Ocean Park Hong Kong: Animal Encounters, Thrilling Rides, Water Adventures, and Everything We Love About It

When you think about Hong Kong, what usually comes to mind? We bet you’re thinking about the captivating neon signs that line its streets at night, the delicious food, the amazing shopping experience, and its world-famous, postcard-worthy skyline—to name a few.

But to us, fresh off of our recent Hong Kong trip, another unforgettable item had just been added to this ever-growing “Why We Love Hong Kong” list—and that’s Ocean Park Hong Kong.

We’re sure you’ve heard of Ocean Park Hong Kong—Hong Kong’s home-grown, world-class theme park where you can have animal encounters, experience thrilling rides, and make unforgettable memories with friends and family.

Ocean Park Hong Kong is also known for its ecological conservation and animal education efforts presented through engaging experiences that visitors of all ages and backgrounds will understand and enjoy. We got to meet some beautiful animals such as meerkats, walruses, arctic foxes, sloths, and pandas while learning about them. And have I mentioned we got to feed the most enthusiastic seals, too?

On top of these animal encounters, we also got to try some of the craziest, massive water rides and hair-raising roller coasters. To say a visit to Ocean Park Hong Kong was worth it would be an understatement, and I now understand why the theme park attracts millions of visitors each year. It’s an experience that really shouldn’t be missed when in Hong Kong. 

Ocean Park Hong Kong has been around for almost 50 years, opening in January 1977 as a non-profit organization. And while it has developed into a world-class attraction over the years, Ocean Park Hong Kong has preserved, at its core, the mission to educate people about environmental conservation.

Today, Ocean Park Hong Kong is complemented by its newer sister attraction, Water World Ocean Park Hong Kong, and two five-star resort hotels: Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel and The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong.

Ocean Park Hong Kong

Let’s take a closer look at Ocean Park Hong Kong here, and why we think this should be on your itinerary the next time you find yourself in Hong Kong. 

The cutest animal sightings

If you think you’re immune to the cuteness of a meerkat, you’re wrong. Or a family of otters bobbing in the water. They are adorable!

There are 20 animal habitats within Ocean Park Hong Kong, each delivering different conservation messages. We got to see giant pandas, red pandas, meerkats, penguins, arctic foxes, tortoises, crocodiles, otters, sloths, and more wildlife creatures. We got to feed seals, too, which was a cool experience  (no pun intended, I swear). But of all the animals we saw, my personal favorite would have to be the Pacific walruses. I had no idea how massive they actually are in real life. It was a surreal experience—almost meditative—watching them dive in and out of the water, their deep growls echoing throughout the big chamber.

According to Ocean Park Hong Kong, they hope that these “animal ambassadors not only captivate visitors with their adorable looks, but also take on the responsibility of inspiring everyone to protect the environment in daily life.”

Ocean Park Hong Kong also offers a “Get Closer to the Animals” series for those who want a closer encounter with some of these animals and gain a better understanding of each species and the threats they face. This experience is an amazing way to expand your knowledge about animals and the world around us.

The thrilling rides

What’s a theme park without the rides? Ocean Park Hong Kong has nearly 20 rides visitors of all ages will enjoy—from the family-friendly bump car and carousel rides to the more thrilling roller coaster rides only for the brave-at-heart.

Take your kid for an enjoyable ride on the hot air balloon-inspired Balloons Up-Up-And-Away, Bumper Blaster bump car experience, Ferris Wheel, Merry-Go-Round, Sea Life Carousel, Toto the Loco mini train ride, and more.

Thrill-seeking park-goers, on the other hand, might find the adrenaline rush they’re looking for in one of these exciting rides:

• Crazy Galleon – a pendulum ride aboard a pirate ship;
• The Rapids – a (wet!) river raft ride;
• Arctic Blast – a kid-friendly roller coaster ride;
• Hair Raiser – an intense floorless roller coaster ride;
• Wild Twister – a wild pendulum ride where passengers sit on a rotating arm;
• The Flash – arguably the park’s craziest ride, where passengers are whirled around in 360-turns, while sitting in spinning seats. This ride will spin you up in the air and turn you upside down.
• And much more!

My favorite ride, however, was this—the Ocean Park Cable Car! Ocean Park Hong Kong has two main areas, the Waterfront and the Summit, that are separated by a large mountain in between. The Ocean Park Cable Car is a scenic way to transfer to the other area, offering a gorgeous view of the mountain and the sea right beside it. A fair warning though—while I thought this was a really nice experience, it is a very high ride, and might not be recommended for those who have a fear of heights.

An alternative is to take the other available ride—the Ocean Express. The Ocean Express is a train that runs between the Waterfront and the Summit, and the faster alternative too, taking only 4 minutes as opposed to the Cable Car’s 20 minutes. The downside is there’s no view; the Ocean Express goes through that mountain sitting between the two main areas. But this didn’t stop Ocean Park Hong Kong from giving you an experience anyway. Wait until the train ride starts and watch as animations start—making it seem like the train is passing through some adventurous sights. 

The food experience

Not gonna lie, one of my favorite things we did at Ocean Park Hong Kong was exploring the food stalls at Old Hong Kong, a street in Ocean Park Hong Kong dressed up to look like a quintessential Hong Kong food strip. Yes, complete with the neon signs, food stalls, and all. Hong Kong street food is amazing and I love how Ocean Park Hong Kong brought that iconic Hong Kong vibe into the middle of the theme park.

Hong Kong milk tea? Curry fish balls? The iconic egg waffles? Yep, you can all those at Old Hong Kong. Bonus points if a street performance suddenly starts while you’re enjoying your very delicious Hong Kong-style egg waffles.

