Step into the captivating world of the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, where the boundaries between land and sea blur and where marine wonders await. This unique destination, perfect for things to do in Dubai, houses one of the world’s largest suspended aquariums, cradling a staggering 10 million litres of water. If you’re searching for something seriously cool to do in Dubai, look no further than here, tucked inside the iconic Dubai Mall. This place is more than just an aquarium it’s a full-blown underwater adventure. With one of the world’s largest suspended tanks holding 10 million litres of water, it’s a glowing, magical world teeming with marine life from across the globe. You’ll spot everything from elegant seahorses to fierce-looking sharks, all while strolling through glass tunnels that wrap you in a 270-degree view of life below the surface. It’s immersive, it’s thrilling, and it’s perfect whether you’re a marine nerd, a curious traveler, or just someone looking for a really unique Dubai experience.
About Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
The aquarium sits right in the heart of Downtown Dubai and stretches through a 48-meter-long walk-through tunnel. The tank itself is a beast, holding over 300 sharks and rays and home to the world’s largest collection of sand tiger sharks. And the fun doesn’t stop at the tunnel. Your ticket unlocks loads more: the Underwater Zoo, glass-bottom boat rides, a VR experience that drops you into the wild, and even behind-the-scenes tours. On Level 2, the zoo takes you through different aquatic zones like rainforests and rocky shores, filled with creatures like otters, jellyfish, giant spider crabs, and other underwater oddballs.
But if you’re after something even more unforgettable, gear up for the thrilling stuff. Want to feed sharks? You can. Watch them go into full frenzy mode as they’re hand-fed right in front of you. Or, if you’re feeling brave, put on an oxygen helmet and join the Shark Walker experience, where you walk underwater alongside more than 33,000 creatures. Not enough? Try cage snorkelling for a face-to-fin moment with 300+ sharks and rays. Still want more? You can even dive into the tank with a certified scuba instructor; no prior experience is needed.
Inside Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Aquarium Tank: The Dubai Aquarium boasts a gigantic 10-million-litre tank that is one of the world‘s largest suspended aquariums. In its depths live a variety of aquatic animals, including over 140 different species. With over 300 sharks and rays, this tank is home to a vast collection of sand tiger sharks, which form one of the largest collections in the world. Guests have numerous opportunities to interact with the main aquarium tank, which has a size of 51 metres in length, 20 metres in width, and 11 metres in height.
Aquarium Tunnel : Situated on the ground level of Dubai Mall, the 48-metre walk-through tunnel provides a 270-degree view, located 11 metres below the surface of the tank. The environment is perfect for taking photographs since marine residents swim effortlessly above, presenting a bewitching photo shooting experience.
Underwater Zoo : Venture into the Underwater Zoo and discover the fascinating world of animals that live in our rivers and oceans. Located on Level 2, just above the aquarium tank, the Underwater Zoo takes you through three different ecological zones: rainforest, rocky shore, and living ocean. Keep an eye out for these amazing aquatic residents in the Underwater Zoo: otters, piranhas, lionfish, giant spider crabs, seahorses, garden eels, archerfish, water rats, paddlefish, cichlids, and a variety of other incredible aquatic animals featured in 40 individual aquatic displays.
Things to do at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Shark Feeding: Ready to feel your heart race? The shark feeding experience at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo takes you closer than you ever thought possible to these incredible ocean predators. It’s a wild mix of fear, awe, and pure excitement as you watch divers drop buckets of fish into the water, triggering a full-on feeding frenzy all happening just inches from where you’re safely seated in your enclosure. For 30 adrenaline-filled minutes, you’re front and center as the sharks swirl and snap just centimetres away. And just when you think it’s over, you get a behind-the-scenes look at how the whole feeding program works. It’s thrilling, it’s unforgettable, and it’s one of Dubai’s coolest underwater experiences.
Shark Walker (cage) : Imagine walking underwater, side by side with over 33,000 marine creatures, including hundreds of sharks and rays sounds unreal, right? At the Dubai Mall Aquarium, you can do it. With a special oxygen-infused helmet, you’ll breathe easily as you stroll through one of the world’s largest suspended aquariums. It’s not every day you get to share space with the planet’s top predators, including the biggest collection of sand tiger sharks around. It’s a surreal, up-close encounter that’s equal parts peaceful and pulse-raising and it’s waiting for you every day at Dubai Aquarium.
