Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is not just another aquarium—it’s a place where magic and wonder come to life. Installed within the iconic Dubai Mall, this attraction offers an extraordinary blend of education, excitement, and breathtaking encounters with aquatic creatures.
From walking beneath sharks to diving with rays, every corner holds an unforgettable memory waiting to be made. Ready to explore the magic? With this blog, let’s take a journey through the must-visit experiences that make Dubai Aquarium a global sensation.
Firstly, let’s know the prices and operating hours of the Dubai Aquarium
The standard “ticket pricing” for Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is as follows:
- Adults (12 years and above): Approximately AED 100
- Children (3 to 12 years): Approximately AED 80
- Children under 3 years: Free
The “operating hours” of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo are as follows:
- Weekdays (Monday to Friday): 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Last admission at 10:15 PM)
- Weekends (Saturday and Sunday): 10:00 AM – Midnight (Last admission at 11:15 PM)
Here are the unforgettable experiences at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
1. The 10-Million Liter Aquarium Tank
- Pricing: Included in the standard ticket.
The heart of the Dubai Aquarium is its huge 10-million-liter tank, a breathtaking marvel with over 140 species of aquatic life, including sharks, rays, and thousands of fish. The tank, combined with the diversity of marine creatures, creates a captivating underwater universe that’s visible even from outside the mall.
It’s designed to look like a natural home for animals. Whether you’re watching majestic sand tiger sharks swim gracefully or observing schools of vibrant fish move through the water, this tank offers a glimpse into the magic of marine life.
2. Aquarium Tunnel Walk
- Pricing: Included in the standard ticket.
Step into the Aquarium Tunnel Walk, where the ocean comes alive around and above you. This tunnel gives you a 270-degree view of the marine world, creating the illusion of walking through the heart of the sea.
As sharks, rays, and colorful fish swim inches away, visitors can experience the thrill of being surrounded by marine life in their element. The tunnel’s design ensures an Instagram-worthy view, making it a must-visit for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
3. Cage Snorkeling
- Pricing: Approximately AED 370 per person.
If you want to experience the thrill of being close to marine life, Cage Snorkeling is an adventure you’ll always remember. Wearing snorkeling gear, you enter a secure cage that is gently lowered into the main tank.
From there, you can see marine creatures up close, like elegant rays and playful fish. It’s a safe and exciting way to try something different and discover the beauty of the underwater world.
4. Shark Dives
- Pricing: Approximately AED 1,000 per person.
If you are a certified diver or ready to learn, Shark Dives at Dubai Aquarium is an adventure you shouldn’t miss. You can swim with over 300 sharks and rays, including the impressive sand tiger sharks.
With the help of skilled instructors, you’ll dive into the aquarium’s tank and come close to some of the ocean’s most amazing predators. The excitement of being near these incredible creatures is unmatched, making it a must-try for anyone who loves marine life.
5. Glass-Bottom Boat Rides
- Pricing: Approximately AED 100 per person.
Take a ride on the Glass-Bottom Boat and see the aquarium from a special view. This fun activity is great for families, as visitors can glide over the tank and look through a clear floor. It’s a wonderful way to see marine life without getting wet.
The guides on the boat share interesting facts about the animals below, making the ride both fun and educational. Children especially enjoy the adventure of spotting fish, rays, and sharks right beneath them.
6. Meet the King Croc
- Pricing: Included in the standard ticket.
One of the most famous animals at the Underwater Zoo is the King Croc, a huge saltwater crocodile weighing more than 750 kilograms. This giant, known as one of the largest in captivity, lives with his impressive female partner in a special home designed just for them.
Watching the ‘King Croc’ relax in the water or show his strong jaws is exciting and educational, giving visitors a rare chance to see how these ancient predators live.
7. Night Safari Experience
- Pricing: Approximately AED 100 per person.
Explore the world of marine animals that come out at night with the Night Safari Experience. As the lights go down, the aquarium changes into a mysterious underwater world where you can see animals acting differently at night.
With a special flashlight, you’ll walk through the exhibits, discovering hidden details and learning how these creatures survive in the dark. It’s an exciting and unique adventure for anyone looking for something special.
8. VRZoo Experience
- Pricing: Approximately AED 50 per person.
