Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

The Basics

The Dubai Aquarium, home to the world’s largest suspended aquarium, also ranks among Dubai’s most popular family attractions. You can choose between two admission packages: the Researcher Experience, which includes a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the Underwater Observatory, or the Explorer Experience, which includes a glass-bottom boat tour and a submersible simulator experience. Add-ons offer the opportunity to interact with sea otters, rays, or King Croc, the aquarium’s most famous resident. Guided tours of Dubai that include aquarium entrance might also feature the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Creek, and the Burj Al-Arab, depending on the option you choose. The aquarium is also an option on the Dubai Explorer Pass.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Dubai Aquarium is a must-visit for families and animal lovers.

• Much of the aquarium is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

• Give yourself at least two hours to see everything the aquarium has to offer.

• Consider booking any special experiences ahead of time to avoid lines and disappointment.

How to Get There

The Dubai Aquarium is located on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall. The easiest way to get there is to take the Dubai Metro to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station. Buses 27 and 29 also stop at the mall.

When to Get There

The Dubai Aquarium is open daily from 10am to 12am. As one of Dubai’s most popular attractions, expect long lines during the high season, from November to March. If you’re visiting Dubai in the summer months, consider visiting in the afternoon to enjoy an air-conditioned respite from the heat.

Educational Presentations

The Dubai Aquarium puts on regular presentations throughout the aquarium, where you can learn more about the animals you’re seeing. Popular sessions include ray, shark, and crocodile feedings, as well as short presentations at the otter, piranha, and penguin exhibits. Be sure to check the schedule upon arrival.

What is the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo?

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world. The 67-foot (20-meter) by 36-foot (11-meter) tank holds 2.6 million gallons (10 million liters) and is home to more than 140 species. There’s a walk-through tunnel and other ways to experience the aquarium and zoo.

What experiences can I expect at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo?

Visitors can view the wildlife by walking through the Aquarium Tunnel, taking a glass boat ride, or walking through the Underwater Zoo. Animal feedings and presentations are held regularly. There are special paid animal encounters, snorkeling, and diving experiences where visitors can enter the aquarium tank.

How much time do I need at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo?

Most visitors spend between 1 and 2 hours visiting the Aquarium Tunnel and Underwater Zoo. Plan to spend more time if you want to take a glass-bottom boat ride (around 15–20 minutes), watch an animal presentation or show, or participate in animal encounters, diving, or other experiences.

Do I need to be a certified scuba diver to dive at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo?

No, scuba diving certification is not required to enjoy some of the diving experiences at the aquarium. Visitors can snorkel in a cage or walk in a cage with an oxygenated helmet. Visitors can also dive as part of a ‘Discover Scuba’ experience or even get their certification at the aquarium.

Can I take photos or videos inside the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo?

Yes, you can take photographs and videos inside the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Specific exhibits, however, do not permit the use of flash for the health and safety of the animals and will be marked as such. Professional photography services are also available from the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

Are there guided tours of the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo?

No, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo do not offer regular guided tours to visitors. However, private guided tours can be arranged ahead of time, subject to availability, and with an additional fee. Educators stationed throughout the zoo and aquarium can provide answers to questions.

Ways to explore

Choose from a variety of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo passes, which range from regular tickets to “Ultimate Experience” or “Explorer” packages that incorporate your chosen special experiences. These can include meeting the aquarium’s penguins, sting ray encounters, and glass-bottom boat rides. Purchasing tickets online is worthwhile as you can bypass ticket booth lines for faster entry.

Alternatively, pair an aquarium visit with other activities. Choose combo tickets that include admission to the Burj Khalifa—its entrance is also inside Dubai Mall—or attractions such as the Sky Views Observatory. Others couple the aquarium with a Dubai sightseeing tour.

Accessibility

The aquarium and zoo are mostly wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, including the underwater tunnel. However, some areas—as well as some marine encounters and experiences—may not be accessible to people who use wheelchairs or those with disabilities.

Age limits

All ages are welcome, although children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Some marine encounters and activities are inaccessible to children under 2.

What to pack

Camera, credit card for gift shop

What to wear

Casual clothing, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Flash photography, outside food/drinks

Amenities

Restrooms, Wi-Fi, food/beverage options, gift shop

Address

The entrance to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is located on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai. As a major Dubai landmark, the mall is easy to visit by road, metro, bus, or guided tour.

Driving

If you’re traveling from eastern or western Dubai, take the Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and follow the signposts to the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. At the mall, signs will lead you to allocated parking.

Public transportation

Ride Dubai’s Metro Red Line to the Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa stop; take the walkway to the mall, and follow signs to the aquarium’s ground-floor entrance. Numerous buses serve the mall, including the 27, 28, 29, 30, 50, and 81.

Best times to visit

To avoid crowds, arrive around opening or closing time—the aquarium is open till late evening. Peak visitor numbers hit around 5–7pm.

Best days to visit

The best days to visit are weekdays during the school year when there are fewer people. Crowds can build at the aquarium on weekends, school vacations, and public holidays.

Best months to visit

The best months to visit are during the November–March tourist season, when Dubai’s weather is pleasant for sightseeing. That said, be prepared for the aquarium to be busy with visitors.

Special events

The aquarium’s daily feeding presentations are worth watching. Check the aquarium website for the schedule.