Singapore’s latest staycation sensation brings together luxury accommodation and marine education in a setting unlike any other. Glamping at Singapore Oceanarium transforms an ordinary overnight stay into an immersive journey beneath the waves, where guests sleep beside one of the world’s most spectacular aquatic displays.

What Makes This Glamping Experience Unique

Resorts World Sentosa has reimagined the traditional aquarium visit with Ocean Dreams, a two-day, one-night glamping programme that combines comfort with education. Set within the Open Ocean habitat at Singapore Oceanarium, this exclusive experience allows guests to sleep in premium tents whilst surrounded by over 40,000 marine creatures swimming gracefully through 18 million litres of water.

The Open Ocean zone features the Oceanarium’s largest viewing panel, stretching 36 metres wide and 8.3 metres tall. Throughout the night, guests can watch reef manta rays, zebra sharks, spotted eagle rays and countless schools of fish gliding past their temporary home. The immersive design creates the illusion of sleeping on the ocean floor itself, making glamping at Singapore Oceanarium an unparalleled adventure for families and marine enthusiasts alike.

Accommodation Options and Amenities

Two tent categories cater to different group sizes and preferences. Signature Tents accommodate up to four guests at $1,800 per tent, whilst Deluxe Tents welcome up to eight people for $3,800. Each session features 10 Signature Tents and one exclusive Deluxe Tent.

The Signature Tents come equipped with air-conditioning, double-bed air mattresses, plush bedding, ambient lighting and a snack basket. Guests enjoy charging access, a bedside lamp and a bladeless fan for personalised comfort. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to ensure a restful night’s sleep.

The Deluxe Tent elevates the experience further with a 270-degree view of the Open Ocean habitat. Situated in an exclusive space, this premium option includes a private lounge area, a children’s activity corner and a hot beverage station. The enhanced amenities make it ideal for larger families or groups seeking additional space and privacy during their glamping at Singapore Oceanarium.

Educational Programmes and Behind-the-Scenes Access

Beyond the novelty of sleeping beside marine life, Ocean Dreams emphasises conservation education and ocean literacy. The programme includes full-board dining, with a gourmet dinner buffet, late-night snacks and a hearty breakfast. Meals are carefully prepared to accommodate various dietary preferences, ensuring all guests enjoy their culinary experience.

Exclusive behind-the-scenes guided tours form a cornerstone of the glamping experience. Participants gain access to restricted areas including the Aquarist Lab, Coral Fragment Room and Feed Preparation Room. These tours reveal the daily operations required to maintain such an expansive marine habitat, from culturing plankton for filter feeders to preparing specialised diets for different species.

The Manta Ray Feeding Programme stands out as a highlight, allowing guests to observe aquarists feeding these gentle giants at close range. Singapore Oceanarium houses three male manta rays named Manja, Mako and Mika, each identifiable by distinct patterns. Watching them perform graceful somersaults whilst feeding on zooplankton provides insight into their natural behaviours and ecological importance.

The Dolphin Exploration Programme offers another memorable encounter. This 30-minute experience introduces guests to Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins without requiring entry into the water. Marine mammal specialists share fascinating information about dolphin diet, habitat, anatomy and communication, fostering deeper appreciation for these intelligent creatures.

Activities for Children and Families

Young guests benefit from dedicated programming designed to engage their curiosity. The children’s activity corner features marine-themed board games, storybooks, badge-making stations and colouring sheets. These activities keep little ones entertained whilst reinforcing lessons about ocean conservation.

Throughout the evening, storytelling sessions bring marine ecosystems to life through engaging narratives. Educational guides share tales about coral reefs, whale falls, mangrove forests and deep-sea habitats, connecting children with the wonders hidden beneath the waves.

Every participant receives curated amenity pouches containing personalised lanyards, enamel pins, animal badges, marine-themed eye masks and cosy socks. A professional photographer captures moments throughout the experience, providing each guest with a 6R printed photograph as a keepsake. These mementoes ensure families remember their glamping at Singapore Oceanarium long after returning home.

Facilities and Practical Information

Guests have access to hot showers located within the Oceanarium facilities, ensuring comfort and convenience. WiFi connectivity remains available throughout the venue, allowing guests to share their experience in real-time. A drinks station and snack basket provide refreshments during the overnight stay.

The programme includes two-day admission to Singapore Oceanarium, enabling participants to explore all 22 themed zones at their leisure. From the hypnotic moon jellies in Ocean Wonders to the bioluminescent creatures in the Vertical Migrators habitat, the expanded Oceanarium offers three times more space than its predecessor, the S.E.A. Aquarium.

Lights are dimmed at 10.30pm to allow both marine animals and guests to rest. This creates an ethereal atmosphere as bioluminescent species become more visible and nocturnal creatures emerge. Waking up to the sight of manta rays performing their morning routines provides a magical start to the day.

Location and Accessibility

Singapore Oceanarium occupies a prominent position within Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island, just off Singapore’s southern coast. The venue sits adjacent to Universal Studios Singapore and Adventure Cove Waterpark, making it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike.

Visitors can reach the Oceanarium via multiple transport options. The nearest MRT station is HarbourFront, located on both the North-East and Circle Lines. From there, guests proceed to Level 3 of VivoCity shopping mall to board the Sentosa Express monorail, alighting one stop later at Resorts World Station. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes from HarbourFront MRT.

