With the best intention you decided to finish your Christmas shopping early this year, but there are undoubtedly some us who have not quite come to terms with the fact that there are only four Mondays left before Christmas – and we all know what happens next. We rush, panic, try to think of what we bought last year, rush some more and end up overspending on gifts that often don’t get used. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Why not change all of that this festive season and instead of getting caught in the frenzied buzz, take the time to find the perfect gift for family and friends without the hustle and bustle? The Aquarium is the perfect place to start, as we have something for everyone this festive season, that will add to memories for years to come.

One gift that will keep on giving is our Solemate membership programme. Members of the Aquarium can visit the fish as often as they wish for an entire year. Joining the Solemates membership programme also gives members special discounts at the Aquarium Shop and Shoreline Café, to name a few. Throughout the year, members are treated to exclusive members’ events such as sleepovers, boat trips and behind-the-scenes tours. Gift memberships are available directly from the Aquarium or email members@aquarium.co.za for more information.

For the little ones, look no further than the Happy Hopper Kids’ Club. Members of the club get unlimited access to the Aquarium for a year and will receive a Happy Hopper backpack and fun activity book filled with vouchers when signing up. For those not wanting to join the club, the Happy Hopper backpack and a penguin plush toy can be purchased for R100 from the Aquarium. The backpack is perfect for little ones going to pre-school next year.

For something a lot more exciting than soap-on-a-rope or the latest murder mystery novel, why not treat adventure-seekers with the opportunity to dive in the I&J Predator Exhibit (minimum qualification of Open Water)? Here one can meet our ragged-tooth sharks, rays, predatory fish and ever-popular loggerhead turtle face to face. Diving in the Ocean Basket Kelp Forest Exhibit gives advanced divers the opportunity to feed the multitude of fish in this exhibit. Qualifications and bookings are essential.

Being able to meet our rockhopper penguins as part of a Penguin Encounter is a must for anyone wanting to receive a truly memorable experience. These encounters are kept small and intimate, with a limit of two people joining our bird trainer for an informative, fun session of a feathery kind. A Penguin Encounter ticket will grant you access to the Aquarium for the remainder of the day and what’s more special is that R100 of the ticket will be allocated to a penguin conservation fund. Email info@aquarium.co.za for bookings.

For those playing host to visitors from out of town this holiday, remember that the Aquarium will extend its operating hours from 09:00 until 20:00 starting on 16 December until 12 January 2014. Skip the queue and save by buying tickets online, and visit the Aquarium and all its splendour after a long, hot summer’s day.

Wishing everyone a safe, memorable festive season.

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