Step into the future with the VRZoo Experience, a fun virtual reality adventure that takes you to faraway underwater worlds. Using advanced VR technology, visitors can swim with dolphins, explore coral reefs, or visit marine ecosystems from all over the world—without leaving Dubai.
This hands-on experience is both entertaining and educational, making it popular with both tech lovers and families.
9. Behind-the-Scenes Tours
- Pricing: Approximately AED 150 per person.
Have you ever wondered how one of the world’s biggest aquariums operates? The Behind-the-Scenes Tours give you a special look at how Dubai Aquarium works. You’ll see everything from the feeding kitchens to the breeding areas and water systems.
This tour shows you the hard work that goes into keeping the aquarium running smoothly. Led by expert guides, it’s an interesting way to learn about marine biology and how aquariums are managed.
10. Penguin Cove
- Pricing: Included in the standard ticket.
Enter the cold world of Penguin Cove, where a fun group of Gentoo penguins live. These charming birds entertain visitors with their funny actions and endless energy. Penguin Cove is designed to look like their natural home in Antarctica, with cold temperatures and snowy scenes.
Watching the penguins waddle, swim, and play is both entertaining and helps you learn more about these special animals.
11. UAE’s Night Creatures Exhibit
- Pricing: Included in the standard ticket.
Explore the amazing wildlife of the UAE with the Night Creatures Exhibit, featuring animals that live in the region. You can see Arabian toads, desert hedgehogs, scorpions, and more.
This exhibit shows how these animals survive and adapt to tough desert conditions. The interactive displays and helpful information make it a great learning experience for visitors of all ages.
12. Junior Aquarist Program
- Pricing: Approximately AED 300 per child.
Perfect for young marine enthusiasts, the Junior Aquarist Program offers children the chance to step into the shoes of an aquarium expert. Participants learn about feeding, cleaning, and caring for the animals while gaining hands-on experience in the field.
It’s an inspiring and educational activity that fosters a love for marine life and conservation among the next generation.
13. Feeding Encounters
- Pricing: Approximately AED 150 per person.
Get up close and personal with the marine life through Feeding Encounters. Whether you’re hand-feeding rays or tossing fish to hungry sharks, this experience is as interactive as it gets.
Guided by experts, visitors learn about the dietary habits and behaviors of these animals, making it an unforgettable way to connect with the underwater world.
14. The Underwater Zoo
- Pricing: Included in the standard ticket.
Visit the amazing Underwater Zoo, a multi-level attraction that takes you closer to the lives of water and land animals. You can see otters, jellyfish, seahorses, piranhas, and many more creatures.
Interactive displays and helpful signs teach you about the behaviors and homes of animals, making it an interesting and fun experience for everyone.
15. The Mermaid Experience
- Pricing: Included in the standard ticket.
Become a magical sea creature with the Mermaid Experience. Visitors can wear a mermaid tail and join underwater photoshoots or swimming sessions.
This fun activity is especially loved by children and anyone who wants to live out a fairytale. Professional instructors are there to guide everyone and make sure the experience is safe and enjoyable.
16. Educational Workshops and Events
- Pricing: It varies! typically included in the standard ticket or available at an additional cost.
The Dubai Aquarium also hosts a variety of Educational Workshops and Events, designed to spark curiosity and inspire conservation efforts. From marine biology seminars to interactive activities for school groups, these programs cater to learners of all ages.
By combining fun with education, the workshops promote a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving our oceans and their inhabitants.
End Note
The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is an adventure like no other, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the beauty and excitement of the underwater world. Whether you’re diving with sharks, walking through the mesmerizing underwater tunnel, or interacting with fascinating animals, this attraction promises unforgettable experiences for all. If you enjoyed this blog, share it with all your friends, and plan your visit together, to live the adventure of a lifetime, creating lasting memories!
FAQs
- What is special about Dubai Aquarium?
The Dubai Aquarium is famous for being one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, home to over 140 species of marine animals. Its main attraction is the 10-million-liter tank with a massive walk-through tunnel offering a stunning underwater experience.
- Where is Dubai Aquarium located?
The Dubai Aquarium is located on the Ground Floor of The Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations. Its central location makes it easy to combine your visit with shopping and dining.
- Is Dubai Aquarium worth visiting?
Yes, the Dubai Aquarium is absolutely worth visiting! It offers a unique blend of breathtaking marine life, exciting activities, and educational exhibits, making it a must-visit attraction for anyone in Dubai.
