For the safety of our penguins, staff, and guests, Penguin Encounters have been postponed indefinitely due to the presence of Avian Influenza within the region. While our penguins remain healthy, we’re taking every precaution to keep them safe and well. We apologize for the inconvenience and would love to help you reschedule your visit. Please call us at (800) 406-3474, and our team will be happy to assist you.
Take a journey halfway across the world to Cape Town, South Africa to meet a colony of African Penguins living on the beach. Visit their newly renovated and expanded habitat where you’ll step right into the enclosure with nearly a dozen African Penguins! Learn all about these amazing penguin ambassadors and their natural environment as you watch them waddle, call, preen and play just inches away from you! Bring your camera to capture all their adorable antics. Plus, you might even get the opportunity to touch one!
Tickets are limited for this unique and intimate experience. Encounters sell out fast and it is recommended you purchase your tickets in advance.
Penguin Encounters last approximately 30 minutes and include:
Penguin Encounters are generally available Thursday through Tuesday at 11:00am, 12:00pm and 1:00pm. Sometimes additional dates and times are added. Check for additional availability when you get your tickets online or by phone.
Tickets are $59.99. Price does not include sales tax or admission to Newport Aquarium.
Newport Aquarium Silver Members receive a 10% discount, Gold Members receive a 15% discount and Platinum Annual Members receive a 20% discount.
Thanks For Supporting Penguins!
Your Penguin Encounter participation helps support the animals in our care and to support our conservation partner SANCCOB (the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds). SANCCOB’s primary objective is to reverse the decline of seabird populations through the rescue, rehabilitation and release of ill, injured, abandoned and oiled seabirds – especially endangered species like the African Penguin.
Food Allergy Alert
The animals in this exhibit are fed a variety of seafood. Please refrain from touching the animals if you have a known fish or shellfish allergy.
For your safety:
Includes 1-Day General Admission plus you’ll get to step right into the habitat with nearly a dozen rare African Penguins where you can watch them up-close as they waddle, call, preen and play just inches away from you. You may even get the opportunity to touch one!
Silver Members receive a 10% discount, Gold Members receive a 15% discount and Platinum Members receive a 20% discount. You will be prompted to login to your online account, or create an online account to access your discount.
If you have already purchased your admission tickets or have complimentary tickets, you have the option to just purchase Penguin Encounter tickets without purchasing admission.
