Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: The definitive guide

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How to visit Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo? Schedule, Price and Tips

You’re planning to visit Dubai Aquarium during your stay in Dubai?

Great idea!

Located in the Dubai Mall, the aquarium features one of the largest collections of aquatic animals in the world.

There, you can see more than 33,000 aquatic animals, including sharks, rays, and fish.

In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know to visit Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

Let’s get started!

Dubai Aquarium and underwater zoo: what to expect?

During your visit to Dubai Aquarium, you will see:

  • The famous 10-million-liter tank, one of the largest in the world, featuring 140 species
  • A 48-meter long underwater tunnel, offering  a unique perspective on the sea life, especially sharks and rays
  • Many fishes in other aquariums and magnificent jellyfishes species
  • The second part of the Aquarium, called the Underwater Zoo, featuring, among others: Piranha, Giant Spider Crabs, Seahorses, Otters and “King Croc”, one of the largest crocodile of the world
  • The Penguin cove and its Gentoo penguins.

The visit takes about 1h – 1h30 and will for sure please children and adults alike!

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Getting your tickets to Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

In order to avoid waiting in line, tickets to Dubai Aquarium needs to be purchased online before your visit.

In addition, in Dubai, the tickets are sold cheaper on the Internet than on site!

There are 2 types of tickets for the aquarium, you simply need to click on the orange links to book the one you want.

Depending on the time of the year, there might be various other tickets available, such as nursery behind the scene tour, at the Penguin cove.

To view all the tickets available now, simply click on the button below:

Voyage Tips - Advice

The best way to discover Dubai’s must see attraction is to purchase the Dubai Explorer Pass.

With this city pass, you have access to 3, 4, 5 or 7 tourist attractions (depending on your choice).The following activities are offered:

  • Burj Khalifa
  • Excursion in the desert
  • Dubai Aquarium and underwater Zoo
  • Dinner cruise in the marina
  • Access to the world famous Aquaventure Waterpark of Atlantis Hotel
  • Ticket for the Hop on Hop off bus.

Since all these attractions are among the best things to do in Dubai, this City Pass is really the best way to save time and money!

For more information about the Dubai Pass and the activities included, simply click on the button below:

Dubai Aquarium fish

Visiting the Aquarium: My Best Tips

To make it clear and simple, here are my best tips to visit Dubai Aquarium:

  • You need to buy your tickets in advance online to avoid long waiting line and save money. Buy the Dubai Pass or the combo ticket Burj Khalifa + Dubai Aquarium and Under Water Zoo.
  • You should plan to spend at least 1 hour at the aquarium, so make sure to factor this into your itinerary.
  • If possible, you should try to visit the aquarium during the week and/or at the opening time, when it’s less crowded.
  • Make sure to ask for the schedule for feeding times and special events when you arrive at the Aquarium
  • You can take a guided tour to learn more about the marine life and the aquarium’s conservation efforts.
  • You can upgrade your ticket to include a behind-the-scenes tour or a glass-bottom boat ride for an even more immersive experience.
  • If you’re a certified diver, you can even dive into the 10-million-liter tank and swim with the sharks! It’s an amazing experience that you won’t forget.
  • You should also check out the other attractions at the Dubai Mall, such as the ice rink and the Dubai Fountain show.

Overall, Dubai Aquarium is a fantastic attraction that offers something for travelers of all ages. Whether you’re interested in marine life or just looking for a fun and unique experience, you won’t be disappointed!

Dubai Aquarium
Aquarium and underwater zoo in Dubai

 

Dubai Aquarium opening times

Dubai Aquarium is open everyday from 10h to 23h during the week and 10h to midnight during weekends.

The last admission is always 45 minutes before closure.

Voyage Tips - Advice

Arrive early: Dubai Aquarium can get crowded, especially during peak times. Try to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds and have a more relaxed experience.

Best places to visit near Dubai Aquarium

As Dubai Aquarium is located in the Dubai Mall, you can:

  1. Visit the Burj Khalifa, the highest skyscraper in the world. The entrance is also located in the Dubai Mall. More info on the Burj Khalifa in my detailed article: how to visit the Burj Khalifa?
  2. Attend the famous Dubai fountain show
  3. And, of course, do a bit of shopping in the Dubai Mall!

Where to stay in Dubai to visit Dubai Aquarium?

There are hundreds of hotels in Dubai, and choosing the best for your stay can be a bit complicated.

In order to help you out, I have selected for you the best hotels in Dubai for each district, depending on your budget. I have also made a special list of the most beautiful luxury hotels in Dubai.

As always, to get the best prices, you should book your hotel as early as possible!

The best hotels in Downtown Dubai (near the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, the best to visit Dubai Aquarium)

  • DoubleTree of Hilton Dubai – Business Bay: Located 1.5 km from Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. Very spacious and comfortable room, well decorated and equipped from 110€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: free shuttle to the Dubai Mall, good breakfast, comfort, tranquility. This my favorite hotel in Dubai for its exceptional value for money!
  • Rove Downtown: Only 600 meters from the Dubai Mall. Bright and clean double room with view on Burj Khalifa, from 150€, breakfast for 15€. Strong points: Access to the Dubai Mall on foot, helpful staff, free shuttle service to the beach, Dubai Museum or Madinat Souk.
  • Taj Dubai: Located 800 meters from Burj Khalifa. Modern and luxurious room with bay window overlooking the city and marble bathroom starting at 220€ per night, breakfast at 32€. Strong points: The magnificent view from the roof, the Indian decoration, the large swimming pool. An excellent hotel in Dubai city center, perfect for a romantic stay!
  • Palace Downtown: Located on the lake at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, this 5-star hotel offers magnificent rooms with balcony, with an exceptional view of the Burj Khalifa. From 380€ per night, breakfast at 39€. Strong points: the exceptional location, the beautiful surroundings, the very attentive and helpful staff. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Downtown Dubai!
Palace Downtown - luxury hotel at the foot of the Burj Khalifa
Palace Downtown – luxury hotel at the foot of the Burj Khalifa

