Ushaka Marine World

uShaka Marine World has developed out of a vision to create a world-class entertainment and tourism destination for Durban and all of South Africa. Incorporating fresh and sea water, natural materials, the recreation of a wreck of an old 1920 cargo ship, coupled with indigenous African imagery, lush vegetation and maritime images of the Port of Durban, uShaka is a complete 'marine world'.

The design of the park incorporates strong local themes, bringing a multicultural Durban flavour to the park while also providing cost saving opportunities against more international and hi-tech themes. The overall design theme is indigenous and multicultural in its use of colour, building materials, layout and aesthetics. The superstructure of a contemporary shipwreck dominates the design aesthetics, creating a landmark that will become symbolic of a visit to Durban. The design theme also recognizes the open space at uShaka Beach and the interaction between land, sea and sky. The park is laid out in open-plan so that visitors seldom lose sight of sea or sky and are able to enjoy the very best of Durban's sub-tropical climate.

The key components of the park are Sea World (relocated from it's current site on Durban's beachfront), an underground aquarium, dolphin and seal stadiums, a water park, a retail village, numerous food and beverage outlets, access to the beach and dozens of adventure sand and surf activities, pay parking, and the administration offices of the uShaka management company and the South African Association for Marine and Biological Research. These components of uShaka are clearly delineated into five separate worlds.

Sea World

Located in the centre of uShaka Marine World is Sea World, comprising a saltwater aquarium with indoor and outdoor displays and exhibits, the iconic cargo ship wreck, the 1200 seater dolphin stadium where you will be entertained by the world famous Gambit and friends, the seal stadium and penguin rookery. In addition to this, Sea World offers daily edutainment tours behind the scenes and special interactive activities such as snorkeling through the coral reefs and grottos and dive tank.

Activities:

Oceanwalker Experience

Shark Cage

Snorkel Lagoon

Scuba Dive

Beach Activities

Birthday Parties

Sleepovers

Ocean Safaris

Dining Out

The Cargo Hold Restaurant

In line with its location on the Phantom Ship, the restaurant earned itself the name Cargo Hold. The splendour of yesteryear is restored with the use of maritime artefacts. Having run aground on the Natal coast line sharks have inhabited part of the ship. This is where the Cargo Hold Restaurant is located. Patrons can see the sharks in a tank that forms a backdrop to their dining experience.

The ship's Cargo-hold is laden with flavours from all corners of the world, hence the chef tucks into this stock when preparing his food. The food preparation includes spicy, fruity and exotic remnants picked up from across the globe, combined with the freshest of Kwazulu Natal's local produce to give our passengers the culinary journey of a life time. The restaurant opens for lunch between 12h00 and 15h00 and opens again for dinner at 18h00 until 22h30.

Upper Deck Restaurant

On the upper deck of the Phantom Ship is the Upperdeck restaurant. Suited to the whole family, the restaurant offers a delicious buffet, sure to please any palate. The chefs are on hand to prepare certain ala minute dishes like stir fries and pastas. This is an extremely interactive restaurant with all cooking and kitchen activities visible to the guest. Drinks are served by waitrons.

For starters an antipasta counter offers an array of tapas and mezzes from around the world with a variety of fillings. Interesting tit bits, such as jalapeno poppers, chicken livers wrapped in bacon, stuffed calamari tubes and chicken wings with the chef's special sauce are just some of the starters.