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

Ten Million Litres of Sharks, Rays, and a Walk Through Glass

You walk through a 10-million-litre tank filled with sharks and rays via an underwater tunnel; explore the zoo section with 140 marine species; visit Penguin Cove if included in your ticket; and move at your own pace with no time pressure. Entry, tunnel access, and all zones are included; the venue is wheelchair accessible and located inside the Dubai Mall with nearby public transport.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

• Enter Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
• Explore marine species in 10 million litre tank
• See over 400 sharks and rays
• Visit Penguin Cove area

The Experience

Yeah, so the tank alone is the size of a small neighbourhood — 10 million litres, and you're standing in front of it thinking about how many things are swimming right at you. Sand Tiger Sharks, Giant Groupers, over 400 of them in one space, and the tunnel lets you walk straight through the middle of it. The water's so clear you can count the teeth. It's one of those moments where the scale just hits different when you're actually there, not on a screen.

The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo spreads across multiple levels, so you're not just looking at fish behind glass — there's the Penguin Cove if you go for that ticket option, and the tunnel walk is the thing people talk about after. You move through at your own pace, no rushing, no guide talking over the sound of the water. 140 species in total, and the design is deliberate: they've set it up so you get close without the animals being stressed. Kids stand frozen. Adults stop taking photos and just watch.

The whole place is wheelchair accessible, which matters if you're planning to spend real time in there, and public transport gets you close enough that you don't need a car. It's in the Dubai Mall, so parking and entry are straightforward. The ticket includes everything — the aquarium, the zoo section, the tunnel, Penguin Cove if you picked that option — and there's no time limit, so you can spend two hours or five depending on how deep you want to go with it.

What’s included

• Entry to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
• access to the underwater tunnel walk through the main tank.
• the zoo section with 140 marine species.
• Penguin Cove (if included in your ticket option).
• wheelchair accessibility throughout the venue.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Adventure Point Tourism LLC

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see sharks and rays up close without arranging transport or worrying about timing — the ticket covers everything, the tunnel is the main draw, and you move through at your own pace with no guide or group schedule to follow.

Top questions

How long does a typical visit take?

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours, but there's no time limit, so you can stay longer if you want to watch the sharks or spend time in the tunnel.

Is the aquarium suitable for young children?

Yes. The tunnel and Penguin Cove are designed for all ages, and the viewing angles work for different heights, so kids can see without being held up the whole time.

What's included in the ticket?

Entry to the aquarium, the underwater zoo section, the tunnel walk, and Penguin Cove if you choose that ticket option. Everything is included; no additional fees inside.

Can I get there by public transport?

Yes. The Dubai Aquarium is inside the Dubai Mall, which has public transport options nearby, so you don't need a rental car.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible throughout.

How many sharks and rays are in the main tank?

Over 400 sharks and rays live in the 10-million-litre tank, including Sand Tiger Sharks and Giant Groupers.