All you need to know Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Dubai is a city where adventure waits around every corner. From sky-high skyscrapers to vibrant souks, there’s never a dull moment. Among its most thrilling experiences is the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, a must-visit for families, tourists and marine enthusiasts alike. It promises a unique day out, combining fun, learning and encounters with some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures.
All about Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the world’s largest suspended aquariums, home to over 140 species and more than 300 sharks and rays. Its enormous 10-million-litre tank on the ground floor of Dubai Mall showcases a vibrant underwater world. Visitors can watch schools of colourful fish, graceful rays and imposing sharks glide effortlessly through the water.
The Aquarium Tunnel is a highlight, stretching 48 metres and sitting 11 metres below the surface. Walking through it feels like stepping into another world, with marine life surrounding you on all sides.
Above the tank, the Underwater Zoo presents three ecological zones: Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean. Each area offers unique insights into aquatic habitats and behaviours, with 40 separate displays bringing the diversity of our oceans to life.
- Location: Dubai Mall, 1 Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
- Timings: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm (Monday to Thursday) | 10:00 am – 12:00 am (Friday to Sunday)
- Contact: +800-38224-6255 (+800-DUBAI-MALL)
Exciting Things to do at Dubai Aquarium
Wondering what attractions are available at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo? From coming face-to-face with sharks to diving into underwater fun, one of the popular attractions in The Dubai Mall has it all!
Animal Encounters at Dubai Aquarium Zoo
- Penguin Encounter: Ready to meet the coolest residents in town? The Penguin Encounter introduces a colony of lively Gentoo penguins who love diving, sliding and waddling around. Watch them show off their playful tricks and keep an eye out for Rain, the cheeky penguin who steals the show.
- King Croc: Think you have seen a big crocodile before? Wait until you meet King Croc. Jock is a massive reptile weighing around 750 kilograms and stretching over five metres. Alongside him lives Missy, the Queen Croc. Seeing these enormous creatures up close is thrilling and slightly jaw-dropping.
- Ray Encounter: The Ray Encounter invites visitors to interact with graceful marine animals. Standing on a raised feeding platform, guests can gently hand-feed eagle rays and cow-nose rays.
- Shark Trainer Encounter: Ever imagined becoming a shark trainer? This experience lets you try it. Step into waterproof gear and help experts feed and guide Bamboo and Leopard sharks. You will learn about shark behaviour while interacting with them safely.
- Birds Encounter: Bright feathers, cheerful chirps and playful movements make the Birds Encounter a delight. From graceful wingbeats to curious behaviour, this colourful experience showcases the beauty and intelligence of the avian world.
Apart from these, visitors can have interactive experiences with reptiles, otters and sloths.
Diving Experiences at Underwater zoo dubai mall
- Shark Dives: If ticking off bold experiences is your thing, add Shark Dive to your Dubai Aquarium attractions list. Adventurous visitors can descend into the enormous 10-million-litre tank and observe the world’s largest collection of Sand Tiger sharks up close. The Shark Dive experience is priced at AED 790.
- Cage Snorkelling: Want to meet sharks but keep a little distance? Cage Snorkelling lets you explore the giant tank safely from inside a protective cage. With snorkelling gear on, you can watch hundreds of marine creatures glide past. Tickets are priced at AED 370.
- Shark Walker Cage: Ever dreamed of walking underwater? The Shark Walker Cage turns that dream into reality at one of the most exciting Dubai Aquarium attractions. Put on a special helmet and stroll along the aquarium floor while sharks, rays and colourful fish swim around you. With over 33,000 marine animals nearby, the adventure costs AED 620.
Alongside these popular Dubai Underwater Zoo activities, visitors can enrol in scuba diving courses or book specialty dives. These experiences allow guests to develop diving skills while exploring the remarkable marine environment inside the aquarium.
Other Things to do at Dubai Aquarium
The excitement does not stop with the mentioned thrilling activities. Families and young visitors can enjoy additional Dubai Aquarium experiences that blend creativity, learning and pure fun.
Mermaids of Arabia
Mermaids of Arabia brings a storybook ocean adventure to life. Children step into one of the most magical Dubai Aquarium attractions, where they transform into sparkling mermaids or playful pirates. Costumes, glowing accessories and themed backdrops create memorable Dubai Aquarium experiences.
The setting encourages imagination and fun photography moments. With packages starting from AED 209, it is a delightful activity for families exploring the aquarium.
Junior & Senior Aquarist Programs
Think your child has what it takes to be a marine genius? The Aquarist Programme might just prove it! With hands-on encounters and behind the scenes tours, little explorers get to learn, all while having a whale of a time.
The Ocean School
Curious minds set sail at The Ocean School! Students of all ages dive into fun, interactive sessions about marine habitats and conservation. Here are the latest programs:
- Early Childhood Programmes
- Jewels of Arabia
- Survivor and Conservation
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo ticket price
Apart from the prices mentioned for the specific experiences, there are also packaged tickets to the Dubai Aquarium and Zoo. You can either book tickets online or directly at the counter in the mall.
- UAE Resident Offer: From AED 178
- Passes:
- 4 For 3: AED 627
- Silver: AED 209
- Gold: AED 269
- Platinum: AED 399
- Adult Annual Pass: AED 500
- Child Annual Pass: AED 400
- Silver Season Pass (90 days): AED 249
- Gold Season Pass (90 days): AED 349
- Combo Offers:
- Dubai Aquarium + At the Top: AED 279
- Sky Views + Dubai Aquarium: AED 229
- Add-Ons (Animal Encounter): Starting from AED 50
FAQS
How long does it take to explore Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo?
A trip to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo can be easily planned in a couple of hours. Expect 15–30 minutes in the Aquarium Tunnel and 45 minutes to 1.5 hours in the Underwater Zoo. If you want to watch shows or presentations, plan extra time.
Is Dubai Aquarium suitable for kids and families?
Absolutely. With interactive zones, animal encounters and safe diving experiences, it’s perfect for visitors of all ages.
Are there educational activities at Dubai Aquarium for children?
Yes. Programmes like The Ocean School and Junior & Senior Aquarist sessions teach marine biology and conservation in a fun, hands-on way.
And that’s a wrap to our blog on exciting things to do at Dubai Aquarium. What better way to end a day at underwater zoo in Dubai than with a delicious bite? Check out the amazing restaurants in Dubai Mall and grab a meal that hits the spot.
Don’t forget to explore the diverse shops in Dubai Mall for a little retail therapy before you leave. While you’re nearby in Downtown Dubai, make sure to swing by the Burj Khalifa and catch the magical Dubai Fountain in action.
Visiting the city for the first time? Checkout our list of the top tourist attractions in Dubai, perfect for making memories (and taking photos!).
Featured Image Credits: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Official Website
