Dubai, a city known for its towering skyscrapers and luxurious lifestyle, also boasts some of the most spectacular aquariums in the world. These aquatic wonders provide a unique opportunity to explore mesmerizing marine life from different corners of the globe. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the best aquariums in Dubai, highlighting the incredible things to see, along with essential details such as addresses and opening hours, and ticket prices.

1. The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis

Located at the iconic Atlantis, The Palm resort, The Lost Chambers Aquarium is a mystical underwater world inspired by the lost city of Atlantis. With its stunning architecture and captivating exhibits, this aquarium is a must-visit for both tourists and locals to experience a unique blend of education, fascination, and mystery.

The Lost Chambers is home to over 65,000 marine animals, including vibrant fish, rays, and sharks. One of the main attractions is the Ambassador Lagoon, a colossal tank housing a variety of species, including the impressive Ambassador Lagoon residents, the rays, and sharks. The interactive touch tank allows visitors to get up close and personal with starfish and other marine creatures. Moreover, the captivating world of The Lost Chambers Aquarium is also home to 14 enthralling chambers that come together to create a mesmerizing octagonal shape. Immerse yourself in the narrative as each chamber unfolds, revealing distinctive and intriguing artifacts, home to some of the most extraordinary marine life.

• Address: Atlantis, The Palm, Crescent Road, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE.

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Daily).

• Ticket Prices: AED 135 for 12 years old and above, AED 95 for children under 12, free for children under 2.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium in Dubai

2. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Situated in The Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the best aquariums in Dubai. Its strategic location in the heart of the city makes it easily accessible for visitors exploring the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Dubai.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is home to an extensive array of aquatic creatures, with more than 140 species. The 10 million-litre tank in the aquarium houses over 400 Sharks and Rays, including Sand Tiger Sharks, Giant Groupers, and various other marine species. Specially crafted experiences offer our visitors the chance to encounter aquatic residents up close, creating lasting memories with friends and family.

Situated on the Ground Floor of The Dubai Mall, the 48-meter-long Aquarium tunnel descends 11 meters below the surface. This is a favorite spot for children to enjoy some of the most incredible aquatic creatures from a new perspective. Continue your exploration at the Underwater Zoo on Level Two above the Aquarium tank, where you can discover more about the fascinating creatures inhabiting rivers and oceans. The Underwater Zoo guides you through three distinct ecological zones: Rainforest, Rocky Shore, and Living Ocean. Each one features distinct creatures and environments, along with the chance for interactive experiences.

Is The Dubai Aquarium Free?

From inside Dubai Mall, you may enjoy free admission to the aquarium. Nevertheless, there are a variety of activities available if you want to get near to the aquatic species.

Dubai Aquarium's main attraction is the sharks, which draw widespread attention. The main tank is home to hundreds of these ancient creatures, featuring diverse species. Among the notable residents are the impressive sand tiger sharks and tawny nurse sharks, alongside smaller counterparts like leopard sharks and bamboo sharks.

How long does it take to visit the Dubai Aquarium?

Typically, visitors spend approximately an hour to an hour and a half hours exploring the areas of the Dubai Aquarium covered by a standard ticket. The main aquarium tank usually occupies about 20 minutes of their visit, while around 45 minutes are spent in the Underwater Zoo area.

• Address: The Dubai Mall, Doha Street, Off 1st Interchange, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE.

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM from Monday to Friday, and 10:00 AM - 00:00 PM from Saturday to Sunday

How much does it cost to go to the Dubai Aquarium?

At the Dubai Aquarium, guests may pick from several unique experiences, the price of which is directly proportional to the magnitude of those experiences. With a range of add-ons and premium packages available, tickets start at AED169. Individuals may enjoy the Ultimate Experience for AED299 each.

• Ticket Prices: Adults & Children 2 years and above AED199.00/ person
• Children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult (15+ years old)
• Ticket Inclusion: Aquarium Tunnel & Underwater Zoo & Penguin Cove & Nursery

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the best aquariums in Dubai

3. Dubai Dolphinarium

Get ready for an amazing performance filled with flips, splashes, and heart-warming interactions that'll leave you in awe!

