Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo – Complete Guide

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, one of the world’s most awe-inspiring man-made wonders. Located in the Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping mall, this attraction provides a thrilling voyage into the world of the sea. The Dubai Aquarium is one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums; magics on the ocean floor and presents the world’s most diverse aquatic life collection.

The Underwater Zoo, located immediately above the aquarium, allows guests to get up close and personal with piranhas, penguins, crabs, sea horses, water rats, jellyfish, and more. The King Croc, a unique natural phenomenon and one of the world’s largest reptiles, is an intriguing new addition to Underwater Zoo. It is divided into three areas that provide a spectacular spectacle for those interested in discovering Dubai’s unrestricted aquatic life.

Let’s learn more about Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoon in this article.

3 Areas of Dubai Aquatic World

Aquarium Tank

On the ground level of the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium is a massive 10-million-liter tank. Measuring 51 meters long, 11 meters high, and 20 meters deep, hangs one of the world’s largest suspended aquariums which is home-based for 140 species and nearly 10, 000 marine animals among fake coral. Children and adults alike are enthralled by the aquarium’s 33,000 colorful aquatic species, which include 400 sharks and rays, giant sea bass, and shoals of oceanic fish. The tank is recognized for having the world’s largest collection of Sand Tiger sharks. The public can observe the aquarium for free from the Mall through the world’s largest acrylic panel.

Underwater Zoo

The Underwater Zoo, located on level two above the tank, is divided into three biological zones: Rainforest, Rocky Shore, and Living Ocean. The 40 unique display tanks let visitors get up close and personal with a diverse selection of aquatic creatures that live in rivers and oceans. Piranhas, African dwarf crocodiles, Lionfish, Sea horses, Archerfish, Nautilus, Water rats, Cichlids, and other unique and strange species will dazzle you.

The 5.1m long Australian saltwater lake crocodile named King Croc is a cynosure of the Underwater Zoo. The gigantic lizard, which is 40 years old and weighs 750 kilograms, sends shivers down the visitors’ spines. The Underwater Zoo also houses snakes, lizards, Giant Spider Crabs, and other nocturnal desert residents of the UAE, such as an Arabian toad and veiled chameleons. The visitors are mesmerized by the ‘lunar-cyclic’ lighting system, which varies the mood of the tank depending on the time of day.

Aquarium Tunnel

The 48-meter walk-through tunnel, which is located on the bottom level of the Dubai Mall, takes guests on a thrilling voyage through marine life. It provides guests with a 270-degree view of the aquarium from 11 meters below the surface and allows them to record aquatic life with their camera lens.

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo – Way to Reach

A cab ride from the airport to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo costs between Rs. 850 and Rs. 1100. The theme park at Dubai Mall is conveniently accessible by public transportation. Visitors can take the Red Line metro from the airport terminal to the Dubai Mall metro station.

The Metro Link Bridge, an 828-meter air-conditioned corridor with five travelators, can take guests directly from the metro station to Dubai Mall. Visitors can also take local buses from the Dubai metro station to the Dubai Mall. Alternatively, travelers can take buses 27 or 29 from the airport to Dubai Mall for Rs. 110 – 170 in 32 minutes.

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo – Location, Price, Timings

Location: Ground floor of the Dubai Mall, Off 1st Interchange Doha Street, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE

Price:

For an adult, the basic pass costs 1150 INR.

For each child, the cost is 1150 INR.

Explorer Pass: 

Explorer Pass costs 3350 INR per adult.

For each child, the cost is 3100 INR.

Timings: 

10:00 a.m. – 12 a.m. daily (7 days a week)

Sunday to Thursday (2:00 – 5:00 p.m.): Junior Aquarist Program

Sunday – Thursday (1 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.) Senior Aquarist Program

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Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo – Best Time For Visiting

Though the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is open all year, the optimum time to visit Dubai is between November and March. The weather remains warm at this time, making it ideal for a variety of activities. Long lines will be encountered at the check-in counters during this high season. If you’re in Dubai during the summer, go to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo in the afternoon to get some relief from the heat. It is packed with people every day of the week, with the busiest hours being between 5 and 6 p.m. Early in the morning and later in the evening are less crowded.

