Park & nature · Downtown Dubai
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
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Set inside the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium is built around one of the largest suspended tanks in the world, a vast 10-million-litre wall of water teeming with rays, reef fish, and thousands of aquatic animals, including a famous colony of large sand tiger sharks. Remarkably, you can admire a huge stretch of it for free from the mall floor; the paid experience adds the walk-through tunnel through the tank and the Underwater Zoo level above, with penguins, otters, crocodiles, and more.
It's a reliable hit with families and an easy add-on to a Dubai Mall visit. Add-ons like cage snorkelling, glass-bottom boat rides over the tank, and shark dives are available for those wanting more than the walk-through.
Don't miss
- The giant suspended tank, viewable free from the mall floor
- The walk-through tunnel beneath the tank
- The resident sand tiger sharks
- The Underwater Zoo with penguins, otters, and crocodiles
- Add-ons: glass-bottom boat, cage snorkel, and shark dives
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inDubai Aquarium underater zoo penguin cove with optional transport4.9★ · 23 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$49 per personSee dates →
Most bookedDubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo with Penguin Cove4.8★ · 41 travelers~1 hourFrom$77 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- You can see the huge main tank for free from the mall floor, the tunnel is the paid part.
- Book online for combo tickets that bundle the tunnel and Underwater Zoo.
- It's inside the Dubai Mall, easy to combine with the Burj Khalifa and fountain.
- Go earlier in the day; the free viewing area gets crowded in the evening.
A bit of history
Opened with the Dubai Mall in 2008, the aquarium's giant viewing panel held a Guinness World Record as the largest acrylic panel of its kind. It has grown into one of Dubai's most popular indoor attractions.
Common questions
Can I see it without paying?
Yes, a large section of the main tank is visible free from the Dubai Mall floor. The walk-through tunnel and Underwater Zoo require a ticket.
Are there sharks?
Yes, including a colony of large sand tiger sharks in the main tank, plus the option of cage snorkelling or shark dives for an extra fee.
Is it good for kids?
Very, the tunnel and the Underwater Zoo's penguins, otters, and crocodiles are a hit with children.
How long does it take?
About an hour to 90 minutes for the tunnel and zoo; longer if you add an experience.
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