Dubai is home to two of the world’s largest and most popular aquariums: the Dubai Aquarium and the Lost Chambers Aquarium.
While the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is in the Dubai Mall, The Lost Chambers is in Atlantis, Palm Island.
They offer one-of-a-kind experiences to visitors and boast mesmerizing underwater worlds.
Choosing between the best aquariums in the world can be a daunting task.
In this article, we will comprehensively compare Lost Chambers and Dubai Aquarium to find the best aquarium in Dubai.
Dubai Aquarium vs Lost Chambers – Our recommendations
Dubai Aquarium and Lost Chambers are our favorites and we recommend you visit both.
However, if you have the time or budget to explore only one of them, the choice depends on your interest.
If you’re primarily interested in observing a diverse range of marine species up close and engaging in thrilling animal encounters, the Dubai Aquarium is the ideal choice.
Dubai Aquarium is also located in the city and accessible to everyone.
On the other hand, if you have a penchant for the mystique of ancient Atlantis and prefer a more immersive, thematic experience, the Lost Chambers should be your go-to destination.
Lost chambers lie in the Palm Island. If you plan to visit Palm Island, then Lost Chambers is a must-visit place.
Now, let’s explore the various facets of these two attractions.
Ticket prices of the aquariums
An entry ticket to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo costs AED 150 ($41) for all visitors over the age of 2.
Kids below 1 year get free entry. If you wish to try various activities and presentations in the aquarium, the full experience costs AED 299 ($82) for visitors above 2 years.
Visitors who wish to try snorkeling, diving and other adventure activities must register online and here are the prices:
| Experience | Cost per person |
|---|---|
| Shark dive | AED 632 ($172) |
| Shark encounter | AED 504 ($137) |
| Discover Shark Scuba diving | AED 968 ($263) |
| Shark Walker | AED 496 ($135) |
| Cage snorkelling | AED 296 ($81) |
| Scuba Diving course | AED 2100 ($572) |
| Scuba Diver upgrade | AED 1680 ($458) |
| Underwater video | AED 184 ($50) |
| Bubble Maker | AED 496 ($135) |
On the other hand, the Lost Chambers entry ticket costs AED 115 ($32) for visitors above 12 years.
Children between 3 and 11 years old pay AED 90 ($25) for entry.
Kids below 2 years old can get free admission to the Lost Chambers Aquarium.
Here are the adventure activities in Lost Chambers Aquarium and their costs.
| Experience | Cost per person |
|---|---|
| Aquatrek Xtreme | AED 970 ($264) |
| Ultimate Snorkel | AED 445 ($121) |
| Shark Safari | AED 610 ($166) |
| Shark Snorkel | AED 515 ($140) |
| Dive Discovery | AED 1570 ($427) |
| Dive Explorer | AED 1200 ($326) |
| Predator Dive | AED 2655 ($723) |
| Dolphin Swim | AED 975 ($266) |
| Dolphin Encounter | AED 825 ($228) |
While the entry ticket to Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo costs more than Lost Chambers entry, the experience costs almost the same.
What to see in Dubai Aquarium
The Dubai Aquarium is the largest suspended Aquarium in the world and holds 10 million liters of water.
This aquarium houses 140 species of marine life, from seahorses to sharks.
The prime attraction of Dubai Aquarium is the 33-meter-long main tank.
You can see a variety of Sand Tiger Sharks, Rays, Fishes, Corals and more in this tank.
The tank mimics the natural underwater ecosystem to give the best habitat for these animals.
Dubai Aquarium takes you further into the marine world with the underwater tunnel.
This transparent tunnel is surrounded by water on all sides and makes you feel like you’re walking on the ocean floor.
you can watch Sand Tiger Sharks, Rays, colorful fishes and more in this section.
This is the best spot for photos and videos.
The Underwater Zoo is a captive space for water and land-dwelling animals.
There are different habitats here, like the Rainforest, Rocky Shores and the Living Ocean, where you can meet otters, penguins, seals and more.
For a more interactive experience, Dubai Aquarium offers a glass-bottom boat ride.
On this guided tour, you can see the marine life swim beneath you as you sail above the main tank.
Do you want to know what goes behind the scenes at an aquarium? Then, join the Dubai Aquarium behind-the-scenes tour.
This guided tour allows you to access the aquarium’s operational areas, like care centers and maintenance habitats.
