Dubai Aquarium Vs Lost Chambers Aquarium Comparison

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Published: July 18, 2024
Tropical fish in an aquarium

Everything in Dubai is supersized. The skyscrapers, the water parks, the malls, that mad Ferris wheel at Bluewaters Island: all strive to be the very biggest and baddest in town, nay the planet. Heck, you can even grab a 10kg burger here, should the mood (and your appetite) take you. Dubai’s aquariums are no exception to this rule, with some absolute beasts vying for your dirhams. Among the biggest and best here are Dubai Aquarium and Lost Chambers, run by Dubai Mall and Atlantis The Palm respectively. We took a deep dive to meet the thousands of critters at each aquarium and find out which of Lost Chambers and Dubai Aquarium is best…

Dubai Aquarium: The Lowdown

Man and child at Dubai Aquarium

Name. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is located at Dubai Mall (the biggest mall in Dubai, natch).

Age. The aquarium opened in 2008, but some of the sharks and crocs here are even older than that.

What to expect at Dubai Aquarium. One of the largest suspended aquariums in the world, Dubai Aquarium is home to many thousands of aquatic animals, including over 400 sharks and rays, plus giant spider crabs, piranhas, otters, penguins, and an Australian king croc (and his queen) – though not all necessarily in the same tank. This super-sized aquarium has multiple zones. As well as that epic tank, there’s a 48-meter underwater observation tunnel and the trio of ecosystems – rainforest, rocky shore and living ocean – that make up the underwater zoo. Naturally, you can also add immersive experiences to your ticket, including live shows, guided tours, feeding time with the penguins and otters and an opportunity to touch eagle and cownose rays. And if you wish to (quite literally) immerse, you can even book a diving experience with the sharks and stingrays.

Dubai Aquarium in Numbers

Clownfish in an aquarium
  • Size. The suspended aquarium tank is one of the biggest of its kind on the planet, containing 10 million liters of water. That’s about the same as four Olympic-size swimming pools.
  • Animals. There are over 140 species of aquatic animals to ogle at Dubai Aquarium, including over 400 sharks and rays, and one of the world’s largest collections of sand tiger sharks.
  • Displays. The aquarium tunnel is 48 meters long and takes you 11 meters beneath the surface; there are 40 individual aquatic displays in the underwater zoo, starring seahorses, otters, piranhas, colorful cichlids and more.

Dubai Aquarium Highlights

Woman in an aquarium tunnel
  • It’s likely you’ll spend more time in the underwater tunnel than just about anywhere else at Dubai Aquarium. Here’s where to cram your camera roll with close-ups of curious critters including giant groupers, stately stingrays, and nosey nurse sharks.
  • The underwater zoo zone features an eye-popping array of colorful characters. Don’t miss the majestic king croc and his queen, plus giant spider crabs, playful otters and ultra-cute gentoo penguins.
  • Feeding times are among the most exciting events in the aquarium’s day. Watch staff as they hand-feed the rays and dive daringly deep into the aquarium tank for a shark feeding frenzy.

Lost Chambers Aquarium: The Lowdown

Girl watching jellyfish at the Lost Chambers Aquarium
  • Size. Epic. An 11-million-liter tank (the Ambassador Lagoon), plus over 20 exhibits and an octagon of mysterious chambers make this the largest open-air marine habitat in the Middle East.
  • Animals. Around 65,000. That’s a heck of a lot of critters.
  • Displays. In addition to the Ambassador Lagoon, there are 21 aquatic exhibits to explore.

Lost Chambers Aquarium Highlights

A chamber at the Lost Chambers Aquarium
  • The Ambassador Lagoon is where it's at for all your Insta-perfect selfie backdrop requirements. Get in the picture as colorful blue-spotted stingrays, massive Queensland groupers and regal zebra sharks soar past behind you.
  • Take the guided Myth of Atlantis tour to learn all about the myths and legends of the lost city, and the underwater creatures that now inhabit its chambers.
  • Feeding times here are pretty special, but nothing beats the amazing shark safari experience, in which willing participants wear glass diving helmets and stroll across the bottom of the Ambassador Lagoon aquarium as these majestic creatures of the deep soar overhead.

