Bayworld
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1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
3.0
162 reviews
Excellent
22
Very good
43
Average
44
Poor
27
Terrible
26
Anon
1 contribution
Dec 2019 • Couples
On arrival we were treated rather poorly. Granted we came in the afternoon, there was no need to be rude. We arrived an hour and a half before closing time and were practically chased out. Luckily we persuaded the people behind the counter to let us in for a little while.
The animal enclosures were a bit small for the amount of animals present but it was amazing to see the animals up close. I would recommend more space for the animals to roam though.
Other than that, it was lovely to see the Penguins, Seals and Sea Turtles.
There is also a museum with a wide variety of historical exhibits. It was a pleasant surprise since we were expecting more marine life. But it was still very enjoyable.
It was just a shame we were so rushed.
I would recommend going in the early morning when they open, to avoid squabbles and to enjoy the park to the fullest.
The animal enclosures were a bit small for the amount of animals present but it was amazing to see the animals up close. I would recommend more space for the animals to roam though.
Other than that, it was lovely to see the Penguins, Seals and Sea Turtles.
There is also a museum with a wide variety of historical exhibits. It was a pleasant surprise since we were expecting more marine life. But it was still very enjoyable.
It was just a shame we were so rushed.
I would recommend going in the early morning when they open, to avoid squabbles and to enjoy the park to the fullest.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Samuel O
Cape Town, Tableview, South Africa4 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
I grew up in PE and the old oceanarium was always a big attraction, with lots of visitors, lots of marine mammals, fish, waterplants and shows. It was also very clean, as was the adjacent museum. My wife, who has never been there was excited when I told her what she could expect. Our visit turned into a disaster, seeing that the big pool was empty and broken bits and pieces of waterpumps, filters etc were laying around. Ourside the were a couple of African penguins, 2-4 seals in a pool as well as a water tortoise. NO signage was up to sat that the Bayworld was closed and supposedly undergoing repairs. The museum was also a severe disappointment. It is also in a state of neglect and we browsed around for a while until we decided enogh is enough. At the moment I / we cannot recommend anybody to waste money and time to visit a non-existant Bayworld, Humewood Drive, Port Elizabeth.Is this decay of a one time proud instituation, indicative of the general decay in South Africa? Sad
Written September 14, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ADBarr
Port Elizabeth, South Africa225 contributions
Jul 2012
Baywolrd used to have the best Dolphin show in the country, even better than Ushaka, but due to a lack of the funds, the entire complex has gone down hill and is in urgent need of an upgrade to give the locals and tourists and fantastic seaside experience
Written December 18, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gregneal1
9 contributions
Jan 2020
Amusing snakes and other reptiles and amphibians . A cheeky Sea :Lion kissed me as part of the animal show . What a shame about all the drowned sailors from wrecks detailed in the worthwhile museum . I think all the fish and dolphins may have passed on as they are no longer in evidence . 2 hours well spent. And cheap !
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Harm Engelbrecht
Cape Town Central, South Africa25 contributions
Apr 2016
We were shocked to see how this once popular attraction has been neglected. The museum section is still interesting.
Written March 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jikolodge
George, South Africa30 contributions
Apr 2016 • Business
Bayworld is no longer the beauty that it was so many years ago. It has been left to ruin and become run over with the nature. Pools of green water, not nearly enough to sustain any sea creatures and a clear reminder of the future without effort to maintain these kinds of places.
Written April 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lindie B
Durbanville, South Africa81 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
I returned to Bayworld for about the third time in my life. I left hart broken.
No more dolphin pool. Just the rotting remains. The penguin pool was so dirty that the smell of the rotting water made my daughter vomit when she tried to take a photo.
The SBCA should take the animals away. They are being housed in an abusive area.
No more dolphin pool. Just the rotting remains. The penguin pool was so dirty that the smell of the rotting water made my daughter vomit when she tried to take a photo.
The SBCA should take the animals away. They are being housed in an abusive area.
Written January 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lizane O
Welkom, South Africa11 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
What a waste of money and time! I do understand that the Shark tank has been damaged, therefor no sharks. We were made aware of this, however, I would have appreciated being told that there are only 2 seal pools and one penguin area. The tanks indoors are not even worth mentioning. You then visit the museum to at least see some animals...of which the majority are DEAD! Really not worth going there. If this is the way they are trying to raise funds to repair the shark tank....there is no hope of it ever going to be fixed!
Written December 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jill d
Port Elizabeth, South Africa2,551 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
This visit was such a disappointment - the whole complex is tired and tatty and just speaks of general neglect. It used to be a place where you could be enthralled with the wonders of nature - a place which you could take visitors to and be proud of what your city could offer the tourist - but my oh my, how terrible is the downward slide now!!!
Three murky fish tanks could hardly be called an aquarium, and as for the means employed to clean the inside of the glass dispay wall - a wire with a toothbrush taped onto the end of it - well, that says it all!
The museum is a downright embarrassment - the latest display of detritus discovered when the harbour of Coega was dredged, is displayed in such an amateurish way that I am sure a schoolchild would have been able to do better!
As for the 2 seals, one turtle and the handful of poor penguins - they should be released if possible and then the place flattened to provide more parking!
Three murky fish tanks could hardly be called an aquarium, and as for the means employed to clean the inside of the glass dispay wall - a wire with a toothbrush taped onto the end of it - well, that says it all!
The museum is a downright embarrassment - the latest display of detritus discovered when the harbour of Coega was dredged, is displayed in such an amateurish way that I am sure a schoolchild would have been able to do better!
As for the 2 seals, one turtle and the handful of poor penguins - they should be released if possible and then the place flattened to provide more parking!
Written December 26, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
safrican1962
London, UK18 contributions
Nov 2011 • Friends
I have seen many dolphin shows in different countries but this is by far the best I have ever seen!
The aquarium is also very good with a great selection of sea creatures!
The aquarium is also very good with a great selection of sea creatures!
Written August 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bayworld (Port Elizabeth) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Bayworld
- Hotels near Bayworld:
- (0.03 mi) Garden Court Kings Beach
- (0.04 mi) Hornby Lodge
- (0.07 mi) SUN1 Port Elizabeth
- (0.07 mi) Humewood Hotel
- (0.09 mi) Paxton Luxury Apartments
- Restaurants near Bayworld:
- (0.02 mi) Raasoie
- (0.04 mi) River Hawk Spur Steak Ranch
- (0.07 mi) BeerShack
- (0.05 mi) RocoMamas Dolphins Leap - Halaal
- (0.06 mi) Nando's