{"id":3544,"date":"2025-02-20T12:20:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T08:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.headout.com\/riverland-dubai-location-tickets-reviews-copy\/"},"modified":"2025-02-25T17:24:21","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T13:24:21","slug":"dubai-aquarium-underwater-zoo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.headout.com\/blog\/dubai-aquarium-underwater-zoo\/","title":{"rendered":"Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: World\u2019s largest suspended aquarium"},"content":{"rendered":"

An underwater paradise, made up of one of the largest, suspended aquariums in the world, awaits you at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. You will need to do everything to keep your jaw from dropping to the floor, as sharks and rays swish through overhead tunnels and enormous glass tanks. Also vying for your attention are adorable colonies of penguins and Australian crocodiles that weigh about 750 kilos! The ultimate experience for sea lovers and adventure seekers, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is a deep dive into discovering the ocean\u2019s treasures. Here is everything you need to know about the must-visit attraction.<\/p>\n

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo – In a nutshell<\/h2>\n

Things to know<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udccdBest entrance:<\/td>\n Dubai Mall <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2600\ufe0f Best Time to Visit:<\/td>\nEarly morning<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u23f0 Suggested duration:<\/td>\n2 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\ud83c\udf9f\ufe0f Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Ticket:<\/td>\nAED 199 onwards <\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Opening hours And address<\/h4>\n

Mon-Fri: 10am\u201311pm (Last entry at 10:15pm)Sat-Sun: 10am\u2013Midnight (Last entry at 11:15pm)Address: The Dubai Mall, Doha Street, Off 1st Interchange \u2013 Sheikh Zayed Road. Dubai, U.A.E.Get Directions<\/a><\/p>\n

Why you must visit Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo<\/h2>\n

As the world is well aware by now, Dubai does things bigger and better, adding a cutting-edge twist to everything it touches. The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is no exception. Housed at the glamourous Dubai Mall, the Aquarium is notably one of the world\u2019s largest suspended aquariums. Filled with 10 million litres of water, the Aquarium, equipped with an underwater tunnel, is packed with marvel-worthy sea creatures, including, sharks and rays. On a trip here, you can also choose to get to know these finned creatures along with crocodiles, penguins, and otters through close encounters, feeding sessions, and dives.<\/p>\n

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo<\/h2>\n

Your Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo visit deconstructed<\/h2>\n

\"Butterfly<\/span><\/p>\n

Aquarium tank<\/h5>\n

Even as you make your way through the shiny environs of the Mall to the ground level, the Aquarium Tank makes the first appearance. The large, glass structure, that makes up the exterior of the attraction, carries 10 million litres of water and is said to be one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world. The tank\u2019s interiors have been recreated to resemble the seabed, filled with rocky formations and aquatic plants. Gliding past these are over 140 species of sea creatures from mean-looking sharks and rays to schools of tiny, colourful fish. <\/p>\n

\"Domes\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Aquarium tunnel<\/h5>\n

Through the tank runs the Tunnel that surrounds you as you enter this underwater wonderland. The 48-metre tunnel will have you wide-eyed as you gape at fish feeding, sharks serenely swimming, and rays flapping gracefully.<\/p>\n

\"Educational<\/span><\/p>\n

The Underwater Zoo<\/h5>\n

Get a closer look at the creatures that inhabit the Earth\u2019s seas and rivers with a trip to the Underwater Zoo. You can make your way through a vast maze of solo tanks covered in foliage to observe piranhas, seahorses, giant spider crabs, eels, and water rats. Over 40 species vie for your attention at the Zoo.<\/p>\n

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: Experiences<\/h2>\n

\"Dubai<\/p>\n

Animal encounters<\/h3>\n

You can sign up for a series of guided encounters to get an intimate feel for the animals and underwater world. Here are the top picks:<\/p>\n

