Dubai Aquarium And Underwater Zoo Ticket

The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is a world-class marine attraction located on the ground floor of The Dubai Mall, stretching upward to Level 2. Developed by Emaar Properties and opened on November 4, 2008, it is recognised as one of the largest suspended aquariums on the planet — measuring an impressive 51 metres long, 20 metres deep, and 11 metres high.

Its enormous central tank holds over 33,000 aquatic animals from 300+ species, including the world's largest single collection of Sand Tiger Sharks, graceful stingrays, giant groupers, lionfish, and rare deep-sea creatures. The acrylic viewing panel — measuring 32.8m × 8.3m × 750mm and weighing over 245,614 kilograms — held the Guinness World Record for the World's Largest Acrylic Panel (2010 edition), a record that reflects the sheer engineering ambition behind this attraction. Roughly 5 million visitors pass through its doors every year, making it one of the most visited paid attractions in the UAE.

This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and the answer is: they're connected but distinct. The Dubai Aquarium refers to the massive suspended tank and its iconic tunnel experience, accessible at ground level (Level 0).

The Underwater Zoo is a separate, multi-level exhibit on Level 2 that takes you deeper into curated aquatic habitats. Together, they form one complete attraction — the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo — but each section offers a different experience. Most Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo ticket options grant access to both.

Travellers Choice offers two straightforward ticket options for the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, so you can choose the experience that fits your plans — no hidden fees, no confusion.

Tunnel + Underwater Zoo

Our standard Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo ticket gives you full access to both headline experiences in one visit. You'll walk through the legendary 48-metre aquarium tunnel with its 270-degree wraparound views, then head up to Level 2 to explore the full Underwater Zoo across all three ecological zones — Rainforest, Rocky Shore, and Living Ocean. This ticket covers everything from King Croc to Penguin Cove to the world's largest Sand Tiger Shark collection.

This ticket includes:

• Access to the Dubai Aquarium Tunnel (48-metre, 270-degree acrylic tunnel)
• Full Underwater Zoo exploration (all three ecological zones)
• Encounters with King Croc, Gentoo Penguins, piranhas, rays, sharks, and 300+ species

Tunnel + Underwater Zoo + Glass Bottom Boat Ride

For guests who want to experience the aquarium from every possible angle, this option adds the Dubai Aquarium Glass Bottom Boat Ride on top of the standard ticket — at a small additional cost. Board a transparent-hull boat on Level 2, carry up to 10 passengers, and drift across the surface of the 10-million-litre tank while sharks and rays cruise silently beneath your feet. Boats depart every 10 to 20 minutes and the ride lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

This ticket includes everything above, plus:

• Dubai Aquarium Glass Bottom Boat Ride (approx. 15–20 minutes)
• Bird's-eye views of the tank's 33,000+ marine residents from above

Note: Pregnant women and children under 2 years are not permitted on the Glass Bottom Boat.

From the moment you step onto the Ground Floor of Dubai Mall, the experience begins. Here's everything waiting for you inside:

The Dubai Aquarium Tunnel

The centrepiece of the visit — a 48-metre-long acrylic tunnel, 75 centimetres thick, wrapping 270 degrees around you as sharks, rays, and schools of fish glide overhead, beside, and beneath your feet. A lunar-cyclic lighting system shifts the ambiance throughout the day, mimicking the ocean's natural rhythm. Plan for 15 to 30 minutes here, though most guests linger far longer.

The Underwater Zoo — Three Worlds in One

Head up to Level 2 for an entirely different kind of wonder. The Underwater Zoo spans three ecological zones — Rainforest, home to piranhas, arapaima, pythons, and an Insect Wall; Rocky Shore, where crabs, rockpool fish, and intertidal invertebrates thrive; and Living Ocean, the highlight zone featuring seahorses, jellyfish, giant spider crabs, and the legendary King Croc — a 40-year-old, 750 kg Australian saltwater crocodile stretching over 5 metres in length. Allow 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for this section alone.

Glass Bottom Boat Ride

Board a transparent-hull boat on Level 2 and drift across the surface of the 10-million-litre tank, watching thousands of marine animals move silently below your feet. Boats hold up to 10 passengers, depart every 10 to 20 minutes, and the ride lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Available as a ticket add-on — book in advance as slots fill fast.

Penguin Cove

A climate-controlled Antarctic-style habitat and the first of its kind in the Middle East — home to a resident colony of Gentoo Penguins, the third-largest penguin species in the world. Watch them swim, waddle, and interact in a multi-level enclosure built to mirror their natural environment. Accessible with select ticket packages.

The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is open 365 days a year, aligning broadly with Dubai Mall's operating hours. Generally, the attraction opens at 10:00 AM daily. Closing times may vary, so it is always recommended to check the official schedule before your visit or contact Travellers Choice for the most current timings.

Best time to visit: Weekdays (Sunday through Wednesday), particularly in the morning when crowds are thinner and viewing conditions are calmer. Peak season runs November to March with higher tourist volumes and longer queue times.

Estimated visit duration: 2 to 3 hours for the full Tunnel + Underwater Zoo experience, extending to 3 to 4 hours if you include encounters, the boat ride, and presentations.

By Metro: Take the Red Line to Dubai Mall / Burj Khalifa Metro Station. From there, an air-conditioned covered walkway leads directly into Dubai Mall — the aquarium is approximately a 5 to 7-minute walk from the mall entrance, located on the Ground Floor near the Fashion Avenue wing.

By Car: Dubai Mall is directly accessible from Sheikh Zayed Road (Exit 1). Ample paid parking is available across several multi-level carparks within the mall complex.

By Bus / Hop-On Hop-Off: The Big Bus Tours Red Route (City Tour) includes a "Dubai Mall" stop that provides direct mall access.

With Travellers Choice Transfers: We offer convenient pick-up and drop-off from centrally located hotels and residences across Deira, Bur Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, and Marina. Pick-up from other areas is available on request (additional surcharge may apply). Please arrive at your pick-up point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

• Tickets are valid for single entry only — re-entry is not permitted.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
• Food and beverages are not permitted inside exhibit areas.
• Transfers are available from centrally located Dubai hotels (if selected).
• Pregnant women and children under 2 years are not permitted on the glass bottom boat.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Wheelchairs and strollers are allowed, except for select encounters.
• Partially used services are non-refundable.
• Group bookings, school visits, and corporate enquiries are welcome. Discounted rates are available for people of determination groups (advance booking with a company/group letter required).

As a Dubai-based Destination Management Company, Travellers Choice brings local expertise and hands-on experience to every booking. We know the attraction inside out — the best time slots, the smartest ticket combinations, and the practical details that make the difference between a good visit and a great one. From seamless transfers to personalised itinerary planning, we handle the logistics so you can focus on the wonder.

Book your Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo tickets today and let Travellers Choice take care of the rest.

Dubai Mall's central location makes it easy to stack experiences into a single day. Many of Travellers Choice's combo packages pair the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo with:

• Go from the ocean floor to the 124th floor in one day at At the Top, Burj Khalifa
• Dubai's newest glass-floor viewing platform at Address Sky View Observatory
• Experience an Olympic-sized ice rink located directly inside Dubai Mall at Dubai Ice Rink.