Calling all ocean enthusiasts! Are you ready to embark on a journey beneath the waves, encountering a diverse array of marine life? Then buckle up, because in this blog we’re plunging into the depths of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo!
Quick Jumplinks
- In A Nutshell
- Experiences to Enjoy
- Wholesome Encounters
- Know Before You Go
- Frequently Asked Questions
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: In A Nutshell
- Location: It is located inside Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai and spans over two floors – ground and level 2 with its entrance on the mall’s ground floor.
- Size and Capacity: Measuring 51m X 20m X 11m in size, it is the largest suspended aquarium in the world with a 10-million-liter capacity.
- Inhabitants: Over 33,000 aquatic animals spanning 140 species live here, including sharks, rays, penguins, jellyfish, water rats, and numerous other exotic fish.
- Unique Experiences: Encounter animals, and engage in diving experiences and feeding presentations that give you a deeper perspective.
- World Records: The aquarium’s acrylic panel, weighing more than 2, 45,000 kilograms and measuring 32.8 m X 8.3 m X 750 mm holds the Guinness World Record for the ‘World’s Largest Acrylic Panel.’
Experiences to Enjoy at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Aquarium Tunnel: Immerse yourself in an underwater world as you walk through a 48-meter-long acrylic tunnel that runs through the aquarium tank. You will be surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and other underwater creatures as they swim above you. It’s a true spectacle that will leave you feeling like you’re a part of something bigger in the universe.
Underwater Zoo: Explore a variety of tanked displays comprising three unique underwater ecosystems including Rainforest, Living Ocean, and Rocky Shore. Come face-to-face with fascinating creatures like piranhas, seahorses, and giant spider crabs and gain a deeper understanding of their behaviors.
Glass Bottom Boat Tour: Glide across a tank teeming with colorful and exotic fish and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the ocean’s depth. The transparent bottom of the boat allows you to gather a different perspective on the world that thrives underneath. Additionally, you get a closer look at the iconic Shipwreck Exhibit.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Discover the inner workings of the aquarium and learn about the care and conservation efforts undertaken for aquatic animals.
VR Zoo: Embark on a virtual reality adventure as you get up close and personal with the wild. Swim alongside whale sharks in Maldives, join gorillas in Uganda, or walk in the footsteps of elephants in South Africa.
Wholesome Animal Encounters at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
King Croc Encounter: Enjoy a safe and supervised encounter with the legendary King Croc, one of the largest crocodiles in the world. Weighing an impressive 750kg, the 40-year-old King Croc is expected to grow even bigger in the next 50 years.
Otter Encounter: This adorable encounter allows you to enter a special habitat designed just for otters and play with these energetic and curious creatures. Learn about their playful behavior and experience up-close moments with these tiny, intelligent animals with voracious appetites.
Shark Encounter: Swim alongside Sand Tiger Sharks, Reef Sharks, Leopard Sharks, and Tawny Nurse Sharks during an adrenaline-pumping encounter. If you don’t have a scuba certification, you can opt for the shark walk, where you can safely experience the thrill of being close to these creatures from within an underwater cage made of steel.
Penguin Encounter: Get up close with a colony of Gentoo penguins inside a temperature-controlled Penguin Cove habitat meticulously designed to replicate the penguins’ natural environment. It has a multi-level platform for them to climb and explore, along with a slide that goes into their pool. Witness playful interactions, fascinating behaviors, waddling walks, and conservation efforts.
Ray Encounter: Get the opportunity to directly interact with the rays in a safe and controlled environment. Trained staff will guide you on how to approach these gentle creatures as you attempt to touch their velvet-smooth bodies and even feed them small fish. You’ll be surrounded by ray species including Cownose and Eagle rays as you learn fascinating facts about their biology and behavior.
Know Before You Go
Timings
- Weekdays: 10 AM – 11 PM. Last admission at 10:15 PM
- Weekends: 10 AM – Midnight. Last admission at 11:15 PM
- Duration: It’ll take around 2-3 hours to explore the aquarium to the fullest.
Feeding Presentations
- Ray Feeding: Every day at 10:30 AM
- Shark Feeding: Every day at 2 PM
- Otter Feeding: Every day at 2:30 PM
- Pirahna Feeding: Every day at 2:45 PM
Glass-Bottom Boat Ride
Departure timings are subject to availability. Rides depart every 10 to 20 minutes, with a capacity of 10 people per boat.
Getting There
Metro: Take the M1 and get off at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. It’s 4 min away.
Bus: 27, 28, 29, 81, F13. The nearest bus stop is Dubai Mall – 01. It’s 8 min away.
Guidelines
- Photography is generally allowed, but flash photography may be prohibited in certain areas to protect the animals.
- For your safety and the safety of the animals, always follow instructions and guidelines provided by the staff, especially during interactive experiences or feeding times.
Hotels Near Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
- Address Sky View: Luxurious 5-star hotel featuring an infinity pool, a fitness center, and a variety of restaurants and bars.
- Millennium Central Downtown: Relaxed rooms & suites in a chic high-rise hotel featuring stylish dining, a rooftop pool & a gym.
- Westminster Dubai Mall: High-end apartment hotel offering restaurants & a spa, plus a gym & an outdoor pool.
- Rove Downtown: Contemporary high-rise lodging with a hip bar/restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a gym.
- Dusit Thani Dubai: Elegant quarters in a posh lodging with 3 restaurants & a Japanese bar, plus a spa & a rooftop pool.
Want to stay nearby? Explore Top Hotels Near Dubai Aquarium And Underwater Zoo
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo located?
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is located inside Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai.
How much do tickets to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo cost?
Basic entry tickets start at AED 199. This covers the experience of the aquarium tunnel and the Underwater Zoo. Children under 2 years of age can enter free of charge.
Is Dubai Aquarium different from Underwater Zoo?
No, while they have separate names, they’re part of the same attraction. A single ticket grants you access to both the massive aquarium tank showcasing a variety of marine life, as well as the Underwater Zoo with its land-based exhibits focusing on specific aquatic species.
Can I take photos and videos inside the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo?
Yes, photography and videography are allowed. However, flash photography is restricted in certain exhibits to protect the animals’ well-being. Signage will indicate these areas, and adhering to these guidelines is important.
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