Dubai: Ambassador Lagoon Snorkel & Lost Chambers Aquarium

Snorkel Among 65,000 Fish at Dubai's Largest Open-Air Lagoon

You snorkel for 35 minutes in the Ambassador Lagoon surrounded by rays and tropical fish, get a safety briefing and full gear including wetsuit and flotation jacket, then explore The Lost Chambers Aquarium on your own. The whole thing takes a few hours and includes everything except photos, which you can buy separately if you want them.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel and explore marine life

• Attend safety briefing
• Learn to use snorkeling gear
• Snorkel in Ambassador Lagoon
• Wear wetsuit and flotation jacket
• Explore The Lost Chambers Aquarium

The experience

So you're floating face-down in warm water, rays gliding underneath you, and your guide is pointing at something that looks like it shouldn't exist outside a tank: except it's right there, maybe three meters away. That's the Ambassador Lagoon at Atlantis The Palm, and yeah, it's real. The snorkel itself runs about 35 minutes, but you're in the water with over 65,000 marine animals, which sounds like a number someone made up until you're actually there watching reef fish move in schools and tropical species you can't name doing their thing around you. Before you get in, a marine guide walks you through the gear (wetsuit, flotation jacket, how to breathe through the snorkel without panicking), so even if you've never done this before, you're not winging it.

The whole setup is built for families and people who want to see something without needing to be an experienced diver. You need to be a confident swimmer and at least six years old, and if you're traveling with kids, one paying adult has to be in the water with them. The water's warm enough that the shorty wetsuit doesn't feel like a burden, and the flotation jacket means you're not fighting to stay up. After the snorkel, you move into The Lost Chambers Aquarium: tunnels and exhibits where you can walk around at your own pace and see the creatures from the other side of the glass. It's a natural second half to the morning, not rushed, and you're not herded through it.

One thing worth knowing: professional photographers are there taking shots the whole time, and you can buy prints at the end if you want them. It's not a hard sell, just an option. The location is Atlantis The Palm itself, so getting there is straightforward: public transport runs nearby, and if you're staying in Dubai, the hotel can point you toward it. The whole experience, from briefing to aquarium exit, is designed so you're not spending hours on logistics or waiting around.

What’s included

Your experience includes a shorty wetsuit, snorkel gear, flotation jacket, a safety briefing from a marine guide, 35 minutes snorkeling in the Ambassador Lagoon with over 65,000 marine animals, and full access to The Lost Chambers Aquarium afterward. Professional photographers are on-site if you want to purchase photos at the end.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8 · max 5 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Atlantis The Palm

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see a massive marine habitat without the commitment of diving certification or the cost of a boat trip. The lagoon is right there at Atlantis, the gear and training are included, and you're in and out in a few hours.

Traveler reviews

4.94★★★★★★★★★★

393 verified traveler reviews

5 ★384

4 ★4

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★4

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the minimum age for snorkeling?

Six years old. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult in the water.

Do I need to be an experienced swimmer?

You need to be a confident swimmer, but you don't need diving experience. The flotation jacket and guide support make it accessible for most people.

How long is the snorkel itself?

About 35 minutes in the water. Add time for the safety briefing beforehand and exploring the aquarium afterward.

What's included in the price?

Shorty wetsuit, flotation jacket, snorkel gear, safety briefing, 35-minute snorkel in the lagoon, and entry to The Lost Chambers Aquarium.

Can I take photos?

Yes, you can take your own photos and video. Professional photographers also shoot during the experience, and you can purchase those images separately.

Is this suitable for people with health conditions?

It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers. Check with your doctor if you have concerns.

How do I get there?

Atlantis The Palm is accessible by public transportation. Your hotel or booking confirmation will have specific directions.

What if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The flotation jacket provides support, but you do need to be a confident swimmer. If you're unsure, contact the operator before booking.