Some other must-see places in Dubai Aquarium are the King Croc’s Habitat, Feeding zones and VR experience.
The VR experience uses cutting-edge technology to let you dive into the ocean’s depths and swim with dolphins and sharks.
What to see in Lost Chambers Aquarium
As you step through the gran entrnace of Lost Chambers Aquarium, you will be transported to the mythical world of Atlantis.
Themed around Atlantis, all exhibits here evoke the feeling of exploring the ancient city.
The heart of the Lost Chambers Aquarium is the Ambassador Lagoon.
It is a vast open-air marine habitat that holds 11 million liters of seawater and offers a window into the diverse marine life of the Arabian Gulf.
The most striking feature here is the acrylic viewing panel that lets you witness the majestic ocean creatures in their prime habitat.
The Aquarium is renowned for its shark popular, including the blacktip reef sharks.
You can find eagle rays, cow nose rays, regal angelfish, clownfish, seahorses, jellyfish and more.
For a closer look into the lives of these animals, the Lost Chamber Aquarium offers a behind-the-scenes tour.
This tour gives a glimpse of the aquarium operations, conservative efforts and animal care.
Which Aquarium Has Better Marine Life – Dubai Aquarium or Lost Chambers?
When it comes to the variety and diversity of marine life, the Dubai Aquarium takes the lead.
Its massive tank and species collection offer a more extensive and dynamic viewing experience.
The Lost Chambers, while impressive in its own right, focuses more on the thematic aspect.
It doesn’t have the sheer volume of marine life that the Dubai Aquarium boasts.
Animal Experience at Dubai Aquarium
If you are looking for marine animal encounters in Dubai City, you can meet penguins and crocodiles or swim with sharks at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
Some of the best animal experiences at Dubai Aquarium are:
- Penguin encounter: You can get into the Penguin Cove and watch the colony of Gentoo and King Penguins.
- King Croc Encounter: Watch the giant saltwater crocodile in its habitat and interact with experts to know more about its biology and conservation efforts.
- Otter Encounter: Otters are visitor’s favorites! You can engage with these playful creatures at Dubai Aquarium and learn more about their importance and conservation.
- Ray Encounter: These gentle swimmers catch visitor’s eyes with their distinctive and graceful movements. You can touch, interact and also feed rays at Dubai Aquarium.
- Shark Train Encounter: Under the guidance of experts, become a shark trainer for a day. You can swim, walk and feed sharks.
- Diving Experience: If you are an adventurous visitor wanting to explore the underwater world more intimately, try the diving experiences at Dubai Aquarium. These include shark dives, snorkeling, shark warking, scuba diving and more.
Animal experiences at Lost Chambers Aquarium
Lost Chambers Aquarium offers a collection of ultimate adrenaline-rushing animal experiences.
Whether you are a thrill seeker or would want to spend a relaxing time in the water, there is something for all of you.
Here are some of the best animal experiences in Lost Chambers:
- Aquatrek Xtreme: Swim 10m down to the bottom of Ambassador Lagoon and swim along with marine creatures
- Ultimate Snorkel: If you want some snorkeling experience, try the Ultimate Snorkel in the Ambassador Lagoon.
- Shark Safari: This experience lets you get close to sharks and rays along with expert guides to learn more about them
- Shark Snorkel: This new animal experience at Lost Chambers Aquarium lets visitors snorkel on the surface of Aquaventure’s Shark Lagoon.
- Dive Discovery: For more thrill, try scuba diving with trainers to explore the lost city of Atlantis.
- Dive Explorer: If you are a certified diver, this experience takes you deeper into the marine world to swim with sharks, rays and other species.
- Dolphin encounter: Atlantis also offers Dolphin Swim and Dolphin encounter experiences for a more relaxing time. Here, you can get close to these gentle creatures, swim, walk and feed them.
Which Aquarium Has Better Animal Experience – Dubai Aquarium vs Lost Chambers
If you’re seeking hands-on, adrenaline-pumping animal experiences, the Lost Chambers is the clear winner.
It offers you tranquil and educational interactions along with adventure.
You can try open snorkeling, swimming and more here.
If you want some light animal experiences or have never tried diving or snorkeling, Dubai Aquarium is the best place to visit.
It offers opportunities to swim with sharks and snorkel in a cage, experiences you won’t find at the Lost Chambers.
