Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: The definitive guide

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!

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.

• The classic ticket aquarium + underwater zoo
• A combined ticket Aquarium + Underwater Zoo + Burj Khalifa – Certainly the most interesting for you, as you will probably visit the Burj Khalifa at the end of the day. In terms of price, it’s really worth it!

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:

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 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.

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!

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!

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).

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: The 30 best places to visit – All best things to do and activities!

• 2 days in Dubai – The perfect itinerary for 48h!
• 3 Days in Dubai – The best 72h itinerary
• 4 Days in Dubai – The defitinive guide to plan your trip
• 5 Days in Dubai – How to spend 5 days in Dubai
• 1 Week in Dubai – The best itinerary to visit Dubai in 7 days!

• Burj Khalifa: The definitive guide to all tickets + Tips
• Dubai Aquarium: discover one of Dubai’s must see attraction

• Dubai Mall: How to plan your visit of this huge shopping center!
• Dubai Old Town: 10 best things to do
• Dubai Fountain Show: all my tips to enjoy it to the fullest!
• Palm Jumeirah: the 15 best things to do!

• TOP Activities in Dubai – The 30 best activities and excursions to do in Dubai!
• Dubai Zipline – Price, info and reservations for the best experience in town!
• The best desert safaris in Dubai – my 7 favorites! (4WD, quad, buggy and more)

• Where to stay in Dubai? The guide to the best hotels by district, for all budgets

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

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