Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Tickets: Tunnel & Penguin Cove
Explore the aquarium tunnel, upstairs wildlife exhibits and penguin habitat inside Dubai Mall.
4.30471 reviews
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tour snapshot
Location:
Dubai
Dubai
Cancellation:
Non-refundable
Non-refundable
See sharks and rays from beneath the water, then discover the animals in the Underwater Zoo.
Overview
This entry ticket covers the Aquarium Tunnel, Underwater Zoo and Penguin Cove inside Dubai Mall. You can walk beneath sharks and rays, then explore habitats and exhibits on the mall's upper level. It is an independent admission ticket, not a guided marine-life tour.
There is a useful distinction before you pay: you can see the aquarium's large tank through its public-facing window while walking around Dubai Mall without buying a ticket. Paid admission is what gives you access inside the 48-metre tunnel and the upstairs zoo. If you only want a quick look at the tank, the free view may be enough.
Viewing the penguins at Penguin Cove is included, but a scheduled hands-on penguin encounter, feeding session, glass-bottom boat ride or behind-the-scenes tour is not listed in this ticket. Compare the higher-tier aquarium passes if one of those experiences is essential. The included AED 20 gift-shop voucher requires a minimum AED 40 purchase; it is not a discount on admission.
There is a useful distinction before you pay: you can see the aquarium's large tank through its public-facing window while walking around Dubai Mall without buying a ticket. Paid admission is what gives you access inside the 48-metre tunnel and the upstairs zoo. If you only want a quick look at the tank, the free view may be enough.
Viewing the penguins at Penguin Cove is included, but a scheduled hands-on penguin encounter, feeding session, glass-bottom boat ride or behind-the-scenes tour is not listed in this ticket. Compare the higher-tier aquarium passes if one of those experiences is essential. The included AED 20 gift-shop voucher requires a minimum AED 40 purchase; it is not a discount on admission.
What's included
* Access to Aquarium Tunnel
* Access to Penguin Cove
* AED 20 Aquarium retail shop voucher (AED 40 minimum purchase)
* Access to Underwater Zoo
* Access to Penguin Cove
* AED 20 Aquarium retail shop voucher (AED 40 minimum purchase)
* Access to Underwater Zoo
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo combines a large marine tank with a separate collection of animal habitats. Its main aquarium holds around 10 million litres of water and is home to more than 140 species. The 48-metre walk-through tunnel gives visitors a 270-degree view, a different perspective from the aquarium window facing the shopping mall.
The Underwater Zoo is on Level 2 of Dubai Mall, above the ground-floor aquarium. Its themed areas, including Rainforest and Rocky Shore, broaden the visit beyond sharks and rays to other aquatic and land-dwelling animals.
Penguin Cove is a specially designed habitat for Gentoo penguins. Watch how differently they move on land and through the water; their swimming is often more revealing than their familiar waddling. Entry to this viewing area should not be confused with a separately sold animal interaction.
The Underwater Zoo is on Level 2 of Dubai Mall, above the ground-floor aquarium. Its themed areas, including Rainforest and Rocky Shore, broaden the visit beyond sharks and rays to other aquatic and land-dwelling animals.
Penguin Cove is a specially designed habitat for Gentoo penguins. Watch how differently they move on land and through the water; their swimming is often more revealing than their familiar waddling. Entry to this viewing area should not be confused with a separately sold animal interaction.
This is a practical option for families and independent visitors who want an indoor attraction near Burj Khalifa and the rest of Downtown Dubai. It suits people interested in observing marine life and taking their time rather than rushing through a photo stop.
It is less suitable if you only want the free view of the main tank from the mall, or if you are booking specifically for an animal encounter or a boat experience. For step-free access or specialised assistance, confirm arrangements for this exact ticket with the venue before purchase; accessibility details are not consistent across sales channels.
It is less suitable if you only want the free view of the main tank from the mall, or if you are booking specifically for an animal encounter or a boat experience. For step-free access or specialised assistance, confirm arrangements for this exact ticket with the venue before purchase; accessibility details are not consistent across sales channels.
