There is no doubt that behind the glitz and glamour of Dubai, it is a city officially made for families with young kids. The emirate is filled with kid-friendly places to visit. One of the famous and adorable attractions is the mesmerizing underwater experience at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Located in the heart of the Dubai Mall, this world-class attraction is a must-visit for families, especially marine life enthusiasts. Follow this guide that covers everything you need to know about the Dubai Aquarium, including its timings, ticket prices, attractions, and tips for making the most of your visit.
Dubai Aquarium: An Overview
The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo houses over 33,000 aquatic animals, including sharks, rays, and a myriad of colorful fish. The main tank, which holds 10 million liters of water, is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world. Visitors can enjoy a unique perspective of marine life through the 48-meter-long walk-through tunnel, offering a 270-degree view.
Dubai Aquarium Timings
The Dubai Aquarium is open seven days a week, with slightly different operating hours on weekdays and weekends:
Monday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 10:15 PM
Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 AM - 11:15PM
TheDubai Aquarium timings can change during holidays or special events.
Dubai Aquarium Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online or at the venue. Dubai Aquarium prices start from AED150. Here are the types of Dubai Aquarium tickets based on activities:
Classic Aquarium Ticket: This is the basic entry pass, allowing you to explore the giant tank, underwater tunnel,and underwater observatory.
Aquarium + Underwater Zoo Combo Ticket: Opt for this if you want to explore the aquarium along with the Underwater Zoo, which houses penguins, seahorses, giant crabs, and the awe-inspiring King Croc.
Ultimate Experience: Take your exploration a notch higher with a virtual reality experience, glass boat tour, and behind-the-scenes tour.
Things to Do in Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
1. Aquarium Walk-Through Tunnel
Duck into the magnificent Aquarium Tunnel and step into another world filled with animals from over 200 species. With sharks, rays, and countless fish swimming around you, it’s an immersive experience that captivates visitors of all ages.
2. Underwater Zoo
The Underwater Zoo is located on Level 2 above the main aquarium. It features themed sections such as Rainforest, Rocky Shore, and Living Ocean. Here, you can encounter fascinating creatures like otters, King Croc, seahorses, piranhas, and even a colony of penguins.
3. Glass Bottom Boat Ride
For a unique perspective of the aquarium, the Glass Bottom Boat Ride allows you to observe the marine life from above. It’s an exciting activity that provides a different view of the underwater world.
4. Cage Snorkeling
Get up close and personal with the aquatic residents by choosing the Cage Snorkeling experience. You’ll be safely enclosed in a cage under expert guidance, offering a thrilling way to see sharks and rays near you.Come face-to-face with majestic sharks in a specially designed cage, offering a heart-pounding yet safe encounter.
5. Shark Dive
For certified divers, one of the best things to do in the aquarium is the Shark Dive, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Dive into the main tank and swim in a controlled environment with the aquarium’s largest predators.Witness the feeding frenzy of the mighty sharks as trained divers nourish these animals. This is a sight that will leave you mesmerized.
6. VRZOO
The VRZOO offers a virtual reality experience that transports you to different underwater and wildlife environments. It’s an engaging activity for tech enthusiasts and offers a unique way to learn about marine life.
How to Get to Dubai Aquarium?
Since Dubai Aquarium is located in Downtown Dubai, getting here is easy and convenient. Here are the different ways you can reach this underwater paradise:
By Metro
The Dubai Metro is a fast and affordable way to get around the city. The nearest station to the Dubai Aquarium is the Burj Khalifa or Dubai Mall station. From either station, you can walk to the entrance of the Dubai Mall, which is connected to the aquarium.
By Bus
Several buses stop near the Dubai Mall, including routes 27, 29, 87, 88, and X23 from the Al Ghubaiba Bus Station or bus number 27 from the Deira Gold Souk station. All these buses will take you directly to the Dubai Mall.
By Car
If you're driving to the Dubai Aquarium, you can park at the Dubai Mall parking lot. The mall offers ample parking spaces.
Tips to Plan a Trip to Dubai Aquarium
Buy tickets online: Save time and money by purchasing tickets in advance online. During off-season and holidays, there are several discounts online.
Visit during off-peak hours: Weekdays and early mornings are typically less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
Combined with other attractions, the Dubai Mall houses numerous attractions like the Dubai Ice Rink, KidZania, and the Burj Khalifa. Plan your visit to include multiple experiences in one trip.
Do photography: Bring a good camera or smartphone to capture the stunning marine life. However, avoid using flash photography as it can disturb the animals.
Stay hydrated: Exploring the aquarium and zoo can take a few hours. Make sure to stay hydrated and take breaks if needed.
Conclusion
The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo offers an unforgettable journey into the ocean's depths right in the heart of a bustling city. With its wide range of activities and exhibits, it’s an attraction that appeals to all age groups. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking to dive with sharks or a family wanting a fun and educational outing, the Dubai Aquarium has something for everyone. Plan your visit today and dive into an aquatic adventure.
Comentários