Scuba Diving in Dubai

Your dive begins with a safety-focused briefing led by trained professionals, followed by a controlled underwater session in selected dive locations. A short pre-dive session explains how to breathe comfortably underwater, communicate with your instructor, and follow basic safety rules.

Once submerged, divers can enjoy a 30-minute guided dive accompanied by an experienced diver. Depending on location and certification level, the dive may include reefs, artificial structures, or shipwrecks—making it one of the most rewarding Dubai wreck scuba diving experiences.

Essential Guidelines for a Safe Dive

• Ensure weather and sea conditions are suitable before diving
• Never dive alone; always stay with a trained professional
• Avoid touching marine life or coral formations
• Follow all instructor instructions carefully
• Stay within the recommended dive area
• Beginners should not attempt advanced techniques
• In case of discomfort or emergency, remain calm and alert your guide

• Transfer (If option selected)
• Accredited courses by PADI
• Safety techniques and breath control tips are provided
• Full Scuba diving equipment
  
• 30 minutes dive with a trained, professional diver
• Underwater Photos and videos
• Free use of towel and slippers.

All personal expenses spend for shopping, drinks and dining etc on-site during the tour.

1. Jumeirah Beach  

One of the best places for scuba diving in Dubai, Jumeirah Beach offers small sites for beginners under its turquoise waters and enchanting marine life. Don’t worry if it’s your first time into the water, there are plenty of diving schools that offer equipment and professional guidance to ensure you have a wonderful experience. Also, most of the hotels along the Jumeirah coastline offer a scuba experience free of charge, so choose your stay wisely!

2. Martini Rock

One of the two most spectacular natural aquariums of Dubai, homing vibrant aquatic fauna and clean waters. Martini Rock is one of the most successful scuba diving sites in Dubai. So if you wish to lose yourself in the azure waters, this place should definitely be on your list.

3. Zainab Zainab

It is not only famous for its dives but also has an interesting history behind it. It is said that the ship had been illegally transporting oil from Iraq in 2001 when its sailors voluntarily sank it to avoid the US Navy, which was then imposing UN sanctions on fuel. Zainab presently lies 70 meters under the sea, offering around 20 meters of a diving spot, making her one of the wondrous destinations to scuba diving in Dubai.

4. Dubai World Islands

One of the new and brilliant structures of Dubai. The World Islands are a group of artificial islands formed in a way resembling the world map. The areas are well maintained for the growth of its budding colonies of flora and fauna. It is said that soon it will be one of the best sites for scuba diving in the UAE.

5. Mariam Express

It’s one of the popular shipwreck scuba diving in Dubai. Submerged by the raging waters in 2006, Mariam Express was a ship that used to carry loads from the UAE to Iraq and back. The overloaded ship was caught off by the sea and sank on the shores of Dubai. Today, its vessel serves as a striking wreckage site for scuba diving in Dubai. All its cargo and vehicles have made some good homes for marine wildlife. It lies at a depth of 18 to 25 meters, where you can expect to see at the wreck and also some eagle rays, barracudas, torpedo rays, and flatworms.  

6. Sharm Rock

The other natural aquarium of the Dubai shore is Sharm Rock. Also known as “3 Rocks Pinnacles” or “3 Sisters,” because of the three tiny outcrop rocks breaking the surface of the site. With its beautiful coral reefs, it’s a perfect pink and purple paradise. The lighting and the colorful beauty within make it a perfect picture spot.

7. MV Dara Ship Set

17 meters deep into the waters, MV Dara was a passenger ship that dropped to the bed in 1961, 238 lives were lost then. Not only does it serve as a monument to tell its story, but is also one of the very few vessels that have been prey to horrifying peacetime mishaps. Often compared to the Titanic, the list of dive sites would be incomplete without citing this one.

8. MV Ludwig

The MV Ludwig is amongst the most well-preserved wrecks off of the Dubai shore. The boat sank into the water during one of their practice sessions. Today it serves as a shelter to a vast range of fishes including the sea squirts, damselfish, pennant fish, and many more.

9. MV Victoria Star

One of the recent wrecks that fell off in the year 2003. Located roughly 55 minutes from the Port Rashid in Dubai, this shipwreck has quite some history. But first, the diving certification needed for this wreck is the advanced open water or higher certification. It is recommended that you take a couple of dives to explore this wreck entirely, but one dive is normally enough for casual dives. The deepest section of the wreck is 32 meters.

10. Sheikh Mohammad’s Barge

This barge was also intentionally sunk to form an artificial reef and to boost the growth of marine life. The numerous holes in the wreck attract experienced divers who can penetrate and explore the whole place. It is 18 to 23 meters deep into the gulf. While barracudas and Jacks are found around the wreck, the coral growth has certainly made this site beautiful giving you an out-of-the-world experience.

11. Cement Barge

As the name suggests, this is the wreck of a cement ship that sank in 1971. The depth here is between 5 to 20 meters, making it a perfect start for a beginner to dive in. Interestingly, this place also offers night scuba diving and snorkeling! If you love taking scuba diving vacations, you should add it to the list right away.

• A passport or Emirates ID is mandatory to be carried during this activity.
• Not suitable for - Children under 10 years - Pregnant women.
• This activity is carried on in the Dubai Jumeirah and Fujairah locations.
• The pick-up will be arranged from your Dubai Hotel / Residence only and not from the Airport.
• The transfer option is made available for this activity if the transfer option is selected at the time of Booking.
• Divers between the age range of 10 to 17 years require a signed medical liability form from their parents.
• The session includes 30 minutes of briefing.
• It is recommended that you do not travel by the Flight at least 18 hrs after this activity.
• Please carry Comfortable shoes, Swimwear, a Towel, and Comfortable clothes.  Date / Time subject to availability.

For those looking to explore more adventures, check out Jet Ski Dubai, the immersive Jetovator Ride in Dubai, and the popular Hoverboard Activity—perfect additions to your list of must-try water activity options and memorable Dubai experiences.