An enormous complex comprising aquariums and rollercoasters, Ocean Park promises an educational and fun day out.
There’s a good reason why this complex attracts millions of visitors a year: the award-winning Ocean Park is basically an oceanarium, theme park and research centre all rolled into one! It guarantees to mesmerise you with beautiful and rare animal species, while also offering great rides and a unique educational experience.The park is on the southern side of Hong Kong Island and is split into two areas by a mountain, creating the Summit which is in Wong Chuk Hang, and the Waterfront in Nam Long Shan. You can travel between the two by shuttle bus, funicular or cable car. Try to arrive early to avoid crowds, particularly during peak season.The views out over the South China Sea from the Summit are spectacular. On Ocean Park Tower you can enjoy these views from a platform which rotates. Atoll Reef, also in the Summit, is an aquarium with some 250 different species of sea life, including the black-spotted stingray. Among the rides here is the Abyss, which propels you faster than freefall down a 61-metre drop.If you have children with you, take them along to Whisker's Harbour in the Waterfront, which is tailored towards younger visitors. Here you’ll find a jungle gym and the Animal Story Corner. While you’re in this part of Ocean Park you might also consider going to Giant Panda Adventure, a specially built habitat for giant and red pandas. Then there’s the Gator Marsh where you’ll meet some Chinese alligators, and also the Goldfish Pavilion where you can learn about the significance of goldfish in China.Ocean Park also has some theatres where you can go along to watch educational performances. Vultures and eagles might well be on the programme at the Bird Theatre, while the Ocean Theatre puts on various different shows starring the park’s marine residents. Admissions to these shows are often included in the price of the ticket, so check when you book your tickets what exactly you'll be entitled to. The park’s website provides official and up-to-date information.Ocean Park is open daily, but closes for major holidays.Bus 629, which you can catch at Central Pier7 or near Exit B of Admiralty station on the MTR, will take you straight there.
