Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: 48m Tunnel & Animal Encounters

You Walk Through a Tunnel Surrounded by Sharks on Three Sides

You walk through a 48-meter underwater tunnel with 270-degree views of sharks and rays, explore three themed zones (Rainforest, Rocky Shore, Living Ocean), and interact with exhibits like the King Croc and otters. The ticket includes animal encounters and feeding sessions; behind-the-scenes tours are available. Entry to all areas and activities is included in your admission.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

• Enter Dubai Mall's Underwater Zoo
• Explore Rainforest, Rocky Shore, Living Ocean zones
• Walk through 48-meter aquarium tunnel
• View sharks, rays, and colorful fish
• Interact with King Croc and otters
• Join animal encounters and feeding sessions
• Take behind-the-scenes tour

The Experience

You step into the 48-meter tunnel at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, and the water closes in around you. Sharks glide past at eye level, rays drift overhead, and the whole thing is glass — 270 degrees of it. The tunnel connects three distinct zones: Rainforest, Rocky Shore, and Living Ocean, each one stocked with different animals and designed so you move through them at your own pace. There's no rush, no guide herding you along. You stop when something catches your eye, which happens often.

The interactive exhibits are what make it stick with you. The King Croc — an actual giant crocodile — sits in its own space, and you can stand there as long as you want watching it. Otters play in their section, and the colorful fish in the Rainforest zone are dense enough that you lose track of where one school ends and another begins. If you want more than just looking, the ticket includes animal encounters and feeding sessions, so you can get closer and actually participate instead of just moving through. Behind-the-scenes tours are available too, though those tend to fill up early in the day.

The whole experience at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is self-paced, which matters if you're traveling with kids or if you just want to linger. Educational displays run throughout, but they don't feel like you're being lectured — they're there if you want them. The mall location means you can grab food or water without leaving the building, and the entry fee covers everything; there are no surprise charges once you're inside.

What’s included

• Admission to all three zones (Rainforest, Rocky Shore, Living Ocean).
• access to the 48-meter underwater tunnel with 270-degree views.
• interactive exhibits including the King Croc and otter displays.
• animal encounters and feeding sessions.
• behind-the-scenes tour access.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by holidayys.ae

Is this one for you?Right for anyone wanting to see Dubai's marine life without arranging transport or worrying about timing — the ticket gets you straight in, and the self-paced format means you spend as much or as little time as you want in each zone.

Top questions

How long does a typical visit take?

Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours exploring at their own pace, though you can move through faster if you prefer.

Can you feed the animals?

Yes, animal feeding sessions are included with your ticket. These are scheduled throughout the day.

Is the tunnel safe if you're afraid of sharks?

The tunnel is fully enclosed glass. Sharks cannot reach you, and many visitors who are nervous find it less scary once they're inside because the glass is so clear and the animals are used to people.

Where exactly is the Dubai Aquarium located?

It's inside Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the world, located in downtown Dubai.

Can you do the behind-the-scenes tour on the same day as general admission?

Yes, behind-the-scenes tours are available and can be booked separately. Check availability when you arrive, as they fill up quickly.

What's the difference between the three zones?

Rainforest features freshwater animals and dense vegetation; Rocky Shore has coastal creatures like rays and smaller sharks; Living Ocean is the largest zone with the 48-meter tunnel and the biggest marine animals.

Is there a gift shop or place to eat inside?

Yes, Dubai Mall has restaurants and cafes throughout, plus a gift shop near the aquarium exit. You can leave and re-enter the aquarium on the same day with your ticket.