With a 10-million-liter tank housing over 33,000 marine animals, including the world’s largest collection of sand tiger sharks, rays, and vibrant fish, the aquarium provides a mesmerizing glimpse into underwater ecosystems.
Experience the best of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
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Book Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo tickets and deep dive into a marine world of fun
Explore the wonders of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at The Dubai Mall. This 48-meter tunnel surrounds you with a 10-million-liter tank home to over 33,000 marine animals, including the largest collection of sand sharks. Enjoy close encounters with penguins, the majestic king croc, and more through feeding sessions and interactive experiences. The 270-degree tunnel offers an unforgettable, family-friendly adventure blending education and excitement in just two hours.
Scroll down to learn more about the ticket options, how to get there, the exhibits, zones, and more.
Your Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo guide
- What to expect during your visit to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
- Your Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo tickets explained
- Explore the zones at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
- Here is what some happy guests have to say about Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
- Marine animals at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
- Adventures await at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
- Plan your visit to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
- Frequently asked questions about Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
What to expect during your visit to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Incredible marine life
Penguin Cove
Experience the charm of adorable Gentoo penguins in their specially designed habitat at Penguin Cove, an exciting addition perfect for animal lovers.
Meet the exotic residents of the aquarium
Explore fascinating displays featuring penguins, African dwarf crocodiles, lionfish, garden eels, and more, making it an educational and unforgettable experience for families and kids.
Interactive experiences
From walking through the 48-meter-long tunnel with a stunning 270-degree view of marine life to up-close animal feedings, visitors can enjoy unique and engaging interactions.
Maximize your experience
Dubai Mall's aquarium offers a convenient experience, combining underwater wonders with world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment, plus easy access to nearby attractions like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain.
Did you know?
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is home to one of the largest crocodiles in the world. King Croc is a massive saltwater crocodile measuring over 5 meters long and weighing around 750 kg. He originally hails from Queensland, Australia, and is one of the star attractions at the Underwater Zoo
Your Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo tickets explained
Penguin Cove
- This ticket grants access to Aquarium tunnel & Underwater Zoo, Penguin Cove and nursery, guided behind-the-scenes tour, and the interactive platform.
- Meet and interact with 16 Gentoo penguins and learn all about their natural behaviors, in their natural habitat.
- Visit the Gentoo Penguins' habitat and learn about their daily lives.
- Enjoy AED 20 aquarium retail shop credit.
Recommended experience
Book Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo with Penguin Cove Tickets
Ultimate Pass: Penguin Cove and Glass Bottom Boat Tour
- This ticket gives you entry to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo with access to Underwater Zoo, Aquarium Tunnel and the Penguin Cove & Nursery.
- Go on a glass-bottom boat tour, take part in the fish feeding session and enjoy 30% discount on the available animal encounters.
- You will get 1 F&B voucher and 1 Aquarium retail shop voucher worth AED 20 each.
Recommended experience
Book Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo with Penguin Cove Tickets
All Access Pass
- This ticket gives you Entry to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and skip-the-line access to Underwater Zoo & Aquarium Tunnel and the Penguin cove and Nursery.
- Get a whole new perspective of the marine world through a glass bottom boat and even get a chance to watch the Aqua feast when all the fishes are fed.
- This ticket allows you one animal encounter (subject to availability), an optional guided tour, 1 F&B voucher, and 1 Aquarium retail shop voucher worth AED 20 each.
Recommended experience
Book Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo with Penguin Cove Tickets
Combo tickets
- Make the best of your visit to Dubai with big savings up to 35% on combo tickets with Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
- Visit top attractions in the city like Burj Khalifa, AYA Universe, Global Village, Dubai Frame, Aquaventure Waterpark, and more.
- With your combo tickets, you can explore at your pace and choose different days for multiple attractions, since they are open-dated.
Recommended experience
Book Free Global Village + Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Tickets
Book Dubai Frame + Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Tickets
Tips to make your visit a seamless one
- Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult above 15 years at all times.
- The tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Visitors typically spend 15–30 minutes at the Aquarium Tunnel (Level 0), 45 minutes to 1.5 hours at the Underwater Zoo (Level 2), and 15–20 minutes on the Glass Bottom Boat ride.
Explore the zones at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
The Aquarium Tank (Main Tank)
- The centerpiece of the attraction is the 10-Million-Liter Tank, home to over 33,000 aquatic animals from 140+ species.
