Cape Town is known for its spectacular mountains, beautiful beaches and incredible wildlife, but beneath the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean lies another world waiting to be discovered. At the Two Oceans Aquarium, visitors can step into the heart of one of South Africa’s most remarkable marine ecosystems and experience the magic of a living underwater forest.
The iconic Kelp Forest Exhibit brings the beauty of South Africa’s underwater world to life. Towering strands of giant sea bamboo sway gently with the movement of the water, while fish weave their way through the fronds and a diverse community of marine life thrives beneath the tangled holdfasts.
It is more than an exhibit: It is a window into one of South Africa’s most important and fascinating ecosystems.
Kelp forests stretch along South Africa’s Atlantic coastline, from the Cape Peninsula towards the West Coast, flourishing in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Benguela Current. These underwater forests provide food, shelter and breeding grounds for a remarkable variety of marine life, including fish, sea urchins, rock lobsters, abalone and sharks.
Kelp itself is an extraordinary organism. Although it may look like a tree, it is a large brown seaweed anchored to rocky reefs by a specialised structure called a holdfast. It’s longe stipe supports broad fronds that grow towards the sunlight, allowing the kelp to photosynthesise, produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide.
As one of nature’s fastest-growing organisms, kelp also plays an important role in supporting biodiversity and helping regulate our climate.
What makes the experience at the Two Oceans Aquarium even more special is the incredible work taking place behind the scenes. Maintaining a living kelp forest requires expertise, dedication and a deep understanding of the natural environment.
The Aquarium’s collections team regularly heads out to sea to sustainably collect fresh giant sea bamboo from natural kelp forests around Robben Island and Bantry Bay. Divers carefully select healthy plants and harvest them near their holdfasts before ensuring they remain wet and healthy during their journey back to the Aquarium.
Once they arrive, the kelp is carefully transported and replanted in the Kelp Forest Exhibit by a dedicated team of aquarists and divers.
Creating the perfect environment for kelp to thrive is no small task. The exhibit operates on an open water system, with fresh seawater constantly flowing through the space. Powerful spray bars, pumps and specialised systems recreate the natural movement of ocean waves, while natural sunlight and artificial lighting support photosynthesis.
The water temperature is carefully maintained between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius to replicate the cold Atlantic waters where giant sea bamboo naturally grows.
For visitors to Cape Town, the Kelp Forest Exhibit offers a unique opportunity to experience an ecosystem that is deeply connected to the city’s coastline. It is a place to pause, watch the gentle movement of the fronds and appreciate the extraordinary life that exists beneath the ocean’s surface.
Whether you are a local looking to rediscover the natural beauty on your doorstep or a visitor exploring the Mother City, a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium is an opportunity to connect with the ocean in a meaningful way.
Every swaying frond tells a story of resilience, biodiversity and conservation. Step into the Kelp Forest Exhibit and discover one of South Africa’s greatest natural wonders, brought to life in the heart of Cape Town
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Picture: Supplied
This article was produced in partnership with the Two Oceans Aquarium
