Dubai Aquarium Vs Lost Chambers Aquarium Comparison

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
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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dubai scorching summer sun
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Dubai in July

Interested in visiting Dubai this summer? July might be the right month for you. Check out our guide to Dubai in July below, and see what's on offer! Including: Dubai weather in July Dubai's beaches Dubai's best water park Cool nighttime tours Chilled out skiing and more! Dubai in July: What to Expect Dubai is notoriously warm all year round, and July is the hottest year you can visit. And when we say hot, we mean hot. On average, you can expect highs of 105°F or more and lows of around 91°F. As such, you really need to be prepared for your summer vacation if you decide to go in peak summer. If you're of the paler sensibility, perhaps pick another month, or plan to spend most of your time inside during the hotter hours. If you're brave and insist on July, then pack the lightest clothes you own, your largest hats, and enough sunscreen to cover yourself tenfold. Due to the high temperatures, we'll discuss some inside and outside experiences below. That way, you'll always have an escape from the intense heat and sun, should you need it. Dubai in July: What to Do Dubai's beautiful beaches Let's kick things off with some of the braver forays you can make into Dubai's heat. Dubai is known for many things, and its stunning beaches might just be the jewel in her crown. With endless white sand, crystal clear waters, and plenty of space to stretch out and relax, Dubai's beaches are magnificent. However, rather than heading there during the day, we'd recommend avoiding the sizzling sun and instead heading there after dark. You'll still get all the goodness of the beach, just minus the third-degree burns. 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, the sea stays safe after the sun goes down. And, like JBR, you are free to lounge there after dark for as long as you like. Both are brilliant during the day, but on a sweltering July in Dubai, maybe settle for some post-sun fun instead. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm If you insist on the sun, at least compliment it with a healthy splash of cold water. At Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis the Palm, you'll get just that and a spoonful of fun while you're at it! With rides such as the plummeting Leap of Faith, which drops you into a massive tube surrounded by exotic aquatic life, even adrenaline junkies are catered to! 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. Even kids will get their fix thanks to the Splasher's Children's Play Area, which features tons of mini slides, climbing frames, and even tipping buckets, so they won't miss out on all the fun. Just make sure you bring your supplies of sunscreen with you and reapply it fastidiously. Waterslides can easily wipe the sunscreen off your back and leave you exposed to the intense sun. We speak from experience - reapply regularly! And if you need a break, they even have their own beach if you need to relax under a parasol. See the sights at night If you want to see all of Dubai's highlights but fear the sun's merciless rays, why not do so at night instead? On a Dubai Magical Night Tour, you'll get just that. With the cool Dubai breeze running through your hair, you'll join your guide on an open-top trip around the city. See the most recognizable Dubai landmarks, and do it all under the relative coolness of Dubai's July night sky. But will you see? Well, 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. You might not be in Dubai to see the sights specifically, but that doesn't mean you can't dedicate a cool night to learn more about them. Skiing. Yes, really If it all gets too much and the heat has you beat, you may debate whether Dubai in July was a mistake. Should you have booked a winter holiday instead, full of snow, skis, and other chilly goodness? Well, wipe those hideous thoughts from your mind. You needn't settle for one or the other, thanks to Ski Dubai. It's the world's largest indoor ski center, and it is mind-bogglingly awesome. Inside, you'll discover lovingly-recreated ski slopes where you can strut your stuff. There's even a ski lift up to the top of the slopes! And every few hours, the festivities are stopped to welcome a family of penguins across the slopes. There's no need to pack all your ski equipment either, as everything is provided on arrival. Never skied before? Never fear; they'll teach you on-site. An evening stroll in the desert And finally, we'll end things on another evening escapade. Because, if it wasn't evident enough, we'd recommend avoiding the sun as much as you can if you visit Dubai in July. So why not try a desert safari and BBQ dinner? You'll receive 5-star treatment from the get-go, with a plush 4x4 picking you up from your hotel and taking you deep into Dubai's dunes. Once you reach camp, you'll be treated to a delicious BBQ featuring grilled meats, veg, and other delights. But that's not all; there are also activities and entertainment for you to enjoy long into the night. Watch a belly dancing show, smoke some authentic shisha, ride a camel, and even get some henna painted on you! Then, you'll be taken right back to your hotel when the night is over. Nice. And that's our guide to Dubai in July! If you're looking for more fun experiences on your Dubai vacation, 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
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
IMG theme park ride
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Top Dubai Theme Parks - Popular Amusement Parks to Visit

Whatever kind of theme park fun you and your family are looking for, you’ll find the perfect attraction to suit your vacation in Dubai.
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