Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
4
10:00 - 00:00
Monday
10:00 - 00:00
Tuesday
10:00 - 00:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 00:00
Thursday
10:00 - 00:00
Friday
10:00 - 00:00
Saturday
10:00 - 00:00
Sunday
10:00 - 00:00
About
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the most captivating attractions in Dubai. Located at The Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the world, offering a memorable journey into ocean life. With capacity to hold 10 million litres of water, Dubai Aquarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world and it illuminates the marvels of the ocean floor, showcasing one of the most diverse collections of aquatic life. Located just above the aquarium, Underwater Zoo brings visitors up close with penguins, piranhas, crabs, water rats, sea horses, jellyfish and plenty more. A fascinating new addition at Underwater Zoo is King Croc, regarded as nature's rare phenomenon and one of the world's largest reptiles - at over 5 meters long and weighing an imposing 750 kg plus. Underwater Zoo regularly hosts innovative exhibits. One such exhibit, 'UAE's Night Creatures' presents the experience of nightfall in the desert as creatures of the dark.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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The area
Neighbourhood: Downtown Dubai
You can’t fail to miss Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. It towers over the city and resides in the prestigious Downtown development. Once an old army base, Downtown is now the jewel in Dubai’s crown, a beautiful residential and leisure area housing not only the world’s tallest building, but the world’s largest fountains and mall. Wide marble sidewalks are perfect for strolling, with restaurants, art galleries and children’s play areas. Specially commissioned sculptures line the roads and Downtown is often used as a canvas for modern art displays and community events such as Classic Car Shows and National Day parades. In the cooler months, cross one of the many bridges to the Burj Khalifa park and enjoy a picnic alongside residents and visitors, or enjoy a lunch or dinner watch the dancing fountains. Because of its mixed use, Downtown is a fantastic place to mix with Dubai residents and locals and watch real life unfold in a cosmopolitan environment.
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
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2,678 within 5 kms
Attractions
275 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
15,530 reviews
Excellent
7,372
Very good
4,802
Average
2,393
Poor
639
Terrible
324
THOMAS D
London, UK1,104 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
This is not a cheap experience but my daughter loved it from start to finish.
The aquarium is huge and we spent a deal of time watching all the fish.
The underwater zoo is very good for young children, my daughter is 2 and really loved seeing all the animals.
Would say the penguins were great to see but the enclosure is far to small for them. This really lets the experience down as this needs to be at least double the size.
The aquarium is huge and we spent a deal of time watching all the fish.
The underwater zoo is very good for young children, my daughter is 2 and really loved seeing all the animals.
Would say the penguins were great to see but the enclosure is far to small for them. This really lets the experience down as this needs to be at least double the size.
Written 30 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shawn Z
9 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
We paid 309AED each for “6 experiences” at the aquarium and zoo. This included a 20AED voucher for the overpriced gift shop and a 20AED voucher for the ‘cafe’ (a drinks desk with no chairs).
Unfortunately the visit was disappointing. First, the aquarium was just one straight tunnel through the aquarium. The views from outside the aquarium (free to see just walking through the mall) were actually far better. It was hard to see anything in the tunnel due to reflections of bright lighting from directly above and the sides (from the mall).
The next ‘experience’ was a ‘submarine simulator’. Clearly for young children, but the quality of the screen was poor.
Next was an automated perspex-bottomed boat at the top of the main tank. Not really clear why hot life jackets were needed, and very difficult to see anything.
There was a short guided tour past a penguin enclosure which looked very small for the animals. Likewise all the tanks in the zoo seemed very small for the animals.
Seeing their two crocs was pretty cool.
They offer to take photos for you but they are in front of a green screen as there really isn’t much to see. Best just admire the free views from the mall.
Unfortunately the visit was disappointing. First, the aquarium was just one straight tunnel through the aquarium. The views from outside the aquarium (free to see just walking through the mall) were actually far better. It was hard to see anything in the tunnel due to reflections of bright lighting from directly above and the sides (from the mall).
The next ‘experience’ was a ‘submarine simulator’. Clearly for young children, but the quality of the screen was poor.
Next was an automated perspex-bottomed boat at the top of the main tank. Not really clear why hot life jackets were needed, and very difficult to see anything.
There was a short guided tour past a penguin enclosure which looked very small for the animals. Likewise all the tanks in the zoo seemed very small for the animals.
Seeing their two crocs was pretty cool.
They offer to take photos for you but they are in front of a green screen as there really isn’t much to see. Best just admire the free views from the mall.
Written 28 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A. Nyanjwa
Dubai, United Arab Emirates278 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Nice place and vast in size worth going to… love the vegetation in the place HOWEVER I feel the glass boat experience needs review….. in my honest opinion I feel Lost chambers in Atlantis is way more organized
Written 22 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EKSKS21
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK1,414 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Not the largest Aquarium we have visited but still a great experience
Crowded on day we were there and very noisy but still able to view what was on offer
Good place to visit
Crowded on day we were there and very noisy but still able to view what was on offer
Good place to visit
Written 15 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jordon-ak
8 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Better view from the outside!! The tunnel of the aquarium isn’t even clear and take around 1 minute to walk through! I was shocked that was the aquarium I thought I was walking through the entrance to the aquarium or something. Would not recommend this at all. Think my partner paid around £150 for us 2 and our 2 year old.
Written 14 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria
25 contributions
Apr 2023
The aquarium is over priced, a real disappointment. Honestly, book a table at The Cheesecake Factory, enjoy your meal and see the aquarium. Best part is free. Inside it is small, not much to see/do. You can waste more money and have penguin, otter, etc “experiences”. Penguin encounter is really a brief educational talk, reminder to be environmentally friendly. You can’t take your own pictures. Photograph takes pictures…wildly expensive, $70.00/photo. Ouch. Alligator area is very small. Such large creatures need more room, really upsetting to see the tiny enclosure. For a family this place would be costly. Dubai has other wonderful things to do, save your money and go elsewhere.
