Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: Why It’s Worth Visiting

Dubai is famous for its modern infrastructure and record-breaking structures.

One such structure that’s worth visiting is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

Home to 140 species and thousands of marine animals, you’ll find the humongous fish tank on the ground level of Dubai Mall.

From its sheer size to one of the world’s biggest collections of Sand Tiger Sharks, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is a must-see landmark during your visit to Dubai.

In this article, you’ll discover:

• What is the difference between Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
• Why you should visit it
• How you can get a ticket
• How long does it take to visit the aquarium
• Practical information for visiting this amazing attraction

Buckle your travel seat belts, and let’s explore!

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What Is the Difference Between Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo?

Dubai Aquarium is a 10-million-liter tank that houses hundreds of aquatic species and over 33,000 marine animals. The Underwater Zoo takes you through various aquatic environments, such as touch ponds, rainforests, and the nocturnal creatures of the U.A.E. In other words, they’re two parts of one attraction.

You’ll find the Aquarium on the ground floor, while the Underwater Zoo is right above it – on level 2 of Dubai Mall.

How Much Is the Ticket for Dubai Underwater Zoo and Aquarium?

The ticket price for Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is around $42.

This includes a visit to the Aquarium Tunnel and the Underwater Zoo, marveling at the biggest collection of sand tiger sharks in the world, and seeing King Croc – one of the largest crocodiles on the planet.

In the table below, you’ll find other ticket options, which include different activities:

*The Ultimate Experience is not appropriate for pregnant guests and children below 2 years of age.

Note: Once you exit the aquarium, you can’t re-enter. Your ticket is valid only for one entry.

How Long Does It Take to Visit Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo?

Discovering the Aquarium Tunnel takes between 15 and 30 minutes on average.

To properly explore the Underwater Zoo, you’ll need between 45 minutes and 1:30 hours.

If you decide to stay and watch a few shows or presentations, these timeframes will increase.

For example, the Glass Bottom Boat ride, which you can join as an extra service, lasts between 15 and 20 minutes.

We recommend you book the Boat Ride in advance to avoid long queues. You can reserve your boat on Level 2 at the Underwater Zoo.

Which Is Better – Dubai Aquarium or Atlantis Lost Chambers?

If you have enough time, we suggest you visit both.

But if not, here’s the difference between the Dubai Aquarium and the Atlantis Lost Chambers Aquarium:

The Dubai Aquarium is cheaper, more centrally located – in Dubai Mall, and closer to all other attractions. Atlantis Lost Chambers is more themed and has more fish species than the Dubai Aquarium, but it’s very far from Downtown Dubai and most city landmarks – in the Atlantis Hotel on Palm Jumeirah.

If you’d like to be close to other city attractions – like Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall – visit the Dubai Aquarium.

If you decide to stay in the mesmerizing Atlantis Hotel, visit the Lost Chambers. We suggest you grab your tickets in advance via the button below:

Peculiar Facts About the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

The buildings were designed by the famous architect Peddle Thorp and erected by the multinational real estate company Emaar Entertainment.

Its central location in Dubai Mall makes the aquarium one of the most visited landmarks in the city.

No matter whether you want to explore the amazing sea creatures or dive with some of the deadliest predators, this aquarium is your ultimate destination.

Discover the most interesting facts about the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo below:

1. The 10-million-liter tank makes this landmark one of the biggest suspended aquariums in the world. It’s home to more than 33,000 aquatic animals.
2. The most exciting activities you can do here include cage diving, scuba diving, cage snorkeling, diving with sharks, glass-bottom boat riding, and marveling at King Croc – the largest crocodile on the planet.
3. The aquarium has won several awards, such as a “Certificate of Excellence” and “The Most Admired Retailer of the Year”.
4. Over 400 rays and sharks live in the fish tank, including giant groupers and one of the world’s largest groups of sand tiger sharks.
5. The Underwater Zoo contains three ecological areas – Rainforest, Rocky Shore, and Living Ocean. In these three zones, you can admire lionfish, piranhas, otters, seahorses, water rats, garden eels, and hundreds of other aquatic creatures.

Can You Swim in the Dubai Aquarium?

Yes! If you want to pump your adrenaline, you can go on a scuba diving experience with sharks or thousands of other fishes inside the tank of the Dubai Aquarium.

If you’re a non-diver, no problem. You can come face-to-face with rays, sharks, and other marine species by snorkeling inside a cage.

Practical Information for Visiting the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

You’ll find the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo on the ground level of the world’s largest shopping center, Dubai Mall.

Here are all the practical details you need to know about visiting the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo:

• The attraction is open from Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and from Friday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight).
• The best time to visit the aquarium is early morning – around 10:00 AM.
• The last admission is at 10:15 PM on weekdays and at 11:15 PM on weekends.
• The aquarium and zoo are open 365 days per year.
• Ticket prices are around $42. The cost doesn’t include diving and other experiences.
• You can always grab your tickets at the counter. But we recommend you skip the long waiting lines and reserve your entry time by getting your tickets online in advance here.
• Children under 2 years are not allowed on the premises. Kids under 15 years must be accompanied by an adult.

How to Get to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is located in Dubai Mall on Doha Street.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Dubai, the area around the mall is one of the best neighborhoods for exploring the city’s landmarks and shopping centers.

The aquarium is on the ground floor of the mall, while the underwater zoo is above it – on level 2.

The closest subway station is the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall stop. The station is within a walkable distance from Dubai Mall via the Metro Link Bridge.

You can also use the bus. The nearest bus station is the Dubai Mall bus stop – just two minutes away on foot from the mall. Buses 27, 28, 29, and 50 all stop at the Dubai Mall. An even better option is the hop-on-hop-off bus tours, which also stop at Dubai Mall.

Alternatively, you can fetch a cab or drive to the building. Parking in Dubai Mall is free for the first three hours except on Friday and Saturday.

Now You Know How and Why You Should Visit the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

This wraps up our guide with all the practical details and reasons why you should visit the amazing Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

As one of the largest aquariums on the planet, and a holder of several awards and records, the attraction welcomes millions of visitors every year.

From admiring thousands of aquatic species to doing one-of-a-kind diving and snorkeling experiences, one thing is for sure – you won’t get bored in the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

Armed with this guide and our top Dubai travel tips, you’ll have a blast in U.A.E.’s largest city.

Now, we’d like to know:

Do you consider the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo worth visiting?

What do you think makes the landmark so popular?

Share your thoughts in the comment section below.