Introduction
With innovative architectural marvels adorning the skyline, Dubai offers a unique experience to all its visitors. Home to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, it is known for bringing together a perfect blend of culture and modernity. Usually, you would have to visit retreats near the beach to get a glimpse of the aquatic life but this place has made it possible within the heart of the city. At the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, you will get to experience the thrill of watching over 140 species of aquatic animals swimming within a suspended tank, included in the Guinness Book of Records.
How to Reach
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is inside the grand Dubai Mall, with the aquarium at ground level and the underwater zoo is on the second level.Traveling around Dubai is not an issue for tourists because you can easily avail bus, metro and taxi services to get around the city. If you are traveling by metro you will have to get down at the Burj Khalifa or Dubai Mall metro station, from where buses are available to take you to your destination. There are two bus routes from Deira Gold Souk Station and Ghubaiba bus station, route 27 and route 29, respectively.
Things To Know
On weekdays, the visiting hours are from 10 AM to 11 PM and om weekends, the entry hours are from 10 AM to 12 AM. The ticket prices vary according to the package with the base prices starting at 120 AED ( 2715 INR) per person and gives you access to the aquarium as well as the Underwater zoo. Then there are packages like the King Croc encounter, Ray encounter, Otter encounter etc which will cost individuals about 230 AED ( roughly 4400 INR). For taking a closer look at sharks, book your shark encounter tickets, priced at 400 AED ( 11,975 INR) for each person. It is mandatory that children up till the age of 16 should be visiting with a guardian. Children can also enroll in special Marine Biologist programmes. The Junior Aquarist Package is for children within the of age of 7 and it is priced at 158 AED ( 3575 INR) where as the Senior Aquarist package for children and teenagers till the age of 15, costs about 263 AED (5950 INR) per child. For the kids, the package includes feeding the marine animals from close quarters and a glass boat ride while for the teens, cage snorkeling is also allowed. However, advance booking is mandatory to be a part of such unique experiences.
An Overview
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo offers a gamut of experiences at three different levels. Staring off with the 10 million litter aquarium on the ground floor, you get to witness approximately 300 Sharks, Rays and other aquatic species. As you walk through tunnel, covering a distance of 48 meters below the surface of this aquarium, you will be mesmerized by the views of the fishes floating above you. You could also go for glass boat rides and see the Sand Tiger Sharks for yourself. Sometimes, you can also see the professional divers feeding the animals above you. The other segment of this tour is at the second floor, where there are as many as 40 tanks with diverse habitats, and home to exotic species like the Piranhas, the Humboldt Penguins, the Giant Spider Crabs, Archerfish, Water Rats, Otters, African Dwarf Crocodiles among others. Apart from the ocean environment, there is the rainforest setting as well as the rocky shore setting. Have the best time exploring all these marine creatures and make the most out of your time here by participating in different activities in store for you.
Activities for you to try
There is an entire range of activities that you must be a part of when you are visiting the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. You could watch the experts feed the intimidating Sharks from a distance and for the next half an hour, feel your pulsating heartbeat while witnessing it from the comforts of your cage. However, if you want a closer look, get ready to dive deep into the tanks and swim with the sand tiger Sharks. You can also try your hands at cage snorkeling or watch the majestic King Crocs in their natural habitat. The most amazing experience is the VRZOO segment whereon you can explore the world of Ugandan Gorillas, South African Elephants and white Sharks of Maldives, without actually visiting these places.
Conclusion
Dubai is a land where dreams come true and you get to live through unique experiences. Visiting the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is a once-in-a-lifetime activity. Prepare to be spellbound by its sheer brilliance and navigate your way through the blue surroundings and marine life.