- Encounter sand tiger sharks, one of the largest collections in the world, alongside graceful rays gliding through the water. Spot fascinating creatures like giant groupers and vibrant schools of fish representing diverse ecosystems.
- Signature Experiences: Aquarium Tunnel, Underwater Zoo
- Interactive Experiences: Shark Dive, Glass Bottom Boat Ride, Feeding Sessions
Aquarium Tunnel
- This is a 48-meter-long tunnel offering a fully immersive underwater experience.
- The 270-degree views provide a unique perspective on marine life, showcasing the size, movement, and behavior of aquatic creatures in their natural environment.
- Perfect for close encounters and memorable photo opportunities.
- Signature Exhibits: The massive 10-million-liter tank
- Unique creatures: Meet fascinating animals such as the king crocodile, penguins, and rare jellyfish at the Underwater Zoo.
Underwater Zoo
- Rainforest habitat with Archer Fish, reptiles, and other creatures.
- Rocky Shore area featuring playful otters and resilient crabs.
- Ocean Tank displaying delicate jellyfish and graceful seahorses.
- Interactive Experiences: Engaging displays and close encounters with unique animals offer educational insights and photo opportunities.
- Unique Creatures: King Croc, Gentoo Penguins
Meet the marine wildlife at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Sand Tiger Sharks
Get ready to encounter the beautiful Sand Tiger Sharks as they gracefully glide through the waters of Dubai Aquarium. Despite their intimidating look, these sharks are known to be relatively docile and can often be seen peacefully coexisting with other marine species within the tank.
Adventures await at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Visit Penguin Cove
Get up close with Gentoo penguins in their dedicated habitat. Watch them swim, waddle, and interact – it's a delightful experience for all ages.
Walk through the aquarium tunnel
This is a must-do! The 48-meter tunnel takes you through the heart of the main tank, providing breathtaking views of sharks, rays, and countless fish swimming all around you.
Cage snorkeling
For the adventurous, cage snorkeling offers a safe yet thrilling encounter with sharks and other marine life in the main tank.
Shark Dives
Certified divers can take the plunge and dive into the main tank for an unforgettable experience swimming alongside sharks.
Attend feeding sessions
Check the schedule for feeding times to witness the animals in action as they are fed by the aquarium staff.
Did you know?
The aquarium boasts the world's "Largest Acrylic Panel," as recognized by the Guinness World Records. This massive panel is what allows visitors to view the underwater world from the main viewing area.
Plan your visit to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Opening time
- Sun - Thu: 10am - 11pm (Last admission: 11:15pm)
- Fri - Sat: 10am - 12am (Last admission: 11:15pm)
Best time to visit
- Weekday vs. weekend: Weekdays (Sunday to Wednesday) are less crowded, especially in the mornings, offering a relaxed experience and better views. Weekends (Thursday to Saturday) are busier, particularly in the afternoons and evenings. For a weekend visit, arrive at opening time (10am) to avoid crowds.
- Peak vs. low season: Peak season (November to March) brings pleasant weather and more tourists, leading to larger crowds and longer queues. Low season (April to October) sees fewer tourists due to the heat, making the aquarium a cooler and quieter escape.
Address: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Ground Floor, The Dubai Mall, Doha Street, Off 1st Interchange – Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, U.A.E.
Locate Dubai Aquarium on the map.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours:
Big Bus Tours: The "Dubai Mall" stop on the Red Route (City Tour) provides direct access to the aquarium, located within the mall.
City Sightseeing: The "Dubai Mall" stop on the Red Route is the closest, offering easy access to the aquarium inside the mall.
Shops and restaurants nearby
- Aldo: A popular international brand for shoes and accessories.
- Candylicious: A large candy store with a wide variety of sweets and treats.
- Markette: A casual dining restaurant with a focus on fresh and healthy food.
- Dubai Aquarium is wheelchair accessible except for some areas that aren’t. King Croc encounters and Ray encounters are not accessible by wheelchairs and strollers.
- While it’s amazing to interact with penguins in their natural habitat, it’s also important to be mindful of their timings. Make sure to book your slot by 8pm- after that, it’s their bedtime.
- Certain experiences such as animal encounters, feeding sessions, access to glass-bottom boat rides, and access to Penguin Cove are not recommended for pregnant women.