Educational Programs for Kids at Both the Aquariums
Both the Dubai Aquarium and the Lost Chambers offer educational programs for children, making them fantastic destinations for families:
The Dubai Aquarium provides educational sessions where kids can learn about marine life, conservation, and the importance of protecting the oceans.
These programs are entertaining and informative, making them an excellent choice for young learners.
The Lost Chambers also offers educational programs tailored for children.
These programs often incorporate the Atlantis theme, making learning about marine life and ocean conservation a captivating experience.
Crowds at Dubai Aquarium and Lost Chambers
Crowd levels can significantly impact your enjoyment of an attraction.
Being located within the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends.
Consider visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours to avoid long queues and crowded viewing areas.
The Lost Chambers at Atlantis, The Palm, tends to be less crowded than the Dubai Aquarium.
Guests at the Atlantis Resort often have priority access, which can help manage crowds.
However, visiting during less busy times is still advisable for a more relaxed experience.
Dubai Aquarium vs the Lost chambers – final verdict
The Dubai Aquarium and the Lost Chambers offer unique and captivating underwater experiences.
Your choice between them should be based on your interests and preferences.
If you’re passionate about marine life and want to witness a vast array of aquatic species up close, the Dubai Aquarium is the top choice.
It provides thrilling animal encounters and educational opportunities for all ages.
On the other hand, if you’re drawn to the mystical allure of Atlantis and prefer a thematic and immersive experience, the Lost Chambers will transport you to a world of ancient wonder.
Ultimately, whether you choose the bustling Dubai Aquarium or the enigmatic Lost Chambers, you will surely be enchanted by the underwater wonders Dubai offers.
If you are planning to visit the best aquariums in Dubai and nearby areas, also read about Dubai Aquarium vs SeaWorld Abu Dhabi to find which is the best aquarium.
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Dubai Aquarium vs Lost Chambers – FAQs
1. Which one is better, Lost Chambers or Dubai Aquarium?
Lost Chambers is an underwater aquarium with a mythological theme, while Dubai Aquarium is a massive tank located inside Dubai Mall.
Both offer unique experiences, so it’s a matter of personal preference.
If you prefer a themed experience focusing on marine legends, Lost Chambers is better.
If you’re interested in a larger, more central aquarium experience, Dubai Aquarium could be your choice.
2. Is Lost Chambers worth visiting?
Lost Chambers is worth visiting if you are interested in marine life and enjoy themed experiences.
It features a stunning array of marine creatures, and its Atlantis-themed setting adds an extra layer of intrigue.
3. Is Dubai Aquarium worth visiting?
Dubai Aquarium is worth a visit, especially if you’re already at the Dubai Mall.
It’s one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world and offers a chance to see a wide variety of marine life up close, including sharks and rays.
Its central location makes it convenient to combine shopping and other mall activities.
4. How much time do you need in the Lost Chambers Aquarium?
You can typically explore Lost Chambers Aquarium in about 1 to 1.5 hours.
The time needed may vary depending on your level of interest and whether you attend any additional presentations or activities.
If you want to participate in activities like snorkeling, diving and more, you might spend half a day in Lost Chambers.
5. How long does it take to visit the Dubai Aquarium?
Visiting Dubai Aquarium takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on how closely you want to explore the exhibits and watch the aquatic life.
While glass bottom boat rides take 20 minutes, feedings and presentations take 15 minutes.
If you participate in adventure activities, you will need at least 45 minutes for each activity.
6. Are Dubai Aquarium and Lost Chambers Aquarium the same?
No, Dubai Aquarium and Lost Chambers Aquarium are not the same.
They are two separate aquariums in Dubai.
Dubai Aquarium is located inside the Dubai Mall and is known for its large suspended tank.
The Lost Chambers Aquarium is situated within Atlantis, The Palm resort and has a mythological underwater theme.
7. Which is bigger, the Dubai Aquarium or the Lost Chambers Aquarium?
Dubai Aquarium is larger in terms of the size of its main tank.
It holds one of the world’s largest suspended aquarium tanks, which can be viewed from multiple levels within the mall.
Lost Chambers Aquarium, while impressive, is not as large in scale as Dubai Aquarium but offers a different thematic experience.
Featured Image: Thedubaiaquarium
