Dubai Aquarium Vs Lost Chambers Aquarium Comparison

UPDATED JULY 2024By <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…

Find out how you can visit both aquariums and save up to 50% on Dubai attractions here.

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.

Now for the good news: you don’t even have to choose between them. You can visit both aquariums with a Dubai pass from Go City, and save up to 50% on many more Dubai attractions, tours and activities while you’re at it. We’re talking the Burj Khalifa observation platforms, Legoland Dubai, desert safaris, Dubai Creek cruises, the Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm, and many more.

Click to find out more about the Go Dubai pass and get yours here!

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 in June

If you're planning a vacation in Dubai, you'll need to know when to go. June might sound like the ideal month to pack your bags and jet off, but Dubai's intense summer can beat even the best of us. Check out our guide to Dubai in June below, and see if it's the perfect month for you! Including: Dubai weather in June Snowy escapes Beach beauties Shady clubs Water worlds and more! Dubai in June: What to Expect June is the beginning of summer for those of us in the northern hemisphere. But in Dubai, what you think is summer started long ago. In this desert oasis, June is the beginning of the end times. Fire, brimstone, and every other joke you want to make about really, really hot places. Because temperatures in Dubai typically hit highs of 100°F, lows of 80°F, and not a drop of rain in sight. That could be a bit much for some of you. That's understandable, given what we're used to. As such, if high temperatures and 12 hours of sun aren't your thing, consider traveling in the winter months, where temperatures are much more bearable. It goes without saying that if you do decide to travel to Dubai during the summer, leave the jumpers and jackets at home. Pack the lightest clothes you own, the largest hats in your closet, and stuff the rest of your suitcase with factor 1000 sunscreen. It's the only way. In the interest of keeping you alive, we're going to mix up our recommendations with plenty of outdoor, indoor, and nighttime experiences. After all, everyone needs a break. You are very welcome. Dubai in June: What to Do Risky Beaches Dubai's known for its beautiful beaches, and we really have to talk about them. After all, kicking back and relaxing might be the main reason you're taking your Dubai vacation in June. However, might we suggest avoiding the searing sun and instead going at night? Your skin will thank you. Thankfully, Dubai's beaches are open 24 hours. Umm Suqeim Beach may be your best bet, as you can swim there until midnight. Most beaches ban swimming after dark due to the risk to swimmers, but at Umm Suqeim Beach, Smart Lights keep the shores lit until the clock strikes 12, so you can still get your lounging and swimming done in the dark. Nice. Watery Goodness Another way to keep cool when the heat rises is by submerging yourself in H20. But why stay static in a pool when you can blitz around at a water park? Dubai's full of brilliant places to slide, glide, and dive into the refreshing goodness. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm is one of the best, with plenty of amazing rides for both kids and adults. From death-defying drops to snakey slides, they even have a kids-only area and their own beach if you need to relax. Another top water park is Yas Waterworld, but you'll need to travel to the nearby Yas Island to get there. Featuring over 40 amazing rides, including a flooded 5D Cinema experience, it's the perfect place to get your water fix. For kids, LEGOLAND® Water Park ticks all the boxes. Featuring 20 rides themed around many of their most recognizable characters, it might not be as exhilarating for adults as the other two, but there's nothing stopping you from getting on the rides and having a blast. Magical desert tour If you want to see the dunes around Dubai's outskirts but fear the mix of heat and desert could have you passing out, you're in luck. Thanks to this evening tour and BBQ experience, you can fit your experience around the weather. After an air-conditioned ride from your hotel to a camp in the dunes, you'll be treated to a fantastic BBQ meal with plenty of succulent meat and veg to fill you up. After the meal, the entertainment begins. Featuring belly dancing, shisha, camel riding, and henna tattoos, it's an evening packed with fun! Then, you'll be taken right back to your hotel when the night is over. You'll have the best sleep in months. Hideaway on the slopes When the heat wins out, it might be an extreme suggestion to up sticks and escape to a snowy paradise. But just because you take a few hours out to carve some powder doesn't mean Dubai has you beat. Far from it. Ski Dubai is what you seek - a winter wonderland right in the heart of Dubai. The biggest indoor skiing center on the planet, Ski Dubai lets you ski, board, or sled down a multitude of artificial hills. Catering to newbies and experienced sorts, you'll have the chance to take a ski lift, see penguins, and get your chill on even in the oppressive June heat. And best of all, everything is provided for when you arrive, so there's no need to lug your skis on the plane. Easily one of the best ways to beat the June heat in Dubai. Go clubbing And finally, we'll end our guide to Dubai in June with some more R&R. If you want all the relaxation of the beach with none of the direct sunlight, hit up one of Dubai's beach clubs. You'll find plenty of these relaxation stations in Dubai, but let's talk about our top picks below. Twiggy by La Cantine matches its arresting all-white facade with the biggest infinity pool of all Dubai's beach clubs, a rocking 60s aesthetic, and light Mediterranean bites that hit the spot. Nikki Beach marries live music and even a resident saxophonist with a refreshing drinks menu, all against the backdrop of the beautiful Pearl Jumeira coastline. And DRIFT Beach offers not only lounge beds, cabanas, and light bites typical of the beach club scene in Dubai, it also gives you access to their own private beach. Sometimes, the draw of the sand is just too great. And that's our guide to Dubai in June! If the above wasn't enough, do you want to know what else awaits you in Dubai? 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
Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm
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Yas Waterpark Vs Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis Palm

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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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