On a rainy afternoon, our family embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Cebu Ocean Park, the largest oceanic park in the Philippines. Despite the gloomy weather, our spirits were high, and the excitement in the air was palpable, especially among Adie, B, and their cousins. They were eager to explore the wonders of the underwater world and encounter various animals, including marine creatures, spiders, snakes, and reptiles.
Arrival and First Impressions
As we arrived at Cebu Ocean Park, raindrops tapping on the roof created a soothing background melody. The entrance was bereft of people — we purposely booked our visit on a weekday to avoid crowds. But all eager to escape the rain and dive into a world of aquatic wonders. The children, clutching their jackets and adults chasing them with umbrellas, couldn’t wait to start exploring.
TIP: Book your visit ahead to skip the lines! Klook also offers discounts for Cebu Ocean Park tickets 🙂
Upon entering, we were greeted by a giant aquarium that stretched from floor to ceiling. The sight of enormous fishes swimming gracefully captivated everyone’s attention. The children’s eyes widened with awe as they pressed their faces against the glass, pointing excitedly at the different species they recognized.
Exploring the Marine World
Our journey began in the marine section, where we encountered a variety of fascinating sea creatures. The kids were particularly thrilled to see the giant grouper, a massive fish that seemed to float effortlessly through the water in various-size tanks. Its size and majestic presence were truly awe-inspiring.
Next, we moved to the main tank (tunnel aquarium), the highlight of Cebu Ocean Park. Walking through the tunnel, we were surrounded by marine life on all sides. Sharks, rays, and schools of colorful fish swam overhead, creating a surreal experience. The children giggled and shrieked with delight as they spotted their favorite creatures. It was heartwarming to see their genuine fascination and joy.
Feeding Shows
One of the highlights of Cebu Ocean Park are the feeding shows. Unfortunately, we were a little late for the main tank feeding, much to our disappointment. We passed by the large tanks, eagerly anticipating the spectacle since there were divers gearing up. It was probably the rain or we might have been a tad too excited and did not check the schedule that’s why we missed it. The frenzy of the visit did not faze the kids, though. They still enjoyed taking photos with the fish and even wanted to try the fish spa where you can sit on a giant lily pod while the tiny fish nibble away at your feet’s dry skin.
Encountering Land Animals
Cebu Ocean Park isn’t just about marine life; it also houses a variety of land animals. We made our way to the section dedicated to reptiles and arachnids. The kids were both fascinated and a little apprehensive as we approached the exhibits.
The first stop was the snake exhibit. The children stared wide-eyed at the massive pythons and other serpents, their initial fear giving way to curiosity. The informative displays helped us learn about these incredible creatures, and the kids even became fascinated with a simple bullfrog.
Next, we visited the spider exhibit. This was a bit more challenging for some of us, given the natural fear many people have of spiders. However, the kids were surprisingly brave. They marveled at the intricate web designs and the variety of spider species on display. It was a great opportunity to educate them about the important role spiders play in the ecosystem.
Our journey through the land animal section concluded with the reptile exhibit. The children were particularly fascinated by the iguanas and geckos. Their vibrant colors and unique features were a hit with the kids, who eagerly asked questions and learned about their habitats and behaviors.
Educational and Interactive Displays
One of the aspects that stood out about Cebu Ocean Park was the educational value. Throughout the park, there were numerous interactive displays and informative boards that provided insights into the different species we encountered. The children enjoyed the hands-on exhibits, where they could touch and feel various textures, such as shark skin and turtle shells.
Rainy Day Delight
Despite the rain, our visit to Cebu Ocean Park was filled with joy and wonder. The indoor environment provided a perfect escape from the weather, and the well-designed exhibits kept us engaged and entertained. The park’s layout ensured that even on a rainy day, there was plenty to see and do.
Dining Options
Exploring such a huge complex and running around with four kids can easily make anyone hungry and thirsty. Fortunately for us, Cebu Ocean Park has a wide selection of food concessionaires that offer snacks and full meals. The food kiosks offer quick bites and refreshments while they cafe named Flat White serves more refined options including coffee, cakes and pastries. The highlight of all dining experiences at Cebu Ocean Park is the main tank luncheonette where you can enjoy good food right next to a wall of fishes and other marine creatures swimming about.
There is also a trendy bar with a wall of luminescent jellyfish serving as a hypnotic background. I imagine this is a great spot for dads who do not want to deal with children screaming with excitement at every turn. But Jun, my brothers-in-law and father-in-law seemed to have enjoyed the exploration as much as the kids.
Family Bonding
Our trip to Cebu Ocean Park was more than just an educational experience; it was a time for family bonding. Watching the children’s faces light up with excitement and curiosity was priceless. The gift shop was the last stop before we exited Cebu Ocean Park. We bought some trinkets but the laughs shared, new things learned together, and lasting memories created were surely more than enough. Core memory banked indeed.
Conclusion
Cebu Ocean Park is a fantastic destination for families looking to explore the wonders of the aquatic world and beyond. The diverse range of marine creatures, reptiles, and arachnids among others ensures that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The feeding shows and interactive displays add an extra layer of excitement and education.
Even on a rainy afternoon, our visit to Cebu Ocean Park was a highlight of our trip. The children’s enthusiasm and the immersive experience made it a day to remember. If you’re planning a visit, don’t let the weather deter you—Cebu Ocean Park offers an enchanting escape into the marvels of nature, rain or shine.
Book your Cebu Ocean Park Tickets
Cebu Ocean Park is just one of the many attractions we visited during our recent trip to Cebu City. Enjoy the best theme parks of Cebu here. UP NEXT: Cebu Safari.
