Dubai is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations where everything is bigger and better. It is known for its extravagant shopping, luxurious hotels, prevalent nightlife, magnificent architecture, and breath-taking views. The glamorous city is home to some of UAE’s leading tourists attractions that are a must see for tourists on their visit to Dubai. One such attraction in Dubai that is a must visit for tourists is The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo which is the largest suspended aquarium in the world that offers visitors a breathtaking view of the aquatic life among other unique experiences. Learn more about this must visit tourist attraction in Dubai in this guide to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Read More.
About Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo:
The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is the most captivating tourist attraction located at Dubai Mall – The largest mall in the world. Situated on the ground level of the mall, this aquarium can hold up to 10 million liters of water which is what makes it the largest suspended aquarium in the world. The main tank measures 51 meters in length, 20 meters in width and 11 meters in height. The Aquarium was awarded the ‘Certificate of Excellence’ award by TripAdvisor in 2012. Among its other honors, it is also a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums for its contribution towards environmental education, wildlife conservation and environmental research. The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is divided into three sections that provide unlimited marine exploration through one-of-a-kind experiences:
1. Aquarium Tank: This aquarium is home to 140 different species of aquatic animals. Sharks, rays, and a plethora of other vibrant marine creatures will make the kids squeal with delight in this fascinating world. The tank also has the world's largest collection of Sand Tiger sharks.
2. Aquarium Tunnel: The 48-metre-long walk-through tunnel at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo at Dubai Mall is an intriguing way to immerse yourself in the exciting world of marine life and capture it on film. It is located 11 meters below the tank and provides a 270-degree view of the aquatic animals.
3. Underwater Zoo: This underwater zoo, is located on level two above the aquarium tank, it gives you the opportunity to explore the incredible variety of aquatic animals through 40 different display tanks. The Zoo gives you the chance to see fascinating animals like the Humboldt Penguin, Piranha, African Dwarf Crocodile, Giant Spider Crabs, Otters, Lionfish, and many more. The area is divided into 3 distinct zones - the Rainforest, Rocky Shore, and Living Ocean.
Things to do in Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo:
This one-of-a-kind tourist attraction is a place of endless opportunities, experiences, and adventures. Here are some of the things you can do here with your friends or family:
1. Shark Feeding Encounter
In a secure diving cage, come face to face with the sharks, the most fascinating predators in the ocean. With buckets of fish, the experienced divers will entice the sharks toward the enclosure. Here, you can observe the feeding frenzy up close and personal while participating in an educational experience. Following this 30-minute underwater experience, you'll have the chance to tour the facilities and see how the young sharks are fed.
The price for Shark Encounter – AED 630
2. Shark Dives
Are you a thrill seeker desiring extraordinary, exhilarating adventures? Dive into the depths of the 10-million liters aquarium tank and discover the largest collection of Sand Tiger sharks. These sand tiger sharks with 750 pounds of lean muscle and 300 razor-sharp teeth, are a creature you’ve never been so close to before! The best part is that you don't have to be a certified diver to participate in this shark dive. The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is open to the public and welcomes visitors from all over the world.
The price for Shark Dive is AED 790.
3. Cage Snorkeling
If you feel shark diving is too dangerous, here is a less dangerous alternative. The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo also has a cage snorkeling adventure where you can get up close and personal with thousands of aquatic animals all at once. Wearing snorkeling equipment, entering a cage, and diving into an aquarium full of different species of aquatic animals, including sharks and rays, is all that is required for this safe thrill.
The price of Cage Snorkeling is AED 370.
4. Shark Walker
If you don't want to get your hair wet but still want to see the underwater life of the Dubai Aquarium, don't worry! By signing up for the Shark Walker experience, you can have up-close encounters with sharks, rays, and a variety of other aquatic species. To experience this, you must wear a white custom-made helmet, which allows you to breathe comfortably underwater while also keeping your hair dry. Prepare to be immersed in an underwater paradise for 25 thrilling minutes. Thousands of fish can be seen up close and unique underwater encounters can be had.
