Resorts World Sentosa’s S.E.A. Aquarium presents Ocean Fest 2024: Righting the Future

This edition spotlights the often-overlooked marine species found in Singapore waters to foster a deeper understanding of underwater ecosystems and celebrate the beauty of local marine biodiversity.

Venue: S.E.A. Aquarium, Resorts World Sentosa
Date: now to 19 Jul 2024
Fee: Admission fees apply (Check prices here)

Ocean Fest 2024 by S.E.A. Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa

Ocean Fest by S.E.A. Aquarium (S.E.A. 海洋馆) at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS, 圣淘沙名胜世界) is back for its fifth edition. Themed Righting the Future, it is taking place from now to 19 July 2024.

Come discover Singapore’s vibrant marine biodiversity and learn how we can help correct the course of our ocean’s future for the better. From seeing fascinating species captured up close by an award-winning nature photographer to learning about the importance of native horseshoe crabs by engaging with us. You will even get to watch and listen to fond memories of a time when our seas were healthier from people who have lived and seen it first-hand, plus more.   

Highlights

Discover hidden gems along Singapore’s coast through the lens of a Singaporean award-winning photographer

While most think of Singaporean marine life as unexciting, the truth is that there are many amazing species found in Singapore’s waters, such as gobies and rare nudibranchs. To showcase these unique and underappreciated marine life in Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium has commissioned global awardwinning Singaporean photographer Toh Xing Jie, to create a special photo exhibition that celebrates them.

Xing Jie previously won the top prize in the Human and Nature category at Nature Photographer of the Year (NPOTY) awards in 2023 for a picture of a nautilus clinging onto a plastic bag. Through Xing Jie’s lens, guests will have the rare opportunity of a close-up view into the little-known beauty of Singapore’s underwater realm, gaining a newfound appreciation for the rich biodiversity found within.

Learn about horseshoe crabs & lend a helping hand at the educational booth

In conjunction with International Horseshoe Crab Day on 20 June 2024, RWS will also be hosting the 5th International Workshop on the Science and Conservation of Horseshoe Crabs, organised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). As an extension to Ocean Fest, visitors can learn about horseshoe crabs – a species that is ubiquitous in Singapore waters, and its importance to humankind and the biodiversity that depends on them.

Local conservation work will be featured, including the innovation of a synthetic alternative to horseshoe crab blood that is still widely harvested, as well as efforts made to conserve local habitats of horseshoe crabs. From 19 to 21 June 2024, visitors may engage with volunteers, comprising docents and students, who will be stationed at the booth, to learn about the biology and evolutionary history of the tiny yet mighty “living fossil”. Visitors interested in S.E.A. Aquarium’s outreach and volunteering programmes can explore opportunities to contribute to marine conservation efforts.

Peek into fellow Singaporeans’ dreams & memories of the sea

A distinctive video wall will showcase curated narratives of people living in Singapore, reflecting on their experiences with the ocean; from an unforgettable encounter with sea turtles to fostering camaraderie in beach clean-ups. In a poetic twist, these cherished memories and aspirations of ocean lovers from all walks of life are juxtaposed against the present state of the ocean, inspiring a deeper appreciation and commitment to its preservation.

Complete the Marine Conservation Quest, a cardboard ‘arcade game’ crafted by local artisans

Photo Credits: Resorts World Sentosa

Built by Paper Carpenter, a local team of cardboard artists who specialise in the medium, the Marine Conservation Quest is a fun pinball-inspired installation. In this version of the nostalgic arcade game, players get the chance to direct marine animals away from an ocean of trash. With gears and obstacles made of trash, and pinballs that represent marine animals, players must successfully manoeuvre the marine animals past the trash to safety. The true aim of the game is to increase awareness of the importance of safeguarding the ocean and its biodiversity.

Learn fascinating facts about unique animals from industry experts

Happening at the Ocean Dome and online on on 25 May and 21 June 2024, visitors can hear from industry experts from the Asia-Pacific region to learn more about the remarkable world underwater.

• 25 May 2024: Dr. Conni Sidabalok

On 25 May 2024, Dr. Conni Sidabalok, Researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia will explore the diversity and taxonomy of the intriguing marine isopods, which can be found in lush forests as well as the depths of the ocean.

• 21 June 2024: Mr. Lester Tan

Wrapping up the series of talks on 21 June 2024 is Mr. Lester Tan, leader of the Horseshoe Crab Research and Rescue programme, under the Marine Conservation Group, Nature Society Singapore. He will speak on horseshoe crabs, which are often referred to as “living fossils” due to their long presence of approximately 450 million years, and why they are precious to our biodiversity.

S.E.A. Aquarium ticket holders may join the expert talks in-person and learn about marine biodiversity at no additional cost if they successfully register their interest via this form here.

Seats at the Ocean Dome are available on a first-come, first-served basis. All other interested parties may join the talks online. More details including links to the talks can be found on the RWS website.

Ticketing Details

Tickets retail from $41/Adult and $31/Child.

[SG Residents Exclusive] S.E.A. Aquarium One-Day Ticket (From SGD31)