Size definitely does not count when it comes to visiting this aquarium. It might be small but it is well planned, wheelchair friendly and exceptionally well maintained. It will take less than 20 minutes to drive your rented car from the East London Airport to the Esplanade and an experience you and the kids will not soon forget.

It is South Africa’s oldest public aquarium and the only one in the world that keeps Cape Pigmy Clawed Lobsters on display. Walk around and view the 400 different species of marine and freshwater animals or have a seat and watch one of the entertaining seal shows – said to be one of the best in the world. You can also delight your kids by letting them feed the fish or the penguins at the daily feeding times. If watching the colony of African Penguins isn’t thrilling enough for you, you can hum the theme tune for Jaws while visiting the shark tank.

But the absolute highlight of your visit will be the wooden boardwalk that protrudes from the foyer and hovers 11 metres above the Indian Ocean. From here you have an uninterrupted view of the sea and the migrating Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales and Bottlenose Dolphins as they swim close to the shore during whale season. If you’re lucky you might even spot the odd Killer Whale or two. The observation deck has token binoculars, which provide an excellent opportunity to watch these incredible animals breaching in the bay. The aquarium also flies blue flags when the whales are spotted, showing you the best times to visit.

The aquarium plays an active role in the conservation of the Eastern Cape coastline by providing a haven for marine animals that have been injured by fishing nets or boats, oil slicks or other human activity. All animals are brought to the marine life rehabilitation centre where they are treated and eventually released back into the sea.

What this little aquarium lacks in size it more than makes up in experience. It delights and educates both the young and the old.