Dubai Aquarium Vs Lost Chambers Comparison: Which is Better?

Fun at the Lost Chambers Aquarium

It’s a tough call. Both are great family days out, with plenty to keep even the most incurious kids entertained for hours on end. If you like your exhibits themed, perhaps Lost Chambers will edge it for you, but both have plenty to offer. You can also combine with other activities in both locations: Dubai Mall is also home to the DXB Play VR amusement park, a 22-screen cinema, KidZania, and a real-life diplodocus skeleton, while Atlantis The Palm offers an epic water park and the opportunity to swim with dolphins in addition to its Lost Chambers Aquarium.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Things to Do in Dubai Marina During Your Trip - Attractions & Activities

Dubai is a stunning city full of juxtapositions and surprises, in a nation firmly rooted in tradition and Middle Eastern history that has not only incorporated but embraced modernity and innovation. From the classical courtyards and wooden dhow boats of Dubai Creek's historic district to the gilded boulevards and shining Burj Khalifa of Downtown Dubai, to the aqua blue waters of Palm Jumeirah. The Emirate is a pearl in the desert, offering a host of activities and attractions to entice visitors of all ages. Travel further into the city, to the thriving pulse of Dubai Marina, one of the Emirate's newer residential and entertainment districts and you'll discover even more fun on your vacation. This picturesque neighborhood is the perfect combination of both beach and cosmopolitan vibes, build on man-made canals and situated on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. Here you'll find shiny modern high-rise luxury apartment blocks, five-star beach resorts, dozens of restaurants, local and international boutiques and shops, and a multitude of running and walking paths for your enjoyment. If you’re looking for things to do in Dubai Marina during your trip, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including... Speedboat Sightseeing Tour Sunset Dinner Cruise at Dubai Marina The Walk and The Beach at JBR Zero Gravity Beach Club Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates and more... Speedboat Sightseeing Tour Sunset Dinner Cruise at Dubai Marina The Walk and The Beach at JBR Zero Gravity Beach Club Your visit to Dubai Marina should also include a stop at Zero Gravity Beach Club. This massive beach club and entertainment compound is one of the area's hottest attractions. By day Zero Gravity is a place of enjoyment and relaxation, where you can lounge under a beach umbrella or take a dip in the club's glass-walled infinity pool. You won't go hungry with an on-site restaurant and bars. As the launch site for skydivers taking the plunge at SkyDive Dubai you can watch parachutists come in over the beach from your more comfortable perch. When day turns to night the club plays host to some of the best live music and top international acts performing in the city. Getting In: Admission to Zero Gravity Beach Club is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Dubai pass. Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates (located near Dubai Marina) Located a short distance from Dubai Marina, is one of Dubai's original megamalls, Mall of the Emirates. The mall of the Emirates is home to hundreds of shops, from Prada and Topshop to the Emirate's very first Apple store, along with a state-of-the-art 4D mega movie theater multiplex, and the Middle East's first indoor ski resort: Ski Dubai. Ski Dubai is an awe-inspiring 3,000-square-foot winter wonderland (filled with real snow!) for all ages to enjoy. Whether you're speeding down the twin-track bobsled track or the world's first indoor black diamond run, or rolling down the hills on a giant padded snowball, you'll find something to indulge your inner thrill-seeker. If you'd rather take it easy, head to the snow cavern -- filled with interactive exhibits and games, this is a nice alternative to skiing and is good for those with mobility concerns. For a great view, take a ride up the chairlift for a sweeping view of the freshly dropped snow. Finally, don't miss out on the daily march of the Ski Dubai penguins, as the resort's most famous inhabitants come out for a strut. Getting In: Ski Dubai - Snow Classic tickets and Ski Dubai Ski Slope tickets are included with the Go Dubai pass. Remember to Save on Dubai Marina Attraction Admission There you go - a few great recommendations for things to do in Dubai Marina during your trip. Admission to a number of these top Dubai attractions and activities are included on the Go Dubai pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more.
Lindsay Eagan
dubai in october
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Dubai in October

