On Friday 1 and Saturday 2 August 2025 the Two Oceans Aquarium will celebrate Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day 2025 with a fun-filled programme with activities for everyone. From live radio broadcasts to rocky shore explores and a film screening at the Aquarium, MPA Day 2025 promises it all.
MPA Day Activities
Cape Talk’s “Lunch with Pippa Hudson” will broadcast live from the I&J Ocean Exhibit at the Two Oceans Aquarium from 13h00 to 15h00 on Friday 1 August 2025. Listeners can tune in to the conversation, as Pippa covers all things Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Pippa will talk with guests about the importance of MPAs in protecting the ocean’s biodiversity and about the ocean conservation work the Two Oceans Aquarium and its partners do in ocean protection.
The Aquarium has invited several local conservation organisations to a special screening of “Wild Coast Warriors”, an inspiring documentary about the coastal communities and conservationists fighting to protect South Africa’s pristine Wild Coast waters.
The MPA Day festivities continue on Saturday, 2 August – the Two Oceans Aquarium is hosting an exploration of the vibrant rockpools at Dalebrook Tidal Pool. This family-focused Rocky Shore Explore will delight explorers of all ages and is an excellent opportunity to discover the incredible natural diversity of the shoreline right on our doorstep. Expert teams from the Aquarium will be there to introduce participants to the variety of animals and plants that call Table Mountain National Park MPA home, like sea stars, anemones, colourful nudibranchs, and even octopuses. In addition, some interactive educational activities with the Two Oceans Aquarium’s Ocean Campus will be on offer for adults and kids alike.
WHEN: Saturday, 2 August 2024, from 13h00 – 15h00
WHERE: Dalebrook Tidal Pool, St James/Kalk Bay
WEAR: Non-slip shoes and waterproof or quick-drying clothing. Bring: Hat, sunscreen, water in a reusable bottle, and camera/cell phone
“It is a such a privilege to have so much ocean life right on our doorstep. A rocky shore explore is the perfect way to discover the amazing animals that call the Table Mountain MPA home. The varied and unique species indicate just how important MPAs are for the health of our ocean,” said Helen Lockhart, Two Oceans Aquarium Conservation and Sustainability Manager.
Other MPA Day activities around Cape Town
• The Ocean Hub, Simon’s Town, 2 August 2025 – First trip 09h00
Well-known ocean conservation and tourism organisation and Two Oceans Aquarium Hope Spot co-champion, Cape Radd will offer an incredible MPA Day opportunity. Stop counting your dives and make your dives count by joining Cape RADD’s guided snorkel tour at The Ocean Hub in Simon’s Town on 2 August 2025.
Participants can book their spots for 1-hour snorkel sessions by emailing: info@Caperadd.com. Time slots and group size restrictions will be implemented based on demand. The first trip will start at 09:00, with new slots opening as the first one fills up if necessary.
• Open Day, Kommetjie, 1 August 2025 – 09:00-12:00
Celebrate MPA Day with the Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit in Kommetjie, alongside Project Marine Watch – Guardians of the Deep NPC, SANParks and the SANParks Honorary Rangers. Explore the coastal environment, meet the rangers who protect it, and learn about the Table Mountain MPA.
• Helderberg MPA, Lourens River Mouth, Cape Town, 2 August 2025 – 09:30-12:30
The City of Cape Town’s Smart Living Programme, in collaboration with local partners, will host a Biodiversity & Photography Walk followed by a Beach Clean-up at Helderberg MPA.
• Online Writing Workshop, 1 August 2025 – Time TBC
The Ocean Advocate will host a 60-minute online writing workshop for ocean storytellers. Called Write for the Ocean, this is a dynamic, interactive masterclass designed to help participants turn their words into powerful tools to advocate for the sea.
“The Two Oceans Aquarium is proud to be a founding supporter of MPA Day, which has grown its international profile in its fifth year to include activities taking place in the Baltic Sea, Mozambique, Iceland, Peru, Liberia, the Philippines, Sweden, Germany and Egypt, to mention a few. For an awareness campaign that started in South Africa, the international support has been overwhelming,” said Heather Wares, Communication Manager for the Aquarium.
WHAT: MPA Day 2025
INFO: MPA Day website | Two Oceans Aquarium T 27 21 814 4539 | E HWares@aquarium.co.za | VISIT | See also Cape Town Green Map
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What is MPA Day?
What started as a local celebration of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in 2021 grew into a global event in 2022, with the 2025 celebration of MPA Day on 1 August set to continue the historic growth.
“We hope that MPA Day will help people worldwide recognise the important role of MPAs in preserving our oceans for both people and nature.” Said Helen Lockhart, Sustainability and Conservation Manager at the Two Oceans Aquarium.
For more information visit the MPA Day website
