Experience the thrill! Best places for scuba diving in Dubai
Dubai offers a variety of recreational and watersport activities, making it a haven for adventurers and adrenaline seekers. There are a number of fabulous spots for scuba diving in Dubai, where you can explore the magnificent coral reefs and enjoy close encounters with all sorts of sea creatures like jellyfish, rays and even sharks. So, if you’re looking for a memorable underwater experience, here are some of the places that you need to visit.
POPULAR PLACES FOR SCUBA DIVING IN DUBAI
SCUBA DIVING IN DUBAI MALL
One of the most popular tourist attractions in the City of Gold is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo located in Dubai Mall near Burj Khalifa. The aquarium offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for scuba diving, for both certified and non-certified divers.
Scuba diving is among the best things to do at The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, as it holds fascinating aquatic creatures. It also has a large collection of sand tiger sharks. For a thrilling and memorable experience of scuba diving in Dubai Mall, get a close encounter with sharks and rays in a caged dive. The safe shark encounter involves a diving instructor inside the cage.
If it is your first time, don’t worry as you will be assisted by qualified supervisors. A dive instructor and dive master will supervise you throughout the experience. Scuba diving gear is offered, while swimsuits are available at extra cost. That’s all you need to know about Dubai Aquarium scuba diving.
Please note that divers need to be at least 10 years old
- Location: The Dubai Mall, Financial Centre Road, Dubai
- Price: Book on official website
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, (last entry at 09:15 pm)
- Contact: +971-4-342-2993
DUBAI JUMEIRAH BEACH
Scuba diving in the open waters is much more adventurous and it is possible to do that in the turquoise water of the Arabian Gulf at Jumeirah Beach. Dive into the sea and interact with the marine life in their natural habitat. There’s no need to worry if you don’t have prior diving experience as Bermuda Diving Centre at Jumeirah Beach offers various diving courses based on ability.
This includes full diving equipment and training, followed by scuba diving with an instructor as well as underwater photography.
- Location: Jumeirah Beach
- Service Provider: Bermuda Diving Center
- Price: Starting at AED 1,499 for PADI Open Water Course
- Timings: Vary
- Contact: +971-4-321-0104
ATLANTIS THE PALM
The iconic Atlantis The Palm is where adventurers of all ages can sign up for some aquatic fun. Tourists have a number of options to choose from if they wish to interact with marine animals.
Atlantis the Palm is home to the biggest open-air aquarium in the city, which is also one of the popular list of places for scuba diving in Dubai. This resort offers a number of diving experiences for both certified and non-certified divers in the Ambassador Lagoon, where you can explore 65,000 marine creatures.
Atlantis Dive Discovery is ideal for beginners who want to experience the thrill of scuba diving in Dubai. You will first be trained in the basics of scuba diving and then discover the majestic ruins and fascinating sea creatures of Atlantis. More advanced packages like the Atlantis Dive Explorer and The Predator Dive Experience gives certified divers the chance to hand-feed sharks and rays!
For those with no swimming experience, there are also snorkelling packages on offer. The Dive Atlantis Centre also offers guided underwater tours to discover the mysteries of the lost city of Atlantis. You can also experience the Lost Chambers Aquarium that is an underwater Atlantis-themed aquarium with tunnels and halls that house marine life.
- Location: Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah
- Price: You can contact the venue to inquire about price
- Timing: 10:00 am to 09:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-426-2000
DUBAI MARINA
Residents of Dubai Marina can also experience scuba diving at Marina Beach near Jumeirah Beach Residence, which features amongst the places with best scuba diving offers in Dubai. Scuba Shade is a centre that offers various scuba diving deals in Dubai from entry level to the professional level.
One of the best features of Dubai Marina scuba diving is that it features deep sea shipwreck dives for PADI certified divers. High-quality training is also provided by PADI instructors at scuba diving Dubai Marina, for both beginners and professionals.
- Location: Habtoor Grand Resort Dubai Marina, Dubai
- Service Provider: Scuba Shade
- Price: Call to know
- Timing: Vary
- Contact: +971-4-408-4410
Other Locations for Scuba Diving in Dubai
Don’t need scuba diving lessons in Dubai? Head to these marine sites which are considered some of the most beautiful in the emirate. However, divers must have the appropriate certification to be allowed to scuba dive in areas like these.
Dubai World Islands
Dubai World Islands offer the perfect setting for scuba diving in Dubai. The artificial islands now teem with marine flora and fauna, so there’s much to explore. It may become the top spot for divers soon.
Sharm Rock
The marine species found here are a sight to behold! This is a popular spot for both day and night dives. It is not exactly in Dubai, but 15 or so minutes south of the median of Fujairah. Sharm Rock is also known as 3 Sisters owing to three rock outcroppings.
Moon Island
This spot, also known and Crescent Moon Island, offers something new to explore on every dive. It’s a famous snorkelling and dive spot. You can find it around 70km from the main city. Some services like Sky and Sea Adventures offer diving expeditions here with additional perks like BBQ lunches, dinners and even fishing.
Wreckage Sites
Who would give up the chance to explore sunken ships? Wreck diving in Dubai has gained immense popularity due to this very reason. Popular wrecks include:
- Zainab
- Mariam Express
- Cement Barge
- MV Ludwig
- My Victoria Star
FAQs
IS DIVING CERTIFICATION NECESSARY FOR SCUBA DIVING IN DUBAI?
Reputable diving centres in Dubai will only allow you to dive if you have proper certification. The most commonly accepted are Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) or Scuba Schools International (SSI) certifications. You can get the necessary training by applying for PADI certification in Dubai.
WHERE CAN I GET THE CHEAPEST SCUBA DIVING EXPERIENCE?
The scuba diving in Dubai price varies as per services offered. Do your research to find the best scuba diving in Dubai cost.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BEACHES IN DUBAI?
There are a number of beautiful beaches in Dubai including Open Beach, Al Sufouh Beach and Jebel Ali Beach.
WHAT WATER SPORTS CAN I TRY IN DUBAI?
If you want to try out water sports, you will be delighted to know that there are all sorts of water sports activities in Dubai such as flyboarding, parasailing and kayaking.
And that concludes our guide to the best places for scuba diving in Dubai. We hope you have a fabulous undersea adventure!
Want to continue the fun? Visit the best water parks in the UAE to have the time of your life.