Cage Snorkelling : If you’re not quite ready for scuba diving but still want a wild underwater adventure, Cage Snorkelling at the Dubai Aquarium is perfect for you. No experience? No problem. Anyone aged 8 and above can gear up, hop into a secure cage, and float right inside the massive 10-million-litrer tank. With just your snorkelling gear and a front-row seat, you’ll be surrounded by over 70 marine species , including 300 sharks and rays all just inches away. It’s the ultimate close-up thrill, minus the pressure of full-on diving.
Scuba Diving: Curious about scuba diving but have never tried it before? The PADI Discover Scuba Diver program at Dubai Aquarium is your perfect intro. In collaboration with Al Boom Diving, this beginner-friendly experience lets you dive right into the action literally. After a quick and easy theory session, your diving instructor will walk you through the must-know safety tips and basic skills inside a controlled enclosure. Once you’re feeling confident, it’s time to take the plunge into the massive 10-million-litre tank, surrounded by vibrant marine life. With dive times at 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m., it’s an unforgettable underwater journey waiting for you.
VR Zoo : Step into the wild like never before with the VR Zoo experience at Dubai Aquarium. Thanks to cutting-edge virtual reality technology, you’ll travel across the globe without leaving the city. Join a gorilla family deep in Uganda’s Great Impenetrable Forest, swim side-by-side with gentle whale sharks in the clear blue waters of the Maldives, and walk alongside majestic elephants through the sweeping savannas of South Africa. It’s not just a visual journey it’s an emotional one, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of endangered species in their natural habitats.
Animal Encounters : Coming face-to-face with the legendary King Croc is easily one of the most spine-tingling highlights of the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. This massive reptile, weighing a jaw-dropping 750 kg and stretching over 5 meters long, made his journey all the way from Queensland, Australia, to become one of Dubai’s most jaw-dropping residents. But the thrills don’t stop there step into the UAE’s Nocturnal Creatures zone, a 200-square-meter space that takes you on an educational deep dive into the fascinating wildlife of the desert. From giant camel spiders and eerie bats to quirky toads and other elusive desert dwellers, it’s a rare chance to get up close and personal with the creatures that roam the UAE after dark.
Tips Before you visit
Essential Information before you visit
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Pets are not allowed inside the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
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Opening hours:
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Monday–Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
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Friday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
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Dress code: No specific dress code; comfortable and casual attire is recommended.
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Children under 2 enter for free.
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Guests aged 2 and above are charged the same as the adult fare.
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Restrictions:
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Activities like the Glass Bottom Boat Ride and Shark Week Exhibit are not allowed for pregnant women or children under 3.
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Explorer and VIP Passes are also not advised for pregnant women.
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Last entry is allowed 30 minutes before closing time.
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Photography: Don’t forget your camera to capture the marine life!
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Ticket policy:
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Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be canceled after purchase.
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You have up to 6 months from the purchase date to use your ticket.
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FAQ
What are the operating hours of the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo?
The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is open from Monday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and from Friday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Is there a dress code for visiting the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo?
No, there is no specific dress code. It’s recommended to dress comfortably and casually for an enjoyable experience.
Are pets allowed inside the aquarium?
No, pets are not allowed within the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo premises.
Is there an entry fee for children under 2 years of age?
Children under 2 years of age can enter the venue for free.
How much do guests above the age of 2 need to pay for admission?
Guests above the age of 2 are charged the same fare as adults.
Can pregnant women and children under 3 years participate in all activities?
Pregnant women and children under 3 years old are not permitted to partake in activities such as the Glass Bottom Boat Ride and Shark Week Exhibit.
Are the Explorer Pass and VIP Pass recommended for pregnant women?
No, due to safety reasons, pregnant women are advised against using the Explorer Pass and VIP Pass.
What is the last admission time for visitors?
The last admission is allowed 30 minutes prior to the closing time.
Can visitors bring cameras inside the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo?
Yes, visitors are encouraged to carry cameras to capture the marine life, making their experience memorable.
Are tickets for the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo refundable?
No, the tickets are non-refundable once purchased. However, visitors can plan their visit within 6 months from the date of purchase.