Dubai is pretty warm all year round, but you may be surprised just how warm it can be during months you usually find colder. Take October, for example. Heading there then can feel like a summer holiday all on its own, so check out our guide to Dubai in October and see if it's the month for you! Including: Dubai weather in October Cool off at Dubai's water parks Dubai's brilliant beaches Relax at Dubai's beach clubs and more! Dubai in October: What to Expect While for many of us, October is the final nail in the summer coffin as we prep for the cold and wet of the coming winter, that's not the case in Dubai. You can expect highs of around 97°F and lows of around 75°F. That's...peak summer weather in many parts of the world. As such, dress and prep for a summer holiday! Light clothes, giant hats, and liters of sunscreen should do the trick. Dubai in October: What to Do Water parks With temperatures that high, you'll want to make the most of the sun while staying as cool as possible. And what's the best way to do all that? Well, at a water park, of course! Lather up with your factor 1000, put on your best beachwear, and get sliding. Unsurprisingly, Dubai has some great water parks, such as Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm. There, you'll find plenty of rides that cater to both the young and old. Aquaconda - nice wordplay - throws you down a head-spinning snake of a ride, with twists and turns around every scaly corner. There's Poisiden's Revenge, which drops you down at 60mph into a massive pool. And to cool off, they even have their own beach where you can relax or hop in a kayak! For little ones, there's LEGOLAND® Water Park, where the wonderful world of colorful building blocks comes to life. With 20 LEGO®-themed rides featuring some recognizable faces, your kids will love it. The Joker Soaker pits you against Batman's worst enemy as you splash around his playground. And at LEGO® Slide Racers, you'll board your mat and bomb your way down this white knuckle ride. Thrills, chills, and hopefully, no spills await you. Perfect for kids and big kids alike. Beaches The brave among you may wish to forgo the pleasures of the splash and instead embrace the heat in all its glory. Well, where better to do that than at the beach? With enough sun, sand, and sea to make your head spin, just be sure to pack the aforementioned sunscreen and hat! Jumeirah Beach Residence - or JBR, is one of the city's biggest and best beaches, if relaxation is your aim. This massive beach has everything you could ever want - clean white sand, warm blue water, and enough space to stretch out and make the most of it. You can't swim after sundown due to the lack of light in the water, but you can certainly pitch your tent on its shores all night long. Or, if you want to make a day of it, check out La Mer. There, you'll find stunning seaside views, watersports, shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities you won't find anywhere else. There's a cinema on-site, if you like the talkies, and you can even rent your own private beach house for the day. Nice. Beach clubs If you're looking for beach vibes but need a little shade on a warm October day, then hit up a beach club instead. Part beach, part pool club, part restaurant, they pack a relaxing punch you won't find anywhere else in Dubai. For ultimate relaxation, hit up the Mediterranean stylings at Twiggy by La Cantine. Named after the famous model that embodied the spirit of the swinging sixties, you'll find this beach club laden with white silk, white lounge chairs, and white, well, everything else. Alongside the massive infinity pool, you'll enjoy a welcoming menu of European bites. Alternatively, a livelier option is Surf Club, which features resident DJs, dancing through the day, and a stacked bar. 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Why not check out Go City? With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. There's so much to do, see, and experience that no matter what you decide to do, you'll love your time in the city!
Dom Bewley
dubai in august
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Dubai in August