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo – Dining

There are various dining options near the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo inside The Dubai Mall. There is no shortage of places to eat following a visit to the Aquarium, from world-famous cafes like Starbucks and The Cheesecake Factory to five-star restaurants like Gia, Tribes Carnivore, New Shanghai, and others. You can also sample mouth-watering international cuisines such as Indian, Turkish, as well as Mexican. There are also several traditional Middle Eastern restaurants here, such as Awani, Bebabel, Mashawi Express, and others. The majority of these restaurants also provide amazing views of the Dubai Mall’s fountain, as well as views of the Burj Khalifa and the surrounding area.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo – Insider Tips

• Children under age 3 have free permits.
• Glass-bottom boats and cage snorkeling are not suitable for pregnant women or children under the age of two.
• Children under age 12 must come with a parent or guardian.
• Visitors witness the Dubai Aquarium from the mall for free but can’t enter the 48-meter Tunnel or Underwater Zoo as it contains amphibious and terrestrial animals.
• Throughout the aquarium, photography is permitted. Tourists are asked not to use flash in a few spots since it may damage or alarm the animals.
• Depending on their interests, guests can choose from a variety of packages offered by the park.
• It is more cost-effective to purchase tickets online and in advance.
• Tourists must present a valid photo ID to enter the Aquarium.
• Visitors should arrive 10-30 minutes before the activity’s stated start time.

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Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo – Shopping

After visiting the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, go to the Dubai Mall and shop till you are done. With over 1,000 shops, retail stores, and boutiques strategically located within the mall, your visit to the aquarium is likely to become more enjoyable. The Dubai Mall, which offers the ultimate modern shopping experience, is home to numerous expensive designer stores as well as a 21st-century gold souk where you may marvel at hundreds of kilos of pure gold jewelry.

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo – Best Encounters

Penguin Encounter

The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo are the first of their type in the Middle East to introduce a colony of Gentoo penguins, allowing visitors to observe these magnificent creatures up close.  These penguins enjoy subantarctic climatic conditions and light cycles in a custom-built temperature-controlled facility within the underwater zoo. Not only can you wave at them, but you can also watch them slip into the frigid water and play in their new homes.

Otter Encounter

A family of small-clawed otters from Asia lives at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. You can interact with these otters as well as watch carefully created presentations about them. The otters at this zoo are the tiniest and most endangered of all otter species. You can watch them picking up pebbles and smashing shellfish with them throughout your visit to their encounters.

King Croc Encounter

A visit to the aquarium will also provide you with the opportunity to interact with King Croc, which is considered to be the world’s largest. This 40-year-old crocodile is an Australian native, weighing over 750 kilograms and measuring over 5 meters in length. The Dubai Underwater Zoo provides a haven for this massive beast, as well as regular meals, which have helped it become one of the most powerful reptiles on the planet.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo – Fun Things To Do

Shark Feeding Encounter

From the safety of your enclosed diving cage, observe the spine-chilling and awe-inspiring shark feeding by professional divers. Witnessing the primal predator eat buckets of fish up close, as well as a tour of back-house operations like the shark breeding program and feeding shark babies, will envelop an unforgettable lifetime moment.

Cage Snorkelling

Visitors who want to experience the thrill of the Aquarium but are frightened to dive in can don a snorkeling costume and witness over 70 different aquatic species, including 300 sharks and rays, in the tank of the aquarium enclosed in their cage.

Shark Dives

Divers with high adrenaline can swim among the 750 kg of lean bulk and 300 razor-toothed Sand Tiger Sharks in a huge 10 million tank. Then, tell the tales of bravery or post them on social media.

Scuba Diving 

Have you ever wanted to go scuba diving? Well. Before heading out into the 10 million liter tank, you may learn the skills and guidelines from an expert diver; in the confines of a cage at Dubai Aquarium. You can achieve your dream of becoming a certified diver; by taking the PADI Open Water Diver course.

