Manila Ocean Park | Manila

Information

Landmark: Manila Ocean Park
City: Manila
Country: Philippines
Continent: Asia

Manila Ocean Park, Manila, Philippines, Asia

Manila Ocean Park is a premier marine theme park and educational facility located behind the Quirino Grandstand in Ermita, Manila.

Visual Characteristics

The park features a modern, multi-level architectural design overlooking Manila Bay. Its most iconic visual element is the Oceanarium, which includes a 25-meter curved walkway tunnel made of thick acrylic, providing a 220-degree view of marine life. The facility is illuminated by vibrant blue lighting that mimics underwater environments. Large outdoor amphitheaters and glass-walled tanks dominate the public zones.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: 666 Behind, Quirino Grandstand, Ermita, Manila.

Access: Situated at the western end of Rizal Park, overlooking the bay.

Transport: Accessible via the LRT-1 (United Nations Station) followed by a short pedicab ride or a 15-minute walk. It is easily reachable by taxi or ride-sharing services, with a designated drop-off point at the entrance.

Parking: A dedicated parking area is available for visitors, though it can be crowded during weekends.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Opened in 2008, it was the first world-class marine theme park in the Philippines. It was established to promote marine conservation and education in an archipelago known for its significant marine biodiversity. The water used in the tanks is sourced directly from Manila Bay, undergoing a complex filtration and treatment process to sustain thousands of marine creatures representing over 270 species.

Key Highlights & Activities

Oceanarium: Home to 14,000 marine creatures, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish.

Trails to Antarctica: Features a penguin exhibit and a "Snow Village" where visitors can experience sub-zero temperatures.

All Star Bird Show: Daily live performances featuring macaws and other trained birds.

Sea Lion Show: An interactive show highlighting the intelligence of South American sea lions.

Symphony Evening Show: A nighttime spectacle featuring fountains, lasers, and music.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The complex includes the Hotel H2O, a marine-themed hotel where some rooms feature aquarium walls. Multiple dining options are available, including the Makan Makan Asian Food Village. Facilities include air-conditioned walkways, public restrooms, elevators, and gift shops. 5G cellular coverage is excellent throughout the facility.

Best Time to Visit

The park is open Monday–Friday (10:00–18:00) and Saturday–Sunday (09:00–18:00). Arriving at opening time is recommended to complete the major attractions before the afternoon peak. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends and public holidays.

Facts & Legends

The park's "Oceanarium" contains approximately 3,000 cubic meters of seawater. It is built on reclaimed land, a common practice for modern developments along the Manila Bay coastline.