Planning your vacation in Dubai this year? August could be the perfect month for you. There's always an answer to the intense heat, so check out our guide to Dubai in August and see if it floats your boat! Including: Dubai weather in August Ski Dubai JBR Beach Aquaventure Waterpark BBQ in the desert and more! Dubai in August: What to Expect Dubai is notoriously sweltering all year round, and August is one of the hottest years you can visit the desert oasis. So hot, in fact, that on average, you can expect highs of 105°F or more and lows of around 87°F. That means you need to be prepared for some intense sun, and be prepared to escape to the comfort of air-conditioning at a moment's notice. Those that are none too fond of 105° weather may look to go at the beginning or end of the year when temperatures are much more manageable. However, if you snort at the thought of cowering away during peak summer, bear these things in mind. Keep bottles of drinking water on you at all times. Even on the beach, you'll find refilling stations to top yourself up. Staying hydrated in the heat is a must. Secondly, pack extra light clothing and a metric ton of sunscreen to protect your skin. Reapply that bad boy every hour or two if you're in direct sunlight in the afternoon; that's when the sun's fiercest. Either way, we'll cover attractions both inside and out, should you want to break up your sweltering vacation with some cooler action. Dubai in August: What to Do Get your skis on If all that summer heat gets too much for you, why not cool off on the slopes? No, we're not talking about packing your bags and heading somewhere cooler. Thanks to Ski Dubai, you can have the perfect slope experience right in the city. Ski Dubai is the world's largest indoor ski center. Really, you need to see it for yourself to understand just how big it is. Featuring multiple ski slopes where you can ski, board, or sled, it even has a ski lift to take you up to the very top. Fun for the whole family; even newbies can get to grips with the fine art of snow travel, thanks to the trainers on-site. All the gear's provided for you, including skis, boards, jackets, and everything else you need to pretend you're in the Alps for a few hours. And hey, they even have penguins too. Don't believe us? Go and see for yourself. You might not see yourself skiing in Dubai in August, but trust us, it's the perfect way to escape the blistering heat. Beachlife While heading to the beach when temperatures exceed 100 degrees might not seem like a good idea, you do have options. After all, beaches stick around after the sun goes down. So, why not venture out after dark and get lounging on Dubai's stunning sandy spaces? Jumeirah Beach Residence - or JBR, is one of the city's biggest and best beaches. And while you can't swim there after dark, you can certainly lounge on its pristine beachfront through the night. Umm Suqeim Beach, on the other hand, does allow you to swim in its calm seas until the clock strikes midnight. Thanks to its Smart Power lighting system, lifeguards can keep an eye on swimmers when the sun goes down. But you can't expect them to work through the night. Hence, you'll need to vacate the cooling waters at 12AM. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm Just because it's super hot doesn't mean you want to miss out on all the UV all the time. And as they say, water isn't just for drinking. So, go out with a splash - outside, we mean - and head to the exciting slides and rides at Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm! You'll be beckoned by rides like the plummeting Leap of Faith, which drops you into a massive tube surrounded by sharks and rays. That one's only for the brave out there. Or, if heights aren't your things, test your mettle at The Rapids, which puts you on a raft battling choppy waters for a mile. If you go in peak afternoon summer hours, apply and reapply sunscreen after a few slides. Slides do a good job of wiping off your carefully-applied protection, and the last thing you want is a blistery back after a blisteringly good time! Desert Adventure Heading back to the warm hands and cool embrace of the night, another one of Dubai's draws is the magnificent sandy dunes surrounding the city. Dubai was built from nothing within them, so why not explore them for yourself with a brilliant desert safari and BBQ dinner? You'll be chaperoned from your hotel in a plush, air-conditioned 4x4 and head into the desert proper. Make sure you snap pictures of the beautiful surrounding as the sun goes down. Then, you'll reach the BBQ camp and be treated to a mouth-watering menu of BBQ meat, grilled veg, and other local delicacies. Once you're full, the entertainment kicks off. Watch authentic belly dancing, smoke up a shisha storm, ride a camel, and even get a henna tattoo. Not bad, and all of that without one drop of harmful UV in sight. If you need a break from the sun, try this tour when you visit Dubai in August. Landmarks and neon lights And finally, you wouldn't want to leave Dubai without seeing some of its most recognizable landmarks, would you? Of course not, which is why you should take a Dubai Magical Night Tour and see them all in one fell swoop. Be sure to snap pictures of the grand Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), Dubai Mall, the Burj Al Arab, Dubai Harbour, and more. Then you can leave guilt-free, knowing you saw these amazing creations and didn't spend all your time inside! And that's our guide to Dubai in August! Looking for a wide variety of attractions to make your trip to Dubai the best ever? Try Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley

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