Underwater Book Launch – the World’s First – when the Two Oceans Aquarium hosts legendary explorer Riaan Manser for the impressive underwater book launch of his children’s book “My First Wild Island Adventure”
This is a bonus Winter Waterland offering which visitors don’t want to miss out on these school holidays. Come and join us for this opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking book launch celebrating the wonders of Africa’s coastline!
Riaan Manser was the first person to circumnavigate the world’s fourth largest island, Madagascar, by kayak – alone and unaided. This incredible adventure was documented in his book “Around Madagascar On My Kayak”. Now this legendary adventure book is available for children. “My First Wild Island Adventure” is a true story about a real-life action hero.
This winter holiday, bring your child to experience the fantastic tales of Riaan’s adventure, as he reads from the pages of his newly-published children’s book underwater from inside the Two Oceans Aquarium I&J Ocean Exhibit.
WHERE: Two Oceans Aquarium I&J Ocean Exhibit, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
WHEN: Friday July 7, 2023 at 10h30
INFO: Contact: Two Oceans Aquarium T 021 814 4539
TICKETS: to the Two Oceans Aquarium are available HERE and at the Aquarium’s onsite ticket office.
“My First Wild Island Adventure” 
“My First Wild Island Adventure” recounts Riaan’s colossal journey which saw him paddle 5 000km in eleven months. He survived treacherous conditions like pounding seas, cyclones and an unrelenting sun which, combined with salt water, almost pickled him alive.
During his circumnavigation he had many memorable close encounters with Madagascar’s marine life – humpback whales breaching metres away from his kayak, giant leatherback turtles gliding alongside him and an encounter with a shark.
“We, at the Two Oceans Aquarium, are in awe of the adventurous spirit and perseverance of Riaan Manser and his team. They draw attention to the importance of education (with fun) of the marine environment and its inhabitants. We are honoured to be a part of this incredible first of its kind underwater book launch” exclaimed Heather Wares, Communication Manager at the Two Oceans Aquarium.
To capture these unforgettable moments in the imaginations of South Africa’s children, Riaan has teamed up with award-winning journalist Murray Williams to produce a whopping wild adventure – spanning 125 action-packed pages, published by Penguin Random House South Africa.
Children will be captivated by the eye-catching illustrations by art wizard Martinus van Tee and Chantal Tarling, bringing to life an ocean-full of fascinating facts. This is the same team which produced the top-selling children’s book in South Africa in 2022, “My First African Adventure”. This book spun the rambunctious tale of Riaan’s first expedition, where he was the first person in history to cycle solo around the outside edge of Africa.
Paddling around Madagascar was Riaan’s sequel adventure – and its coastline almost swallowed him whole. “From the beginning, Riaan has had to face the hardships of the real, solo adventurer … the cyclones, surf, storms, distances, tropical disease, muggings and even a coup d’ état! Done on a shoestring with hardly a whimper, the achievement is, quite frankly, nothing short of sensational,” says Johan Loots, innovator and kayak-builder extraordinaire.
“… Riaan’s achievement ranks against some of the greatest feats of endurance, like reaching the South Pole and sailing alone around the world.”
If this story inspires your interest and the imaginations of your child, come and be part of the first of its kind underwater book launch at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town. This is an opportunity, come rain or shine for families to feel warm and ocean-inspired.
WHAT: Underwater Book Launch with Riaan Manser
WHERE: Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002
WHEN: Friday July 7, 2023 at 10h30
INFO: T 021 418 3823 | Visit | Facebook | see also Cape Town Green Map
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