An underwater paradise, made up of one of the largest, suspended aquariums in the world, awaits you at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. You will need to do everything to keep your jaw from dropping to the floor, as sharks and rays swish through overhead tunnels and enormous glass tanks. Also vying for your attention are adorable colonies of penguins and Australian crocodiles that weigh about 750 kilos! The ultimate experience for sea lovers and adventure seekers, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is a deep dive into discovering the ocean’s treasures. Here is everything you need to know about the must-visit attraction.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo - In a nutshell
Things to know
📍Best entrance: | Dubai Mall |
☀️ Best Time to Visit: | Early morning |
⏰ Suggested duration: | 2 hours |
🎟️ Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Ticket: | AED 199 onwards |
Opening hours And address
Mon-Fri: 10am–11pm (Last entry at 10:15pm)
Sat-Sun: 10am–Midnight (Last entry at 11:15pm)
Address: The Dubai Mall, Doha Street, Off 1st Interchange – Sheikh Zayed Road.
Dubai, U.A.E.
Get Directions
Why you must visit Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
As the world is well aware by now, Dubai does things bigger and better, adding a cutting-edge twist to everything it touches. The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is no exception. Housed at the glamourous Dubai Mall, the Aquarium is notably one of the world’s largest suspended aquariums. Filled with 10 million litres of water, the Aquarium, equipped with an underwater tunnel, is packed with marvel-worthy sea creatures, including, sharks and rays. On a trip here, you can also choose to get to know these finned creatures along with crocodiles, penguins, and otters through close encounters, feeding sessions, and dives.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Your Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo visit deconstructed
Aquarium tank
Even as you make your way through the shiny environs of the Mall to the ground level, the Aquarium Tank makes the first appearance. The large, glass structure, that makes up the exterior of the attraction, carries 10 million litres of water and is said to be one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world. The tank’s interiors have been recreated to resemble the seabed, filled with rocky formations and aquatic plants. Gliding past these are over 140 species of sea creatures from mean-looking sharks and rays to schools of tiny, colourful fish.
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Aquarium tunnel
Through the tank runs the Tunnel that surrounds you as you enter this underwater wonderland. The 48-metre tunnel will have you wide-eyed as you gape at fish feeding, sharks serenely swimming, and rays flapping gracefully.
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The Underwater Zoo
Get a closer look at the creatures that inhabit the Earth’s seas and rivers with a trip to the Underwater Zoo. You can make your way through a vast maze of solo tanks covered in foliage to observe piranhas, seahorses, giant spider crabs, eels, and water rats. Over 40 species vie for your attention at the Zoo.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: Experiences
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Animal encounters
You can sign up for a series of guided encounters to get an intimate feel for the animals and underwater world. Here are the top picks:
King croc encounter
Best suited for those who are looking for a slice of heart-stopping action, the encounter reels you in for close interaction with the Aquarium’s reigning duo – King and Queen Croc. Brought in from the waters of Australia, King Croc a.k.a Jock is a 750-kilo crocodile and is about 50 years old. He co-rules the shallow waters with Missy – who is 85 years old. Croc enthusiasts can watch from a gallery, above the pool where this legendary duo lives, to see their scaly forms glide in and out of the waters as they swoop up to catch their bait.
Penguin encounter
Chill out with adorable penguins and get a feel of the chilling Antarctica climate in this special zone. After zipping up in warm jackets provided by the Aquarium, you can head towards a happy colony of Gentoo Penguins and spend your time watching them play, sliding down ice-lined paths and diving into pools.
Otter encounter
Gear up to go ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ over adorable otters at this meet-cute! Believed to be one of the smallest otter species in the world, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is home to a family of small-clawed Asian otters. During the encounter, you get to stand by their special enclosure and watch these highly intelligent, yet endangered, creatures dazzle with their tricks. The otters interact with their caretakers, collecting colourful rings, doling out high-fives, and even greeting you through the glass display.
Ray encounter
Wade through the waters of the Aquarium in special gear to catch up with graceful rays. A dedicated feeding zone, encased in glass and filled with cool waters, is occupied by gliding Eagle Rays and Cow-Nose Rays. You can spend time catching up with them, petting and feeding them. You are guaranteed to leave the experience with a big smile on your face as if you’ve just caught a big ‘ray’ of sunshine!
Shark trainer encounter
Sign up for a ‘fin’tastic experience with the eye-opening shark trainer encounter. Perfect for shark geeks and marine lovers, the experience will see you strap on waterproof waders and walk through the waters as bamboo and leopard sharks (of the non-biting variety) crowd around you. As you befriend the sharks, you are given deep insights into their habitats, feeding habits and general behaviour.