King croc encounter<\/h4>\n

Best suited for those who are looking for a slice of heart-stopping action, the encounter reels you in for close interaction with the Aquarium\u2019s reigning duo \u2013 King and Queen Croc. Brought in from the waters of Australia, King Croc a.k.a Jock is a 750-kilo crocodile and is about 50 years old. He co-rules the shallow waters with Missy \u2013 who is 85 years old. Croc enthusiasts can watch from a gallery, above the pool where this legendary duo lives, to see their scaly forms glide in and out of the waters as they swoop up to catch their bait.<\/p>\n

Penguin encounter<\/h4>\n

Chill out with adorable penguins and get a feel of the chilling Antarctica climate in this special zone. After zipping up in warm jackets provided by the Aquarium, you can head towards a happy colony of Gentoo Penguins and spend your time watching them play, sliding down ice-lined paths and diving into pools.<\/p>\n

Otter encounter<\/h4>\n

Gear up to go \u2018ooh\u2019 and \u2018aah\u2019 over adorable otters at this meet-cute! Believed to be one of the smallest otter species in the world, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is home to a family of small-clawed Asian otters. During the encounter, you get to stand by their special enclosure and watch these highly intelligent, yet endangered, creatures dazzle with their tricks. The otters interact with their caretakers, collecting colourful rings, doling out high-fives, and even greeting you through the glass display.<\/p>\n

Ray encounter<\/h4>\n

Wade through the waters of the Aquarium in special gear to catch up with graceful rays. A dedicated feeding zone, encased in glass and filled with cool waters, is occupied by gliding Eagle Rays and Cow-Nose Rays. You can spend time catching up with them, petting and feeding them. You are guaranteed to leave the experience with a big smile on your face as if you\u2019ve just caught a big \u2018ray\u2019 of sunshine!<\/p>\n

Shark trainer encounter<\/h4>\n

Sign up for a \u2018fin\u2019tastic experience with the eye-opening shark trainer encounter. Perfect for shark geeks and marine lovers, the experience will see you strap on waterproof waders and walk through the waters as bamboo and leopard sharks (of the non-biting variety) crowd around you. As you befriend the sharks, you are given deep insights into their habitats, feeding habits and general behaviour.<\/p>\n

Feeding presentation<\/h4>\n

A walk through the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo\u2019s tunnel will have you hooked to one of the attraction\u2019s most popular offerings. As you amble through the lengthy tunnel, you can watch expert divers hand-feed the majestic creatures of the Aquarium \u2013 from the rays to the intimidating-looking but lovable sharks.<\/p>\n

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: Dives<\/h2>\n

\"Dubai<\/p>\n

Shark dives<\/h3>\n

Get ready for your \u2018Jaws\u2019 to drop as you rub shoulders to fins with sharks in this unforgettable experience. Offered to certified divers, this immersive outing will have you suit up and plunge into the deep waters inhabited by a variety of sharks, including, sand tiger, reef, leopard, and tawny nurse sharks.<\/p>\n

Cage snorkelling<\/h3>\n

Feel nervous getting into the water with just a wetsuit and sharks all around you? Cage snorkelling is the answer to your prayers! You can make your way through the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo\u2019s seemingly endless waters in a secure cage that allows you to watch the sea creatures at close quarters without any fear in your heart.<\/p>\n

Shark walker cage<\/h3>\n

Tailor-made for those with no swimming or diving skills, you can feel like an underwater explorer in the shark walker cage. Step in a secure cage with an oxygenated helmet on, that will have you looking like an astronaut. You and your fellow companions can, then, walk around the expansive suspended Aquarium, gawking at hundreds of swirling sea creatures.<\/p>\n

Best time to visit Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo<\/h2>\n

Since the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is an indoor facility and is open throughout the year, the weather conditions should not have a bearing on when you visit. However, the attraction is popular with families and travellers and can get crowded during the weekends and school holidays. So, it would be best to drop by during the weekdays, when schools are operational if you want some quiet time with your newly-acquired aquatic friends.<\/p>\n

All you need to know before visiting Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo<\/h2>\n

\"Dubai<\/p>\n

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo hours<\/h3>\n

The facility is open throughout the year. The timings are as follows:<\/p>\n