Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Tickets & Experiences

Dubai is a city full of world records, and the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at the Dubai Mall is no exception. It’s one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world, housing over 33,000 aquatic animals and offering unforgettable encounters with marine life. From the iconic 10-million-liter tank to thrilling activities like shark dives, glass-bottom boat rides, and VR experiences, this attraction is a must-visit for tourists and families.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo tickets, timings, top experiences, and insider tips to make your visit smooth and memorable.

Book Now

What is Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo?

Located inside The Dubai Mall, this world-class attraction is divided into two main sections:

Dubai Aquarium Tank – A massive 10-million-liter tank visible even from outside, home to thousands of fish, stingrays, and the largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks in the world.
Underwater Zoo – Located on Level 2 of the mall, featuring themed zones like Rainforest, Rocky Shore, and Living Ocean, with creatures such as otters, crocodiles, jellyfish, and penguins.

It’s not just an aquarium – it’s an interactive marine adventure where you can get up close with sea life.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Tickets

Ticket prices vary depending on the package you choose.

1. Standard Tickets

Includes access to the Aquarium Tunnel and Underwater Zoo.
Perfect for families and first-time visitors.

2. Explorer Experience

Adds extras like a glass-bottom boat ride.
Access to underwater observatory and feeding sessions.

3. VIP Experience

Skip-the-line entry.
Behind-the-scenes tour + feeding experiences.

4. Shark Dives & Cage Snorkeling

Thrilling activities for adventure seekers.
Dive with sharks or snorkel safely in a cage surrounded by fish.

💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance for discounts and to avoid long queues, especially during weekends.

Animals You’ll See at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Sand Tiger Sharks

Rays and Giant Groupers

Otters

Jellyfish

Seahorses

Penguin

Crocodiles

Colorful tropical fish

With over 140 species of marine life, the aquarium is a paradise for nature lovers.

a very tall building towering over a city at night

Timings & Best Time to Visit

Open daily: 10:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight

Peak hours: 4 PM – 8 PM (evenings and weekends).

Best time: Visit in the morning for fewer crowds or late evenings after dinner.

Dining Near Dubai Aquarium

After your aquarium adventure, enjoy dining at some of Dubai Mall’s top restaurants:

Social House – International dining with Burj Khalifa views.

Cheesecake Factory – Famous American comfort food.

P.F. Chang’s – Asian flavors for families.

Five Guys – Burgers and fries for quick bites.

Top Experiences at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

1. Aquarium Tunnel

Walk through a 48-meter tunnel with 270-degree views of the marine world above and around you. It feels like being inside the ocean!

2. Glass-Bottom Boat Ride

A unique way to view the aquarium from above. Perfect for kids and families.

3. Shark Encounter

Get up close with sharks in a safe enclosure or dive alongside them with professionals.

4. King Croc Encounter

Meet the 40-year-old, 750 kg crocodile, one of the largest reptiles in captivity.

5. Penguin Encounter

Observe playful penguins in their icy habitat.

6. VR Zoo

A modern addition where you can experience animal encounters in virtual reality.

Location & How to Get There

Address: Ground Level, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai.

Metro: Take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station. A walkway connects directly to the mall.

Bus: Several buses stop at Dubai Mall.

Taxi/Ride-Hailing: Convenient if you’re traveling with family.

Hotels Near Dubai Aquarium

If you’d like to stay nearby, consider these hotels:

Address Downtown – Overlooking the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain.

Palace Downtown – Arabian-style luxury stay.

Armani Hotel Dubai – Inside Burj Khalifa, luxury redefined.

Rove Downtown – Affordable yet stylish option.

a view of a city with a lot of tall buildings

Tips for Visiting Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Book online to get discounts.

Plan at least 2–3 hours to explore fully.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the large Dubai Mall.

Don’t miss the Underwater Zoo, many people stop at the tunnel only.

Upgrade tickets for a richer experience if traveling with kids.

Family-Friendly Activities

Many venues feature kids’ cooking workshops, face painting, and play areas so the whole family can enjoy the experience.

FAQs about Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

1. How much are Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo tickets?

Standard tickets start around AED 120, but prices vary depending on the package and activities chosen.

2. How long does it take to visit Dubai Aquarium?

On average, visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring both the Aquarium Tunnel and Underwater Zoo.

3. Can you dive with sharks in Dubai Aquarium?

Yes! Certified divers can enjoy shark dives, while beginners can try cage snorkeling with safety gear.

4. Is Dubai Aquarium worth visiting with kids?

Absolutely. Kids love the tunnel, penguins, otters, and VR Zoo experiences.

Conclusion:

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the most exciting family attractions in Dubai. Whether you’re here to marvel at sharks, enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride, or meet the legendary King Croc, this destination guarantees memories that last a lifetime.

With its convenient location inside Dubai Mall, you can combine your visit with shopping, dining, and other Downtown Dubai attractions like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. For families, adventure seekers, and marine life enthusiasts, the Dubai Aquarium is a must-visit experience in Dubai.

POPULAR PACKAGE

Everything you need to know before booking our services......

Our standard desert safari includes hotel pick-up & drop-off, dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, BBQ dinner, live entertainment shows (belly dance, tanoura, fire show), and more.

Comfortable, light clothing is recommended. Avoid heavy shoes — sandals or sneakers are best. Bring a jacket during winter evenings.

Dune bashing is not recommended for infants, pregnant women, or people with back issues. However, a soft desert drive or private tour can be arranged upon request.

City tours include major attractions like Burj Khalifa (photo stop), Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Mosque, Souks, and more. Abu Dhabi tours include Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, and Emirates Palace and many more for other city tour

Half-day tours last around 4–5 hours; full-day tours are typically 8–9 hours, depending on the city and itinerary.

Yes, all our city tours are led by experienced, multilingual guides who provide informative commentary throughout the tour.

Absolutely! Private and customizable city tours are available based on your interests and schedule.

The yacht tour includes a luxury yacht cruise from Dubai Marina, soft drinks & water, music, and professional crew service. Optional extras include BBQ, swimming stops, and sunset cruises.

No, all our yachts come with a licensed captain and crew. You can just relax and enjoy the cruise.

Yes, you're welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. We also offer catering packages upon request.

We offer both private and shared yacht tour options. Private tours are ideal for birthdays, proposals, or group events.

No license is required. Our team provides safety instructions before your ride

Our Limousine Tour includes pickup in a stretch limo, sightseeing around Dubai's iconic landmarks, soft drinks, and a VIP ambiance perfect for birthdays, proposals, or special events.