Alternatively, the Singapore Cable Car provides a scenic route. Passengers board at HarbourFront Tower II, ride to Sentosa Station, then transfer to the Sentosa Cable Car Line towards Imbiah Station. From there, they take one more segment to reach the vicinity of Resorts World Sentosa.

Those arriving by car can access the B1 East section of Resorts World Sentosa Car Park, which offers complimentary parking for overnight guests. A brief 15-minute walk through covered pathways leads directly to Singapore Oceanarium.

Booking Information and Availability

Glamping at Singapore Oceanarium operates on select weekends between November and December 2025. The confirmed dates are 28-29 November, 5-6 December, 12-13 December and 19-20 December. These limited slots coincide with the festive season, making the experience particularly special for families seeking unique year-end celebrations.

Reservations can be made through the official Singapore Oceanarium website. Given the exclusive nature of the programme—with only 44 guests accommodated per session—early booking is strongly recommended. Mastercard holders enjoy a 10 per cent discount when making reservations, providing additional value.

The pricing structure includes all meals, guided tours, animal encounter programmes, admission tickets, amenities and keepsakes. This comprehensive package ensures guests enjoy a hassle-free experience without unexpected costs.

Conservation and Educational Mission

Singapore Oceanarium positions itself as more than a tourist attraction. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the facility maintains memberships in both the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Southeast Asian Zoo and Aquarium Association. These affiliations underscore its commitment to marine conservation and research.

The Oceanarium has forged partnerships with leading local institutions, including a five-year applied research collaboration with the National University of Singapore and a two-year climate resilience project with Nanyang Technological University’s Earth Observatory. These initiatives focus on protecting vulnerable marine organisms and restoring damaged habitats.

The Research and Learning Centre, a zero-energy facility certified with Green Mark Platinum, supports these conservation efforts. This solar-powered building houses laboratories, seminar halls and event spaces where scientists conduct vital marine research. Public programmes emerging from this facility aim to inspire action and drive behavioural change towards ocean protection.

Glamping at Singapore Oceanarium directly contributes to this mission by creating personal connections between guests and marine life. When people spend an entire night immersed in an aquatic environment, observing the behaviours and beauty of ocean creatures, they develop stronger emotional investment in conservation outcomes. This transformation from passive observation to active concern represents the programme’s ultimate goal.

Planning Your Visit

Guests should arrive at Singapore Oceanarium by 6.30pm on the first day to allow time for check-in and luggage drop-off. The evening begins with a warm welcome, followed by free exploration time before structured activities commence. This flexible approach accommodates different family rhythms and allows children to adjust to their surroundings.

Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended, as participants will walk through various Oceanarium zones during guided tours. Whilst the tents provide air-conditioning, some areas of the facility may be cooler, so bringing a light jacket ensures comfort throughout the evening.

Personal belongings can be stored securely within the tents. The programme provides all necessary toiletries for the overnight stay, though guests may prefer to bring their own preferred products. Photography is encouraged throughout the experience, with the ethereal underwater lighting creating stunning visual opportunities.

For families with young children, the activity corner and storytelling sessions provide structure whilst allowing adults to relax and absorb the ambience. The programme balances education with entertainment, ensuring every age group finds value in the experience.

What Sets This Experience Apart

Unlike conventional hotel staycations or basic camping trips, glamping at Singapore Oceanarium occupies a unique niche. The combination of luxury amenities, exclusive access, educational content and an incomparable setting creates lasting memories that transcend typical tourism.

The after-hours access proves particularly valuable. With the Oceanarium closed to day visitors, overnight guests enjoy unobstructed views and peaceful contemplation. This tranquillity enhances both the educational aspects and the relaxation factor, allowing meaningful connection with the marine environment.

The integration of marine science education distinguishes Ocean Dreams from purely recreational glamping experiences. Participants leave with genuine knowledge about ocean ecosystems, species behaviours and conservation challenges. This intellectual enrichment adds depth to what might otherwise be merely a novel accommodation choice.

The programme’s limited availability and small group sizes ensure personalised attention from guides and staff. With only 44 guests per session, each family receives ample opportunity to ask questions, share observations and engage meaningfully with the content. This intimate scale prevents the rushed, crowded feeling common at larger tourist attractions.

Looking Ahead

As Singapore continues developing its reputation as a family-friendly destination with world-class attractions, programmes like Ocean Dreams demonstrate the city-state’s commitment to innovative tourism. By blending education, conservation and hospitality, glamping at Singapore Oceanarium sets a new standard for experiential travel.

The programme’s success may inspire similar initiatives at other marine institutions worldwide. When aquariums recognise their potential not merely as viewing venues but as overnight educational environments, they unlock powerful opportunities for fostering ocean stewardship amongst the next generation.

For now, families seeking an extraordinary end-of-year adventure need look no further than Singapore Oceanarium. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply creating cherished family memories, spending a night surrounded by marine wonders offers an experience that photographs and descriptions can only partially capture. The true magic lies in waking at dawn to find yourself eye-to-eye with a gliding manta ray, reminded of the vast, beautiful ocean world we all share responsibility for protecting.