Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Sharks, Rays & Penguin Cove

10 Million Liters of Sharks, Rays & Penguins in One Afternoon

You enter a 10-million-liter tank and walk through an underwater tunnel where sharks and rays pass overhead; you spend time at Penguin Cove watching Antarctic penguins move through their habitat; you see King Croc and explore a nursery with younger animals; entry to all sections and the tunnel is included, and you move through at your own pace inside Dubai Mall.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Enter Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
• Explore massive 10-million-liter tank
• See sharks, rays, and marine life
• Visit Penguin Cove to see penguins
• Enjoy interactive exhibits and wildlife

The Experience

Hands pressed against glass as sharks glide past in the dark. That's the first thing that hits you at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo — the sheer size of the tank, the weight of water above it, the creatures moving through it like they own the place. The aquarium sits inside Dubai Mall and holds 10 million liters. You walk through an underwater tunnel where rays and smaller fish drift overhead, and the scale of it stops you cold. It's not a small tank with a few fish. It's a proper ecosystem, and you're walking through the middle of it.

After the main tank, you move into Penguin Cove, which is its own separate world. The penguins live in a climate-controlled Antarctic environment — they're playful, fast in the water, and nothing like the slow creatures you might expect. There's also King Croc, a crocodile that lives in its own section, and a nursery area where you can see younger animals. The whole thing is designed so families can move through at their own pace. Kids get close-up views of the marine life without feeling rushed, and there are interactive exhibits scattered through the space so it's not just looking through glass.

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo works because it's all in one place — no traveling between locations, no figuring out transport. You buy your ticket, walk in from the mall, and spend as long as you want moving between the tank, the tunnel, Penguin Cove, and the other exhibits. Public transportation options are nearby if you're not driving, and the whole thing is built to handle visitors of all ages and fitness levels. Infants sit on an adult's lap, and there's no climbing or physical strain involved.

What’s included

• Entry to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
• access to the underwater tunnel where you walk beneath sharks and rays.
• entry to Penguin Cove with its Antarctic habitat.
• access to the nursery area with younger animals.
• viewing of King Croc.
• access to all interactive exhibits and the diverse marine species throughout the facility.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Dream Fly Tourism LLC

Is this one for you?Right for families and animal lovers who want a full marine life experience in one location without arranging separate attractions — the ticket covers everything, and the layout means you move through at your own pace without time pressure.

Top questions

How long does it take to see everything at the Dubai Aquarium?

Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours moving through the main tank, tunnel, Penguin Cove, and other exhibits. You can take longer if you want to watch the animals or sit in the viewing areas.

Is the Dubai Aquarium good for young children?

Yes. Infants sit on an adult's lap, and the exhibits are designed for families. There's no physical strain, and children can move at their own pace between sections.

What's included in the ticket?

Entry to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, access to Penguin Cove and the nursery, the aquarium tunnel, and viewing of King Croc and the exotic species throughout.

Where is the Dubai Aquarium located?

Inside Dubai Mall in central Dubai. Public transportation options are available nearby.

Can I take photos inside the aquarium?

Photography is generally allowed in the public areas, though some sections may have restrictions. Check with staff when you arrive.

Is there a best time to visit to see the animals most active?

The aquarium is open daily. Early morning and late afternoon tend to be less crowded, which can make viewing easier, though the animals are visible throughout the day.