Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Ever wondered what lies beneath 10 million litres of tropical water, through a tunnel that stretches 48 metres, all tucked inside a giant shopping palace? That’s Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo for you. Home to over 33,000 creatures from more than 140 species, including 400+ sharks and rays, and anchored by the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel (around 32.8 metres wide × 8.3 metres high), this underwater wonderland offers you front-row seats to the magic of the ocean. With the friendly guidance of Captain Dunes' experts, you’ll effortlessly enjoy the most wonderful marine experiences without any fuss.

Things To Do

• Walk through the 270-degree Aquarium Tunnel and feel surrounded by sharks, rays, and colourful fish.
• Explore the Underwater Zoo zones: Rainforest, Rocky Shore & Living Ocean - Spot creatures like otters, penguins, and King Croc.
• Try one of the encounters (Penguin, Ray, King Croc, Otter) for up-close interactions.
• Hop on the Glass-Bottom Boat ride to look down into the giant tank from above your head.
• Opt for the Shark Dive or snorkelling cage if you’re feeling brave and want to swim with marine life.

Information For Visitors

• Location: Ground & Level 2, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai.
• Timings: Open daily. Sunday–Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (last entry ~10:15 PM), Friday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 midnight (last entry ~11:15 PM)
• Best Time To Visit: Mornings or weekday afternoons to avoid crowds. Cooler seasons (October–April) are more comfortable.

• Duration Of Visit: Around 1.5–2 hours for a complete experience (longer if you add encounters or rides).
• Accessibility: The Aquarium and Zoo are fully wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.
• Photography: Cameras and mobile phones are allowed (no flash near animals). Professional photo points are available inside.
• Facilities: Restrooms, cafés, souvenir shops, and baby-changing areas are conveniently located nearby.
• Age Suitability: Perfect for all ages; children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
• Safety: Certified divers and trained staff ensure all encounters and experiences are completely safe.

The Way To Get There

• By Metro: Take the Red Line to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station, and then walk a short distance through the air-conditioned mall.
• By Taxi/Car: There is plenty of parking in The Dubai Mall; drop-offs get you close to the Aquarium entrance.
• With Captain Dunes: Let us organize your schedule - transport, tickets, and queue skipping - so you spend time marvelling, not waiting.

Nearby Attractions

• Burj Khalifa & The Dubai Fountain
• Souk Al Bahar
• Dubai Opera
• KidZania (inside Dubai Mall)
• Dubai Ice Rink

Helpful Tips For Visitors

• Photo Spot: Try the Aquarium Tunnel around dusk when lighting adds drama to every shot.
• Kids Tip: Underwater Zoo has child-friendly exhibits and safe viewing points.
• Best Encounters: Book animal encounters early in your visit; they tend to fill up.
• Avoiding Lines: Buy online/upgrade to VIP passes - Captain Dunes helps with this.
• Dress Style: Wear light clothes; the indoor environment is cool but humid near large tanks.

Experience The Deep In Style!

From the gliding sharks above to penguins waddling by, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is where wonder meets the sea. Book your underwater adventure with Captain Dunes and unlock a whole new world of marine magic - memories that feel as deep as the ocean itself.