The price for Shark Walker experience is AED 620.
5. Wonders at the underwater zoo
Meet the King Croc – Meeting the world's most powerful reptile, weighing in at 750kgs, is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! In addition, it is over 5m long. It is currently one of the largest reptiles in captivity. This saltwater crocodile from Australia is 40 years old and is expected to grow even more as he ages. While watching this magnificent creature, you can feel the thrill, adventure, and fear all at the same time.
The price for the King Croc Encounter is AED 230.
UAE’s Night Creatures – At the Underwater Zoo, observe the desert flora come to life at night. This is a fantastic educational tour of the fascinating and exotic wildlife of the Arabian Desert. In the dedicated 200 square meter space that is home to Giant Camel Spiders, Arabian Toads, Fruit Bats, Veiled Chameleons, and more, unravel the mysteries of the desert environment. It is one of the Zoo's most family-friendly activities and lets kids enjoy seeing the gerbils, chameleons, bats, and owls. Other animals like penguins, piranhas, crabs, water rats, sea horses, jellyfish, and many more can also be seen here.
6. VR Zoo experience
Immerse yourself in the wild and adventurous world of some of the most remarkable creatures on the planet with the revolutionary and exhilarating VR ZOO experience. This experience will allow you to experience the thrill of getting up close and personal with some of the most amazing animals on the planet. From right here in Dubai, you can enjoy everything from an exclusive ocean experience to catching glimpses of gorillas in Uganda and witnessing shark-whale encounters in the beautiful Maldives. The immersive experience is a must-see attraction at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
Price: AED 30 Standard Experience AED 50 Interactive Experience
7. Mermaid Experience
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo also offers you the opportunity to meet and transform into a beautiful and magical mermaid. In the Meet the Mermaids experience you get the chance to meet the mythical mermaids in their caves. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a photograph with the magical mermaids as well. This experience is AED 40 per person, including a photo opportunity. Become a mermaid yourself complete with makeup, costume, and hairstyling in the Transform into a Mermaid experience. You will also be able to take home a mermaid hair accessory as well as photographs of you as a mermaid. This experience costs AED 100 per person including makeover, souvenir hair accessory and photo opportunity. Both these experiences are available only when buying Researcher Experience.
8. Marine Enthusiasts Opportunities
One of the most engaging experiences for children at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is the opportunity to peek into the fascinating world of aquarists via two interesting packages for junior and senior children. The Junior Aquarist package allows children aged 5 to 15 to get a firsthand look at the life of a professional aquarist. They will be able to witness shark feedings, assist in the feeding of other aquatic animals, and ride on a glass-bottom boat. The cost of this package per child is AED 157.50. While the Senior Aquarist package is for slightly older children and includes cage snorkeling in addition to the above exciting activities for junior aquarists. This package costs AED 262.50 per child. Both of these programmers are fantastic for increasing your child's understanding of this mysterious and amazing world, and they are a must-do when visiting Dubai.
Ticket Price:
In addition to the prices listed for the individual experiences, there are also packaged tickets to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Tickets can be purchased either online or at the mall counter. The VIP Explorer Package (AED 235) and Explorer Experience are two popular packages (AED 145).
· For UAE residents, the general admission ticket costs AED 90.
· Adults can purchase an annual pass to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo for AED 400. AED 300 for children under the age of 12, and AED 1100 for a family pass.
Location:
The Dubai Aquarium is located on the ground level of the Dubai Mall. While the Underwater Zoo is located on Level 2. The Dubai Mall is situated on Sheikh Zayed Road, Downtown Dubai and is known for being right next to the iconic Burj Khalifa. The best way to reach this attraction is by using the Dubai Metro and getting down at the Dubai Mall/ Burj Khalifa Metro Station.
Timings:
The timings of the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo are – 10:00 am – 12:00 am (Daily) The last entry is at 11:30 pm. While the Dubai Mall is open till 01:00 am.
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