Manila Ocean Park: Philippines' Premier Marine Theme Park Experience

An Oceanarium on Manila Bay's Reclaimed Shore

Opened in 2008, Manila Ocean Park (MOP) sits on 8,000 m² behind the Quirino Grandstand, facing Manila Bay sunset. It's Southeast Asia's first marine-themed park combining aquarium, shows, and interactive encounters.

Key Zones & Attractions

• Oceanarium (Main Attraction): 25-meter walkthrough tunnel, 3,000 m³ seawater. Sharks (blacktip, whitetip), rays, Napoleon wrasse, jacks, sea turtles. 14,000+ creatures, 270+ species.
• Penguin Exhibit (Trails to Antarctica): Humboldt penguins in climate-controlled habitat; "Penguin Talk" feedings.
• Sea Lion Show (Sea Lion Stadium): High-energy performances (balancing, clapping, humor) with conservation messaging.
• Jellyfish Exhibit (Jellies: Dancing Sea Fairies): Kreisel tanks with moon jellies, blue blubbers, upside-down jellies—hypnotic lighting.
• Super Toy Collection: 10,000+ vintage/modern toys—unexpected but popular.
• Birds of Prey Kingdom: Raptors, parrots, flight demos.
• Neon Rides & 4D Theater: Family entertainment add-ons.

Interactive Experiences

• Touch Pool: Starfish, sea cucumbers, bamboo sharks (supervised).
• Glass-Bottom Boat: Ride over Oceanarium for top-down view.
• Fish Spa: Garra rufa nibble dead skin.
• Mermaid Swim: Photo ops with performers.

Dining & Practicalities

• Restaurants: The Manila Ocean Park Restaurant (seafood, bay view), Shark's Den (underwater dining), snack kiosks.
• Open daily 10 AM–6 PM (extended weekends/holidays).
• ~2 million visitors/year (pre-pandemic peak).
• Access: LRT-1 UN Avenue station + walk; ample parking.

Conservation Role

MOP partners with BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries) and DENR for rescue/rehab (sea turtles, dugongs), breeding programs, and marine education for 100,000+ students annually. It's entertainment with a science mandate.