- Weekday mornings or late afternoons are generally less crowded than weekends and midday and arrive when the aquarium opens to beat the biggest crowds.
- If your budget allows, consider the glass-bottom boat ride or a behind-the-scenes tour for a more in-depth experience.
- Capture the amazing sights, but be mindful of using flash photography, as it can disturb the animals.
- Do not tap on the glass, throw objects into the exhibits, or make loud noises that could disturb the animals.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Consumption of food and beverages is not allowed inside the exhibit areas.
- Smoking is prohibited throughout the aquarium and the Dubai Mall.
- You can take photos and videos for personal use. Avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb and harm the animals. Pay attention to signs indicating where flash is prohibited.
- Pregnant women and children under 3 years old are not permitted on the Glass Bottom Boat for safety reasons. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Owing to the aquarium’s location in the Dubai Mall, you’ll find lots of dining options nearby. Some of the must-try options include:
- Trove: From Middle Eastern-inspired brunches to Italian and Far Eastern main courses, TROVE's diverse menu offers a global dining experience.
- The Cheesecake Factory: The Cheesecake Factory's extensive menu boasts over 200 items, from pasta and burgers to steaks and, of course, their famous cheesecakes, making it a great choice for a relaxed meal with generous portions and friendly service.
- Markette: Markette offers a friendly, dining-room atmosphere with flavorful international cuisine and coffee, conveniently located on the ground floor with views of the Dubai Aquarium.
Dubai is full of great places to visit and see! Here are some places worth visiting in Dubai:
- Museum of the Future: At the Museum of Future in Dubai, take a fascinating trip into the year 2071.
- Dhow Cruise: The best out-of-the-ordinary way to explore the city is to take a Dhow cruise in Dubai. With multiple cruise options, you can relax, indulge in delectable cuisines, and enjoy live entertainment as you explore Dubai waters.
- Burj Khalifa: A visit to Dubai will be incomplete without visiting its crowning glory, the magnificent Burj Khalifa-the tallest building in the world.
- Dubai Safari Park:Take yourself on a wildlife adventure at the Dubai Safari Park! Be it seeing wild animals in their natural habitat or going on a fun safari, you can enjoy all this and more at the Dubai Safari Park.
Frequently asked questions about Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
It’s a massive aquatic world located in Dubai Mall, featuring over 33,000 aquatic animals and a 48-meter-long walk-through tunnel for an immersive underwater experience.
The walk-through tunnel, a chance to see diverse marine life like sharks and rays, the King Croc exhibit, and the Underwater Zoo on the second floor are must-see features.
The venue is open from 10am to 11pm, Sunday through Thursday, with the last admission at 11:15pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, the hours are extended to midnight (12am), though the last admission remains at 11:15pm.
Visitors typically spend 2-3 hours exploring the aquarium and zoo.
Weekdays (Sunday-Wednesday) are generally less crowded, especially mornings, offering a more relaxed experience; weekends (Thursday-Saturday) are busier, particularly afternoons/evenings, so arriving at opening (10 am) is recommended. Peak season (November-March) coincides with Dubai's winter, bringing larger crowds, while the low season (April-October), during the hotter months, sees fewer visitors
Yes, the aquarium is wheelchair-friendly with elevators and ramps for easy navigation.
Located within the massive Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo offers a wide array of dining options, from casual chains like The Cheesecake Factory and Starbucks to fine dining establishments like Gia and Tribes Carnivore, encompassing diverse international and Middle Eastern cuisines with examples such as Al Hallab (grilled meats and baklava), Eataly (Italian), and Wafi Gourmet (Lebanese).
Yes, there’s a gift shop where you can purchase marine-themed souvenirs and educational materials.
You can experience shark dives, feed rays and otters, or meet the King Croc, one of the largest crocodiles in the world.
Yes, there’s a special diving experience for beginners, including training sessions.
The VR experience lets you virtually interact with marine creatures in simulated underwater scenarios.
Kids can enjoy interactive displays, educational programs, and special feeding sessions.
Food and drinks are not allowed inside the aquarium to maintain cleanliness and safety.
Yes, photography is allowed, but flash is prohibited to avoid disturbing the marine life.
Pets are not permitted within the premises.
Re-entry is not permitted, so ensure you’re ready to explore fully before leaving.
Yes, Dubai Mall provides these services, and they are available near the main entrance.