The best hotels in old Dubai (Deira and Bur Dubai)

  • Golden Sands Hotel Apartments: Located in Bur Dubai, 1.5 km from the Dubai Museum. Apartment equipped with kitchenette and washing machine, from 80€ per night, breakfast from 11€. Strong points: Cleanliness, the heated swimming pool, the comfortable apartments
  • Swissôtel Al Ghurair Dubai: Located in Deira district. Warm and spacious room from 115€, breakfast at 27€. Strong points: the pleasant staff, the view, the good breakfast. It’s my favourite in Old Dubai for its excellent value for money!
  • Hyatt Regency Creek Heights Residences: Located next to Creekside Park. Very spacious, super comfortable and very well equipped rooms starting at 130€ per night, breakfast at 33€. Strong points: 5 minutes walk from the metro, the warm welcome, the quiet location, the spa.
  • Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek: 5* hotel located in Deira bay. Double room with balcony overlooking the bay from 150€, breakfast at 29€. Strong points: The proximity of the metro and the shops, the beautiful swimming pool, the comfortable bed and the amazing view. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Old Dubai!

Dubai’s best beach hotels

  • Delta Hotels by Marriott Jumeirah Beach, Dubai: Located 300 meters from the beach. Rooms and apartments with sea view from 125€, breakfast at 27€. Strong points: The view, the comfortable beds, the location near the beach and the harbor.
  • Amwaj Rotana, Jumeirah Beach – Dubai: Located along “The Walk”. Rooms with balcony overlooking the Gulf and Palm Jumeirah from 175€, breakfast at 24€. Strong points: the exceptional view, the proximity of the tram and metro, restaurants and shops at the foot of the hotel.
  • Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach: Located 150 meters from the beach. Contemporary room with balcony and sea view from 230€, breakfast at 22€. Strong points: the infinity pool, the very good breakfast, the spa, the ideal location to enjoy the sea.
  • Grosvenor House Hotel and Apartments: Located on the port promenade. Elegant and bright double room from 290€, breakfast at 42€. Strong points: Comfort, access to the private beach, the quality of the food.

The most beautiful luxury hotels in Dubai

  • Atlantis The Palm, Dubai: One of the emblematic hotels of the city, located in Palm Jumeirah. Room from 300€, breakfast from 42€. Strong points: Includes access to Aquaventure Park and The Lost Chambers aquarium, private beach, swimming pools.
  • Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites – Ultra All Inclusive: Also located in Palm Jumeirah, this luxury hotel offers all inclusive rooms (all meals included) from 452€. Strong points: the quality of the meals, the setting, the amazing rooms.
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai: Located directly on the beach of JBR Walk. Elegantly furnished rooms with balcony and sea view from 500€ per night, breakfast at 39€. Strong points: 6 swimming pools, a private beach, the spa, the very helpful staff.
  • Armani Hotel Dubai: Located in the Burj Khalifa Tower! Rooms decorated by the fashion designer Giorgio Armani, starting at 550€ per night, breakfast at 41€. Strong points: the privilege of sleeping in the Burj Khalifa, the refinement of the place, the view.
  • Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah: Located in Palm Jumeirah. Luxury suite with living room and dining room starting at 750€, breakfast included. Strong points: The private beach, the huge swimming pool and the beautiful gardens.
  • Burj Al Arab Jumeirah: THE luxury hotel, one of the rare 7* hotels in the world! The “smallest” suite is 170m² and prices start at 1290€, breakfast at 74€. I can assure you that your stay in Dubai will be truly exceptional and unforgettable!
Voyage Tips - Advice

You didn’t find your dream hotel in this selection?

You should thus have a look at my article about the best hotels in Dubai by clicking on the following link: Where to stay in Dubai?

Deira - Al Bandar Rotana - Dubaï Creek -
Deira – Al Bandar Rotana – Dubaï Creek –

Visiting Dubai Aquarium with kids

If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll be happy to know that the Dubai Aquarium has plenty of activities for them.

They can touch some of the animals in the “touch tank”, and they can learn about the different species in the aquarium’s educational programs.

Dubai Aquarium address

The exact address of the Dubai aquarium is:

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
The Dubai Mall
Doha Street
Off 1st Interchange – Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai, U.A.E.

After visiting the Aquarium, you will be able to access Dubai Underwater Zoo, located on Level 2 of the Dubai Mall (same entrance ticket).

Voyage Tips - Advice

In order to help you plan your stay in Dubai, I have prepared detailed itineraries depending on the duration of your trip.

They are 100% free and you can find them here: simply click on the orange links to read the guides!

They will allow you to plan your trip very easily!

And if you have any question, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section, at the end of the corresponding article. I will be glad to help you plan your stay in Dubai.

Book your trip now and save money!

You’re traveling to Dubai? These articles will help you !

Discover all my articles about Dubai: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Dubai are listed there.

  • Dubai Pass: The best way to save time and money in Dubai!

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Visit Dubai Aquarium
Visit Dubai Aquarium
Anonymous

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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