1. Make your way to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo in Dubai Mall. Follow the instructions on your booking confirmation for ticket validation or any required voucher exchange before entering the paid attraction.
2. Start with the Aquarium Tunnel on the Ground Level. Walk through the clear-sided passage to watch fish, rays and sharks above and around you. The operator estimates roughly 15–30 minutes for this part, depending on how long you stop.
3. Continue to the Underwater Zoo on Level 2. The themed exhibits introduce different environments, with displays that go beyond the animals in the main tank. The operator estimates another 45–90 minutes for the zoo, before optional presentations or longer stops.
4. Visit Penguin Cove to watch Gentoo penguins through the habitat's viewing areas. General admission lets you observe them, not join a separately booked close-contact experience.
5. If you want to use the included retail voucher, check its conditions at the aquarium gift shop before paying for souvenirs. The voucher is worth AED 20 against an eligible purchase of at least AED 40.
2. Start with the Aquarium Tunnel on the Ground Level. Walk through the clear-sided passage to watch fish, rays and sharks above and around you. The operator estimates roughly 15–30 minutes for this part, depending on how long you stop.
3. Continue to the Underwater Zoo on Level 2. The themed exhibits introduce different environments, with displays that go beyond the animals in the main tank. The operator estimates another 45–90 minutes for the zoo, before optional presentations or longer stops.
4. Visit Penguin Cove to watch Gentoo penguins through the habitat's viewing areas. General admission lets you observe them, not join a separately booked close-contact experience.
5. If you want to use the included retail voucher, check its conditions at the aquarium gift shop before paying for souvenirs. The voucher is worth AED 20 against an eligible purchase of at least AED 40.
Location and transport: the attraction is inside Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai. The Aquarium Tunnel is on the Ground Level, while the Underwater Zoo is on Level 2. From Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station on the Red Line, use the air-conditioned Metro Link Bridge to reach the mall, then follow its aquarium signs.
Allow time: around 1–2 hours is a reasonable starting estimate for the tunnel and zoo, with extra time if you enjoy reading displays or watching presentations. Opening hours and last-entry times can change, and Penguin Cove may operate to a different schedule; verify your date on the venue's current visitor guide.
Tickets: keep the booking confirmation and mobile voucher handy. Follow any ticket-exchange instructions in your confirmation rather than assuming every reseller uses the same entry point. Under the operator's visitor rules, admission is for one entry and re-entry is not permitted.
Families and accessibility: visitor guidance generally requires children under 15 to be accompanied by an adult; check the child categories and any consent requirements when booking. The venue advertises wheelchair assistance, but this particular ticket's accessibility flag is not confirmed, so request details if step-free access is essential.
Cancellation: the current product record is marked non-refundable, although the booking platform may present separately priced refundable options. Only the conditions shown for the option you select at checkout determine your rights.
Allow time: around 1–2 hours is a reasonable starting estimate for the tunnel and zoo, with extra time if you enjoy reading displays or watching presentations. Opening hours and last-entry times can change, and Penguin Cove may operate to a different schedule; verify your date on the venue's current visitor guide.
Tickets: keep the booking confirmation and mobile voucher handy. Follow any ticket-exchange instructions in your confirmation rather than assuming every reseller uses the same entry point. Under the operator's visitor rules, admission is for one entry and re-entry is not permitted.
Families and accessibility: visitor guidance generally requires children under 15 to be accompanied by an adult; check the child categories and any consent requirements when booking. The venue advertises wheelchair assistance, but this particular ticket's accessibility flag is not confirmed, so request details if step-free access is essential.
Cancellation: the current product record is marked non-refundable, although the booking platform may present separately priced refundable options. Only the conditions shown for the option you select at checkout determine your rights.
This activity is non-refundable.
Frequently asked questions
Personal photography and video are generally permitted. Flash is prohibited in some animal areas, where signs identify the restriction; follow staff instructions to avoid disturbing the animals.
The venue's general admission guidance lists free entry for children under two. Check the age bands available for this specific ticket at checkout and bring any documentation requested for child admission.
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