The Grand Aquarium

The Grand Aquarium at Ocean Park Hong Kong is a mesmerizing underwater wonderland that transports visitors to the depths of the ocean. This immersive attraction features stunning exhibits showcasing the beauty and diversity of the aquatic world. From the majestic sharks gracefully gliding through the water to the colorful coral reefs teeming with life, the Grand Aquarium offers a truly unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Head to the Reef Tunnel, where visitors can marvel at the vibrant ecosystem surrounding coral reefs. Expansive underwater windows, such as the 5.5-meter aquarium dome and the awe-inspiring 13-meter wide acrylic viewing panel, provide visitors with an up-close look at an astonishing collection of 5,000 fish from over 400 species.

The Grand Aquarium is also home to Neptune’s Restaurant, which offers a unique dining experience that combines delicious contemporary Chinese cuisine with breathtaking underwater views. It was such a mesmerizing experience, watching marine species of all different sizes swimming beyond the glass spanning an entire wall within our private dining room. Neptune’s impressive aquarium creates a captivating atmosphere that enhances the culinary experience. In my opinion, Neptune alone warrants a visit to Ocean Park Hong Kong, especially for foodies looking for the most exquisite food spots in Hong Kong. 

The spectacular Gala of Lights water and light show

Made it to Ocean Park Hong Kong? Great! Make sure to stay until around 7 pm when the Gala of Lights show starts. The Gala of Lights is a nightly spectacle held at the Waterfront that will leave you mesmerized. This dazzling show combines light, water, and fire to create a breathtaking display of sights and sounds. Watch the lagoon transform into a canvas of vibrant colors and patterns, and The Grand Aquarum building behind it to come to life through 3D mapping. We were captivated by the story, stunning art design, and music. Seriously, don’t miss this! I’ll go ahead and say it—this is the best light and water show I’ve seen. (Yes, compared to the other famous ones around!)

Water World Ocean Park Hong Kong

A mere 10 minutes away from Ocean Park Hong Kong is its newer, younger sister—Water World Ocean Park Hong Kong. Water World opened to the public in September 2021, and is—quite literally—a refreshing oasis, especially during hot Hong Kong summers. The water park offers a wide range of water-based attractions, for thrill-seekers and relaxation enthusiasts alike.

For those seeking adrenaline-pumping rides, Water World offers some of the most exciting water slides you’ll ever see, such as 135-meter-long twin slides (Cyclone Spin/ Tropical Twist), a straight “free-fall drop” slide (Daredevil Drop), open tube slide (Bravery Cliffs), a group raft ride that send you up a 70-degree inclined wall (Skyhigh Falls), or another group raft ride that funnels you into a mega tube then to a big bowl that sends your raft swaying from one tall wall to the other (Vortex).

But if you prefer a more leisurely experience, there are many relaxing rides for you, too. Drift along the park’s indoor flowing river aboard an inflatable tube (Lazy Cruise), flow down the outdoor river, where interactive water features and an infinity pool at the end await (Riptide), or simply chill at the indoor wave pool on floaties while watching on the huge LED screen (Horizon Cove).

Water World also features a dedicated children’s play area with slides, sprinklers, and interactive water features. The Splash Pad is a popular spot for kids to cool off and have fun.

Where to stay at Ocean Park Hong Kong

Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel

Looking for an accessible place to stay while you enjoy your days at Ocean Park Hong Kong? Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel is located just right beside the theme park, with direct access between the two. No need for transportation, either—it’s a quick walk from your hotel room to the amazing rides at Ocean Park!

But that’s not the only reason for you to stay at Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel. As a Marriott-run accommodation, you know you’ll be getting the five-star treatment here. Indulge in beautiful accommodations, relax by the lagoon-style pool, and savor delicious cuisine at one of the hotel’s many restaurants. Also enjoy the fitness center, spa services, a kids’ club, and the view of a captivating aquarium in the middle of the lobby, where you can admire a variety of marine life. With its convenient location and world-class amenities, Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel is the ideal choice for your stay when in Hong Kong.

The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong

Rather stay near Water World Ocean Park Hong Kong? I can’t recommend The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong more for a luxurious and unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the hotel’s elegant and sophisticated ambiance, featuring beautifully appointed rooms with stunning ocean views (and I mean stunning!). Seriously—you can enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the ocean from the comfort of your own bed, and you’ll be glad to know all the rooms here face the same view.

For dining, indulge your taste buds with the delectable offerings from Lighthouse Cafe, the hotel’s signature restaurant. We thoroughly enjoyed the fresh seafood, expertly prepared local delicacies, and international cuisine. What an experience to have with the company of your loved ones! With its impeccable service, luxurious amenities, and prime location, I cannot recommend The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong enough. Easily one of the best hotels I’ve stayed at, offering a truly memorable experience for anyone who comes to stay.

Ocean Park Hong Kong is a captivating destination that offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of Hong Kong Island, this iconic park seamlessly blends thrilling rides, captivating animal encounters, and exhilarating water adventures into one extraordinary destination.

Planning to visit Hong Kong soon? Don’t forget to add Ocean Park Hong Kong to your itinerary, and bookmark this page for travel tips! 

Ocean Park Hong Kong

Website: https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en
Tickets: https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en/tickets-and-offers/buy-tickets
Instagram: @hkoceanpark

Water World Ocean Park Hong Kong

Website: https://waterworld.oceanpark.com.hk/en/
Tickets: https://ticketing.oceanpark.com.hk/oceanpark_b2c/ticketselection.html
Instagram: @waterworldoceanparkhk