Dolphin Aquarium Dubai will take you to an unforgettable aquatic spectacle of marine magic - DOLPHIN & SEAL SHOW, the first and only in the UAE. The dolphinarium offers a spectacular showcase of breathtaking acrobatics and intelligence, where visitors gain fascinating insights into marine life, conservation, and the unique behaviors of bottlenosed dolphins and sea lions.

In addition to witnessing the dolphin show, visitors to Dubai Dolphinarium can partake in a variety of activities. These include the opportunity to swim with the ocean's most amiable creatures, dolphins, delight in the spectacle of over 20 species of exotic birds at the Creek Park Bird Show, and wander through a labyrinth of full-size mirrors.

• Address: Creek Park Gate 1, Umm Hurair Rd. Dubai, UAE

• Dolphin & seal show timings:  11:00 AM  |  2:00 PM | 5:00 PM ( *No shows on Tuesdays)

• Show duration: 45 minutes

• Child Ticket: (2-11 yrs old): AED 49

• Adult Ticket: (12+ yrs old): AED 99

Dolphin Aquarium Dubai

4. Sharjah Aquarium

While not located in Dubai, the Sharjah Aquarium is a short drive away and well worth the visit. Situated along the picturesque Al Khan Corniche, this aquarium provides a more serene setting compared to its Dubai counterparts.

Sharjah Aquarium showcases 20 tanks replicating diverse local aquatic environments such as coral reefs, rock pools, lagoons, and mangroves. A covered walkway allows tourists to encounter marine animals inhabiting these ecosystems close-up.

You should align your visit with scheduled fish feeding times or informative talks for a family-friendly outing. Children will be captivated by discovering more about sea creatures and engaging with interactive displays. The aquarium is a must-visit for families in Sharjah, especially for an educational and entertaining experience for children.

If you're planning to include the aquarium in your Sharjah night itinerary, begin by enjoying the sunset at the picturesque Al Khan beach. Follow this with a brief tour of the aquarium before it closes in the late evening. Your ticket grants access to the adjacent Sharjah Maritime Museum, where you can delve into coastal history in greater detail than any other museum in Sharjah.

• Address: Al Meena Street, Sharjah, Ash Shāriqah, UAE.

• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Saturday to Thursday), 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Friday).

• Ticket Prices

  • Children between 2 and 12: AED 15
  • Adults (age 13 and above): AED 25
  • Children aged less than 2 & senior citizens aged 60 and above: Free

 Sharjah Aquarium

Besides the Diverse Culture and Landscapes, Dubai also offers tourists a chance to enjoy a diverse range of aquatic experiences, from the mystical world of Atlantis at The Lost Chambers to the marine life at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Plan your trip today by obtaining a UAE visa, and other necessary travel documents. With the help of UAE Visa Services, you can plan a fascinating trip to UAE.

Frequently Ask Questions When You Plan to Dive into Dubai Aquariums

How is Dubai Aquarium accessible?

Dubai Mall is home to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. The enormous main tank of the mall allows visitors to see the amazing variety of marine life, but the zoo is hidden from view and is only accessible to those with valid tickets.

How much time does it take to see the Aquarium in Dubai?

Experiencing the Aquarium Tunnel for the first time takes around fifteen to thirty minutes. One to one and a half hours is the least amount of time needed to see the Underwater Zoo; this may be extended if you like to see the daily shows. Your visit to the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo will take an additional 15 to 20 minutes if you have booked the Glass Bottom Boat ride experience.

How many fish is the aquarium at the Dubai Mall?

The greatest collection of sand tiger sharks in the world may be found in the 10 million-liter tank at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, which is home to over 33,000 aquatic creatures. The primary aquarium tank is twenty meters wide, eleven meters tall, and fifty meters long.

What is the price of admission to the Dubai Aquarium?

At the Dubai Aquarium, guests can enjoy a wide range of experiences, with prices varying according on which one they choose. Starting at AED 169, tickets include a number of add-ons and premium packages. The price of each person's Ultimate Experience is AED 299.

Is admission to Dubai Aquarium free?

The aquarium is free to observe from inside Dubai Mall. To get up close and personal with the marine life, however, you will have to choose from a variety of available activities.