Underwater Zoo Experiences

Prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter when you come across the King Croc, a 5 m long, 750 kg violent saltwater reptile with 60 gleaming white razor teeth and a fatal bite force of 3700 pounds per square inch, living in the wild. Discover and learn about the UAE’s night creatures, including Arabian Toads, Fruit Bats, Giant Camel Spiders, Scorpions, Veiled Chameleons, and other Arabian fauna.

Shark Walker

By donning a tailored helmet fitted to help you breathe comfortably underwater, Shark Walker provides you with a fresh experience of observing the wonderful aquatic life from close range, without even getting your hair wet.

VRZoo Experience

Across the virtual reality game VRZoo, you may swim alongside huge whale sharks in the beautiful seas of the Maldives; journey with elephants through South Africa’s savannah lands, and meet a family of gorillas in Uganda’s dense impassable forests, all without risking your life.

Ray Feeding & Shark Feeding

In the 10 million liter Aquarium, watch the divers feed the rays and sharks.

Adventure Aquarist 

The two exciting adventure packages, ‘Junior & Senior Aquarist,’ take kids on a behind-the-scenes tour and much more, revealing whether they have what it takes to be a Marine Biologist.

Glass Bottom Boat Rides 

Enjoy a panoramic view of the 33,000-marine life, including sharks, rays, and a variety of beasties; while riding on the surface of the world’s largest suspended 10 million liter aqua tank in a Glass-bottom-boat with your family and friends.

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Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo – Nearby Places to Visit

Dubai Ice Rink 

A beloved location for both residents and tourists is an Olympic-sized rink that hosts public skate sessions, ice hockey matches, group and private coaching courses during the day, and a rocking disco session every week. With cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls nearby, the rink includes 300 spectator seats, a Penguin Pal skating store, and lockers. It also serves the needs of different types of parties like birthdays and all.

Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain, located on the 30-acre artificial Burj-Khalifa Lake, is one of the best-designed fountain systems in the world. The 275-meter-long fountain blasts water up to 152.4 meters in a variety of patterns and combinations. 6600 lights and 50 colored projectors provide illumination. Shows or performances at the fountain are accompanied by light, colors, and a variety of classical and modern Arabic and World music.

KidZania Dubai

An interactive and edutainment theme park trains today’s children to take on the role of grownups in a fictitious version of a real city; they can learn real-life skills and earn money through 60 different activities/jobs. The replica city is brimming with prestigious corporations’ buildings, offices, automobiles, restaurants, factories, and entertainment venues, to name a few.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is an 828-meter-high skyscraper with 163 livable levels; has become a symbol of Dubai’s service and tourism industries. It includes 30,000 dwellings, 9 hotels, 490-acres of parks, 19 residential edifices, as well as a 30-acre man-made Burj Khalifa Lake; all designed in the Islamic architectural style of the Great Mosque of Samarra.

VR Park

At VR Park, treatment towards visitors is a mind-blowing experience where the real and virtual worlds collide; thanks to 18 interactive rides, games, and trips utilizing Augmented and Virtual Reality technology. The two-level, 75,000-square-foot indoor theme park combines horror, adventure, as well as mythological genre-based activities; provides an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages and interests.

Hub Zero

Hub Zero blurs the gap between real and virtual worlds with its fully interactive gaming experience; making it a haven or dream destination for gaming nuts, both kids and seasoned adults. It is a collaboration of the five gaming behemoths, includes everything from classic arcade games like Pac-Man and old-school pinball; to cutting-edge virtual reality games that keep gamers glued to their screens.

Ski Dubai

An indoor ski resort with 22,500 square meters of skiing surface, including a 25-story indoor mountain, five slopes of varied gradient and difficulty; as well as the first indoor black-diamond run, and other attractions. Sledge and toboggan courses, body slides, climbing towers, enormous snowballs, an ice tunnel; as well as a penguin encounter is all part of the 3,000 square meter snow park play area.

Fun City- Kids Play Area

An indoor fun city with attractions ranging from exhilarating kiddie rides, Big rides, skillful games (Fun N Learn), Soft play zone, Bumper cars, Air racers, Video games; as well as more games for children and families.