Dive Into Discovery: Ocean-Themed Attractions to Visit in Singapore This School Holiday
With the school holidays in full swing and World Ocean Day (June 8) around the corner, there’s no better time to explore Singapore’s marine wonders. Whether your child is fascinated by coral reefs, loves sea creatures, or simply enjoys nature, these ocean-themed attractions offer fun, learning, and inspiration—no passport needed.
From immersive aquariums to coastal walks teeming with life, here are the top places to visit for an under-the-sea adventure in Singapore.
1. Singapore Oceanarium (Formerly S.E.A. Aquarium)
📍 Resorts World Sentosa
Reopening on July 23 after a major transformation, the all-new Singapore Oceanarium is Southeast Asia’s largest oceanarium—now three times bigger than its predecessor. Previously known as the S.E.A. Aquarium, this next-generation facility features 22 immersive zones and over 100,000 marine animals, making it one of Singapore’s most exciting educational attractions.
More than just a new name, the Oceanarium represents a bold vision to be a world-class ocean institute, designed to inspire deeper knowledge, love, and action for our oceans.
What to look out for:
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Walk through themed habitats spanning different depths and eras of the ocean—from prehistoric waters to the modern-day sea
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Ocean Wonders exhibit: home to one of the world’s largest kreisel tanks and thousands of moon jellies
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Singapore’s Coast: features mangrove-inspired displays and interactive exhibits that highlight native biodiversity
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Open Ocean zone: watch reef manta rays and zebra sharks glide past a dramatic 36m-wide viewing panel
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Learn about climate change, marine pollution, and biodiversity through interactive and educational installations
2. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum – Marine Biodiversity Gallery
📍 National University of Singapore
Perfect for budding marine scientists and curious minds, the Marine Biodiversity Gallery at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) dives deep into the wonders of Southeast Asia’s coastal and marine ecosystems. As a leading institution in Southeast Asian biodiversity research, education, and outreach, #LKCNHM offers a rich blend of science, nature, and history in one inspiring visit.
Highlights at the Museum:
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View ancient marine fossils, giant clams, and deep-sea corals
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Explore interactive displays on marine biodiversity and conservation
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Learn about the region’s coastal ecosystems and environmental challenges
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Ideal for primary school children and older students
NEW: CoralWalk at Keppel Bay (2025)
Take marine education beyond the museum with CoralWalk at Keppel Bay—a special guided tour series in collaboration with Marina at Keppel Bay. As part of the City Reef initiative, these walks showcase how man-made structures like floating pontoons and seawalls have become thriving underwater sanctuaries.
Programme Dates:
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23 May 2025 (Fri), 4:00–5:00pm
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20 June 2025 (Fri), 4:00–5:00pm
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18 July 2025 (Fri), 4:00–5:00pm
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8 August 2025 (Fri), 4:00–5:00pm
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12 September 2025 (Fri), 4:00–5:00pm
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17 October 2025 (Fri), 4:00–5:00pm
💵 Cost: $30 per participant (excludes SISTIC fees)
📍 Meeting point: Marina Lobby (near Privé Restaurant), Marina at Keppel Bay, 2 Keppel Bay Vista
👦 For ages 6 and up only
3. St. John’s Island & Marine Park Outreach and Education Centre
📍 Accessible by ferry from Marina South Pier
Looking for a marine-themed day trip this school holiday? St. John’s Island is a peaceful island escape just 30 minutes from the city—and home to Singapore’s very first marine park. Managed by NParks in partnership with NUS, the Marine Park Outreach and Education Centre offers a rich mix of learning, nature exploration, and island fun.
What to do:
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Join a guided marine walk (check NParks’ schedule for availability)
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Discover coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and intertidal marine life
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Explore nature trails, picnic with sea views, or hop to Lazarus Island for beach time
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Visit the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park Public Gallery, open daily from 10am–4pm
Hands-On Learning Beyond the Classroom
The Outreach and Education Centre acts as an open classroom for environmental science education, offering a field-based curriculum that’s ideal for students and families:
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Stimulates interest in what are often perceived as dry academic subjects
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Encourages creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and crisis management through outdoor project work
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Perfectly located near diverse marine habitats, from rocky shores and sandy beaches to coral reefs
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Supports marine science, biodiversity, and geological studies
Students can gain firsthand experience in science-based subjects through real-life examples in ecology, conservation, and marine sustainability. The different biotopes and geological features on the island also offer engaging entry points for broader environmental discussions.
Note: The marine laboratory facility does not host tours within its compounds, but the public gallery (a 10-minute walk from the St. John’s jetty) is open to all.
📅 Ferry Details:
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2 daily departures on weekdays
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Up to 5 on weekends and public holidays
4. Coastal Parks & Marine Trails
Looking for a budget-friendly, open-air alternative? These coastal parks and trails offer free and enriching experiences for young explorers to get closer to the ocean and its ecosystems.
Changi Coastal Walk
Wander along this peaceful boardwalk with views of the sea, passing by heritage trees and spotting birds like herons and egrets. A great spot for sunset strolls and learning about Singapore’s coastal geography.
Coney Island
A rustic gem with mangrove habitats, sandy beaches, and an intertidal zone teeming with marine life during low tide. Bring a bike or explore on foot to discover hornbills, crabs, and native coastal flora.
Pasir Ris Mangrove Boardwalk
A hidden educational hotspot for young ecologists. Kids can observe mudskippers, mangrove roots, and tree crabs in their natural habitat—all while walking on a safe boardwalk.
💡 Best visited during low tide for more wildlife sightings
Make It Meaningful
Turn your outings into opportunities to spark eco-awareness. Many of these locations not only entertain but also educate about ocean conservation, marine pollution, and climate resilience.
Tips to enhance the experience:
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Bring a journal or sketchpad for your child to document marine species they spot
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Download simple marine life ID guides or use apps like Seek by iNaturalist
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Discuss how we can protect the ocean—like reducing single-use plastics and supporting marine parks
Final Splash
This school holiday, swap screen time for sea time. Whether it’s walking among deep-sea creatures or spotting mudskippers in the mangroves, these ocean-themed attractions promise fun, fresh air, and fascination for the whole family.
Let your kids connect with nature—and maybe even inspire Singapore’s next generation of marine scientists.