A complete guide to snorkelling in Dubai
- Snorkelling Equipment
- Snorkelling Specialists in Dubai
- Places to Snorkel in Dubai
- Things to Consider
- Do’s and Don’ts
- FAQs
Snorkelling is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful underwater universe of the marine ecosystem. You can get close to the colourful fish, the shy turtles and the other fascinating marine life while snorkelling in Dubai. If you plan to embark on an underwater adventure, check out our complete guide to snorkelling in Dubai.
Snorkelling in Dubai: A Swimmer’s Starter Pack
There are special types of equipment required to snorkel in Dubai:
- A snorkel (plastic tube to help you breathe underwater)
- A protective mask
- Diving fin (to wear on your feet to swim and navigate underwater)
- Wet suit (neoprene insulation suit worn for warmth and protection during watersports)
- A swim cap or bandana (a large handkerchief worn around the head or neck)
Snorkelling specialists in Dubai
There are quite a few specialists for snorkelling in Dubai.
Al Boom Diving
Al Boom Diving is one of the best places for snorkelling in Dubai. You can seek their assistance to explore the underwater world with the different types of scuba diving courses available.
They operate three dive centres in the city including the one in the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. If you are planning to snorkel there, rest assured, they will take care of your safety, without compromising on your experience. They also offer water sports equipment in Dubai.
- Location: Al Wasl Road, Villa 254 – 33rd Street
- Timings: 10:00 am – 08:00 pm | Saturday and Sunday: 08:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-342-2993
Nemo Diving Centre
Go for a snorkelling adventure in Fujairah from Dubai with Nemo Diving Centre. Take a guided 4-hour trip to explore the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Oman revealing a vibrant underwater world. This activity is perfect for individuals of all ages and skill levels. The prices start from AED 145 per person. Visit the official website for more details.
- Location: Azure Residences, Shop 5 and 6, The Palm Jumeirah
- Timings: 09:00 am – 08:00 pm | Saturday and Sunday 09:00 pm – 07:00 pm
- Contact: +971-56-704-4472
Snorkelling Experiences in Dubai
There are some great places to snorkel in Dubai. From the Ambassador’s Lagoon, the most sought-after attraction in Atlantis The Palm to the quintessential beaches in Dubai, you can consider any of these wonderful spots to have a wonderful snorkelling experience.
The places mentioned below include all the information about snorkelling in Dubai prices as well as the experience they offer to the patrons.
Deep Dive Dubai
Experience the thrill of snorkelling at Deep Dive Dubai, home to the world’s deepest pool, plunging to a depth of 60 metres. This unique attraction invites adventurers to explore a submerged cityscape, complete with abandoned streets, furnished rooms, and intriguing artefacts, all visible from the water’s surface.
Guided by professional instructors, participants aged six and above can enjoy a safe and memorable underwater journey, making it an ideal activity for families and groups.
With premium equipment provided and no prior experience required, Deep Dive Dubai offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the wonders beneath, all while staying comfortably at the surface. The prices for indoor snorkelling in Dubai start from AED 400 per person and the minimum age is 6 years old (must know how to swim).
- Location: Atlantis The Palm
- Timings: 09:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-501-9444
Ambassador’s Lagoon in The Lost Chambers Aquarium
Located within The Lost Chambers Aquarium in Atlantis, Ambassador’s Lagoon is a perfect spot for snorkelling in Dubai. It is a stunning aquarium with 11-million-litre water capacity and 250 species of marine animals.
Discover 65,000 sea animals including beautiful stingrays, moon jellyfish, eagle rays, Arapaima, lobsters, moray eels and Whitetip reef sharks wandering in the sea. You can also explore the underwater mysteries and learn interesting facts about ocean life.
The price for snorkelling in Dubai at Atlantis ranges between AED 280 to AED 355.
- Location: Atlantis The Palm
- Timings: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-426-1040
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
With the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, you can snorkel amidst the largest collection of sea creatures! It consists of more than 33,000 aquatic animals, among which you can find the largest collection of sand tiger sharks. You can enjoy snorkelling in this 10-million-litre aquarium, in a purpose-built cage.
Get ready to watch over 70 species of marine animals moving freely as you snorkel in this spot. You can experience this underwater thrill for AED 370. You should be a minimum of eight years old to try cage snorkelling at the aquarium. Up to four people can snorkel simultaneously.
- Location: Level 2, The Dubai Mall
- Timings: 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Contact: 800-382-246-255
Beaches in Dubai
Cool off in the summers by diving deep into the beaches in Dubai. Take in beautiful views of the sunset while snorkelling in Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach or North Beach. You can also head on over to the JBR beach to enjoy the day in the sun or explore the underwater secrets at the perpetual hive of activity, La Mer Beach.
In addition to these, you can also make your way down to Al Mamzar Beach to snorkel in Dubai as well as indulge in the lineup of other interesting activities.
Alternatively, you can visit Snoopy Island, the most popular aquatic destination in Fujairah located two hours away from Dubai.
Things to remember while snorkelling in Dubai
Here is a list of tips that you need to remember to avoid any mishap or injury:
- Choose a location that matches your level of experience
- Make sure you have the right gear
- Keep a floatation device for added safety
- Don’t forget to clean your mask with a defogging gel or baby shampoo
- Consider fins that have a soft, flexible foot pocket to eliminate the need for socks or boots
- Take deep breaths to keep yourself relaxed underwater
FAQs about Snorkelling in Dubai
Are there snorkelling spots suitable for beginners in Dubai?
Yes, if you’re a beginner, there are several options for you such as starting from the freshers courses and dives with an experienced instructor at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo or at the Deep Dive Dubai, the largest and the deepest indoor pool in the world.
If you wish to explore other options, snorkelling in Dubai Jumeirah Beach is an option worth considering but make sure you stick to the designated areas for swimming.
What are the Do’s and Don’ts for Beginners who wish to snorkel in Dubai?
If you are snorkelling for the first time:
- Familiarise yourself with the equipment before going deep into the water
- Practise first in a swimming pool or a beach
- Don’t stand on rocks or interfere with sea creatures
- Avoid snorkelling during rough weather
- Choose a location where there are no potential risks or danger
- Don’t take your valuables with you underneath the water
- It’s better to accompany a friend, family member or a snorkelling pro
How much does snorkelling cost in Dubai?
The price depends on the type of service selected, experience level and other items. The scuba diving trips generally start from approximately AED 200 per person.
Can I snorkel without prior experience in Dubai?
If you’re wondering, “Can you snorkel in Dubai without any prior experience?” The answer is yes! Guided tours are available at various service providers and locations across Dubai and other emirates in the UAE.
Dubai offers plenty of opportunities for thrill-seekers. Other emirates of the UAE such as Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain offer an array of watersports, scuba diving and snorkelling spots. If you want to embark on water-based adventures, there are many places offering watersports in Dubai.
From a high-speed tour on a jet ski to something more challenging like wakeboarding, Dubai ensures there is no dull moment for daredevils in the city.
What are your favourite watersports activities? Feel free to share your tales of adventure in the comments below.
