Singapore Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa has officially opened on 23 July. It is a transformation of the former S.E.A. Aquarium and has been revamped to showcase research-inspired installations, immersive exhibits, hands-on programmes and interactive digital experiences.
Singapore Oceanarium is part of Resorts World Sentosa’s S$6.8 billion (about US$5.3 billion) expansion and will further boost Singapore’s tourism landscape.
Resorts World Sentosa is a lifestyle destination resort located on Sentosa island off Singapore’s southern coast, connected to the city by road, cable car, pedestrian boardwalk and monorail. Spanning 49 hectares, the resort is also home to Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark and Madame Tussauds Singapore.
What is the difference between an oceanarium and an aquarium?
The key difference lies in their scope and focus. Oceanariums are typically large-scale facilities that aim to recreate entire marine ecosystems and often emphasise conservation and education, while aquariums are generally smaller and focus more on the display of marine life, sometimes with a greater emphasis on visitor entertainment.
The new Singapore Oceanarium now houses a landmark institute dedicated to marine education, research and conservation.
Three times larger than its predecessor, Singapore Oceanarium reimagines the ocean experience, spanning across space (from shallow waters to the deep sea) and time (from prehistoric oceans to the present day).
It features 22 purposefully designed zones ranging from rich thematic environments including Ocean Wonders, home to one of the world’s largest kreisel (aquarium for planktonic organisms) habitats, housing thousands of mesmerising moon jellies, and Singapore’s Coast, where mangrove-inspired landscapes and interactive habitats spotlight native biodiversity.
In Ancient Waters and Conquering Land, life-sized prehistoric animals and living fossils trace the epic story of evolution, while zones like Migrators unveil the vibrant ecosystems of today’s open waters. The adventure deepens in Open Ocean where boundaries dissolve into endless blue, and Reef Manta Rays and Zebra Sharks glide gracefully among thousands of other marine animals behind a 36m-wide viewing panel.
Rooted in education, the experience is designed to deepen understanding through multisensory storytelling and immersive digital displays. From witnessing an astonishing life-sized recreation of a whale fall ecosystem in Whale Fall and Sea Mount to learning stories of successful marine protection initiatives in Hallway of Hope, every element is crafted to transform wonder into action, empowering visitors of all ages to protect and cherish the ocean that connects us.
The Jewel of Muscat, a replica of a ninth-century Arabian dhow from the former Maritime Experiential Museum & Aquarium, makes a return in Spirit of Exploration. Nearby, guests are invited to experience Pier Adventure, a suspended web that offers a fresh, elevated view of the ship and its surrounding areas. Those seeking a breather can step into Explorer’s Nook, a themed cafe that serves pastries, light bites and lifestyle keepsakes inspired by marine life.
Before departing, guests can round off their visit at the Singapore Oceanarium Store, located at the exit. This marine-inspired retail space offers a curated range of marine-inspired apparel, educational books and keepsakes created by sustainable brands. The store also serves as a platform for seasonal capsule collections and pop-ups by local brands.
From Aquarium to Ocean Institute
Adjacent to Singapore Oceanarium, the Research and Learning Centre supports its mission to further education, marine research and conservation. Equipped with immersive learning labs, collaborative workspaces, seminar rooms and a rooftop event space, the centre enhances Singapore Oceanarium’s robust educational offerings and provides advanced facilities for scientists and researchers to conduct valuable research work and drive marine science outreach on-site.
As a certified Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy building that uses solar power and smart design to minimise environmental impact, the centre also reflects the oceanarium’s commitment to sustainability.
Tickets to Singapore Oceanarium are now available for purchase at www.singaporeoceanarium.com.
Images courtesy of Singapore Oceanarium, Resorts World Sentosa