Written 4 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Razia
3 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
This aquarium is so beautiful. Definitely worth it. Very clean and o.pressed with the helpful staff.
Written 2 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy S
Yarm, UK3 contributions
Apr 2023
I would not recommend this place. I have been to much better aquariums at much less price. It looks cool from the outside but that is the best view you probably get of the fish.
We got the full package feeding fish seeing penguins ect and we were pushed through in groups, you could not take your time to watch the penguins.
We got the full package feeding fish seeing penguins ect and we were pushed through in groups, you could not take your time to watch the penguins.
Written 28 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TH
1 contribution
Apr 2023
Aquarium is average at best by western standards. Very poor value for the money, almost $70 for the cheapest ticket. 10 AED for drinks and 20 AED for gift shop are not optional in the ticket price. So one is forced to find ways to spend that money wether you like it or not. Save your money and time on attractions that are unique to Dubai.
Written 23 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I visited this place🇳🇱🇬🇧🇨🇭🇦🇪🇺🇸
Israel14,287 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
PROS
* Fantastic display of aquatic marine life
* Easy to see much of the action from the walkways of the Dubai Mall
CONS
* As most/many attractions here, the cost is an issue
"I VISITED THIS PLACE"....
... from the outside in the Dubai Mall public area, since we didn't have time to go inside on a Friday afternoon. We thoroughly enjoyed what we saw from the outside (see my "helpful" photos attached here) and we would have been happy to see more
IS IT WORTH THE COST?
I have no way of knowing because we were unable to enter.
ADVICES
If you can't (or choose) not to enter, at least find your way there while in the mall, and see it from the outside.
* Fantastic display of aquatic marine life
* Easy to see much of the action from the walkways of the Dubai Mall
CONS
* As most/many attractions here, the cost is an issue
"I VISITED THIS PLACE"....
... from the outside in the Dubai Mall public area, since we didn't have time to go inside on a Friday afternoon. We thoroughly enjoyed what we saw from the outside (see my "helpful" photos attached here) and we would have been happy to see more
IS IT WORTH THE COST?
I have no way of knowing because we were unable to enter.
ADVICES
If you can't (or choose) not to enter, at least find your way there while in the mall, and see it from the outside.
Written 13 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jxk369
London, UK2 contributions
Is there usually a queue if you arrive at 10am on a weekday?
Azhar G
Mauritius56 contributions
10am its just opening so not a big queue.. iwas there on a wkday and at 10am too and i didnot have to wait long.. however i alrdy bought my tucket online.. anyways not a long queue
Hello, 2 year old kid pays for the ticker or not? (2 years and 2 months to be precise)
albert wagih sadek
Egypt101 contributions
No they don’t pay for a ticket they are free
AmandineF22
Grasse, France59 contributions
Bonjour,
L entrée au Mall est payant ?
Si on souhaite faire les boutiques et voir la fontaine avec les plongeurs
C est payant ? Combien par personne ?
Merci d avance
Tamarajam
Beirut, Lebanon55 contributions
Bonjour non c'est gratuit
GuidoHH76
Hamburg, Germany186 contributions
What do I get when I book the different encounters? I am particularly interested in Penguin encounter, Otter encounter & King Croc encounter.
What exactly do I experience and is it worth the extra charge?
I visited this place🇳🇱🇬🇧🇨🇭🇦🇪🇺🇸
Israel14,287 contributions
I’ve read more than once and in more than one website that one does not need to buy a ticket to the Dubai Aquarium because it all can be adequately seen from the Dubai Mall itself.
Can this be true?
What do our friendly and helpful past visitors say about this?
Thank
alza007
Isabela, Puerto Rico168 contributions
No, I think the experience is good, not a huge experience but is good. So, if you want to visit the aquarium need to buy a tickets 🎟, I doesn't remember the prices. Sorry !!
Hannara Nmz
Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo1 contribution
L'entré est payant ? Si oui à combien en FCFA svp?
olah977
Giza, Egypt51 contributions
I ve a 5 yr old kid and a baby 8 months .planning to visit the aquarium .. As I checked that babies can’t take glass boat ..
which packages are suitable to take my baby 8 months with me ??
MESH
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia61 contributions
Yeah take the regular one ( walk in the aquarium ) also you can ask them if its safe 4 your baby on the window ticket
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
DUBAI AQUARIUM & UNDERWATER ZOO - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 - 00:00
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost €49.44, while a popular guided tour starts around €17.73 per person. See all 69 Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 69 Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo:
- Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Admission Ticket (From €50.61)
- Burj Khalifa: At the Top (125th floor) & Dubai Aquarium Combo Entrance (From €90.88)
- Dubai Mall Aquarium & Underwater Zoo As per Option Selceted (From €40.02)
- City Sightseeing Dubai Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (From €71.13)
- Burj Khalifa, Dubai aquarium and Underwater zoo Combo (From €107.29)
- Hotels near Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo:
- (0.03 km) Luxury 2bed |Opposite Dubai Mall |Full Burj View
- (0.04 km) FIRST CLASS | 3BR | Burj Khalifa & Fountain view
- (0.05 km) The Address Dubai Mall residence -Luxury 1 bedroom
- (0.22 km) Address Dubai Mall
- (0.29 km) Address Downtown
- Restaurants near Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo:
- (0.01 km) Arabica
- (0.02 km) Taqado Mexican Kitchen (DIFC)
- (0.03 km) Project Cupcake
- (0.03 km) Yogurtland
- (0.03 km) Taqado Mexican Kitchen (Dubai Mall)