Feeding presentation
A walk through the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo’s tunnel will have you hooked to one of the attraction’s most popular offerings. As you amble through the lengthy tunnel, you can watch expert divers hand-feed the majestic creatures of the Aquarium – from the rays to the intimidating-looking but lovable sharks.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: Dives
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Shark dives
Get ready for your ‘Jaws’ to drop as you rub shoulders to fins with sharks in this unforgettable experience. Offered to certified divers, this immersive outing will have you suit up and plunge into the deep waters inhabited by a variety of sharks, including, sand tiger, reef, leopard, and tawny nurse sharks.
Cage snorkelling
Feel nervous getting into the water with just a wetsuit and sharks all around you? Cage snorkelling is the answer to your prayers! You can make your way through the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo’s seemingly endless waters in a secure cage that allows you to watch the sea creatures at close quarters without any fear in your heart.
Shark walker cage
Tailor-made for those with no swimming or diving skills, you can feel like an underwater explorer in the shark walker cage. Step in a secure cage with an oxygenated helmet on, that will have you looking like an astronaut. You and your fellow companions can, then, walk around the expansive suspended Aquarium, gawking at hundreds of swirling sea creatures.
Best time to visit Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Since the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is an indoor facility and is open throughout the year, the weather conditions should not have a bearing on when you visit. However, the attraction is popular with families and travellers and can get crowded during the weekends and school holidays. So, it would be best to drop by during the weekdays, when schools are operational if you want some quiet time with your newly-acquired aquatic friends.
All you need to know before visiting Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
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Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo hours
The facility is open throughout the year. The timings are as follows:
- Monday to Friday: 10am – 11pm (Last entry at 10.15pm)
- Saturday to Sunday: 10am – Midnight (Last entry at 11.15pm)
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo entrance
The entrance to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is through Dubai Mall. You can access the Aquarium Tunnel through the ground floor.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo directions
🚇 By metro
Board the Red Line and get off at the Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall Metro Station. The attraction is located inside the Dubai Mall.
🚍 By bus
Route numbers 27, 28, 29, 30, 50 and 81 will drop you near Dubai Mall, which houses Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo map
Below is a map of Dubai Mall which sits close to the famed Burj Khalifa. The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is inside the Mall.
Insider tips for your visit to Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
- To get the maximum out of your experience, we recommend you stay close to your assigned guide who’ll ensure that your experience is seamless and learn everything there is to know about the underwater denizens of the Aquarium and the Underwater Zoo.
- For those who live in Dubai, the attraction offers long-term courses in diving for beginners. If you are experienced, then you can sign up for bundled diving experiences that allow for multiple dives.
- Photography and videography are allowed around the facility. However, flash photography is not allowed in some areas in order to protect the animals. Additionally, the attraction offers professional photography but these tend to be on the pricier side.
- Children under the age of 2 are allowed in free of charge.
- To get the most value for your money, we recommend you sign up for combo tickets that offer access to the Aquarium along with other Dubai attractions.
Ready to explore Dubai?
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Burj Khalifa
Sitting close to Dubai Mall, that’s home to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, the Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building and an architectural marvel. On your visit, you can scale the length of this glistening metal and glass wonder to feast your eyes on spectacular views of ultra-modern Dubai.
Dubai Miracle Garden
A floral paradise awaits you at the Dubai Miracle Garden! Amid Dubai’s desert landscape, the Dubai Miracle Garden - packed with over 150 million flowers, fashioned into castles, elephants, and aeroplanes – is surely a sight for sore eyes.
Dubai Safari Park
Once you have explored the underwater life at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, you can head to the Safari Park to meet up with the above-water creatures. Perfect for families and a hot favourite with children, the Dubai Safari Park offers you the chance to gawk at African elephants, Arabian onyx, white lions, cheetahs, bears and other majestic animals.
Global Village
Entertainment reaches new heights at Dubai’s Global Village – the world’s leading tourism village. You can spend a day here exploring the multicultural festival park that has pavilions showcasing over 90 countries. At each of these, you can indulge in shopping and dining while being swept away in the frenzy of parades, water sports, cultural shows, heart-stopping rides and dazzling fireworks.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Sign up for a slice of adventure at Dubai’s largest indoor theme park. With a dedicated 1.5 million square feet, IMG Worlds of Adventure offers a long list of adrenaline-pumping rides, including, roller coasters, rides, and live shows. You can also line up for photo opportunities with cartoon characters and Marvel superheroes.
FAQs
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is home to one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world. Located at Dubai Mall, the Aquarium offers you the chance to discover over 140 species of underwater life that swim through a tank holding 10 million litres of water.
At the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, you can spend a thrilling day gazing at over 140 species of underwater creatures, including, sharks and rays. You can also sign up for animal encounters and diving experiences.
Yes, absolutely! Particularly popular with children, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo offers you the chance to get a close look at majestic aquatic creatures from all corners of the world. Apart from a variety of sharks and rays, the attraction also offers encounters with giant crocodiles and adorable penguins.
To get the most out of your visit, we recommend you spend at least 2 hours here. You can walk through an aquatic tunnel, sign up for encounters, and also dive with the sharks!