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Mall Diving at the Dubai Aquarium

Written by Nevin
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Published on September 19, 2010

The Dubai Mall is an insanely large shopping mall, located in Dubai UAE, at the base of the Burj Khalifa the tallest building in the world, and has several “largest” and “firsts” to its name including a 21 screen multiplex cinema, to an Olympic size ice skating rink inside the mall. But most fascinating of all is the 10-million liter Dubai Aquarium tank, located on the Ground Level of The Dubai Mall, which is the largest suspended aquarium in the world.

The main Aquarium tank, measures 51 meters (167ft) in length, 20 meters (66ft) in depth and 11 meters (36 ft) in height. It houses over 33,000 aquatic animals, comprising over 140 species. Over 400 Sharks and Rays live in this tank, including the largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks in the world.

 

The Aquarium offers its visitors various close up encounters with the marine life, ranging from a glass bottomed boat ride, snorkeling with the fish, shark feeding inside the suspended shark cage and best of all scuba diving inside the main aquarium tank for certified scuba divers.

 

The Dive lasts 20 – 30 minutes, and costs AED 625 ($170) but is worth the chance to experience so many different varieties of sharks and rays all in one location. There are  huge pelagic like Batfish, Bigeye Trevally, Clown Fish, Giant Grouper, Unicorn Fish, Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks constantly circling you inside the tank.  For those without dive certification, there is a “learn to dive” package for AED 825 ($225) (includes a preliminary lesson) and scuba diving gear rental, DAN diver insurance, and a certificate of participation. There is also a cage snorkeling package costing AED 225 ($61) if you don’t want to undertake full-fledged diving, you can still feel the same thrills in a safe cage setting. You only have to put on snorkeling gear, dive into the secure cage in the aquarium, and watch over 70 different marine species including some 400 sharks and rays at close quarters.

A popular Dubai Scuba Shop offers “Specialty Dives” at the Dubai Mall Aquarium which is a series of 3 dives for PADI certified divers.

  • Dive 1 is a session with Sand Tiger Sharks, Reef Sharks, Rays, Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, and Silvertip Sharks.
  • Dive 2 covers information about shark identification as well as an opportunity to learn underwater photography, Includes a 30 minute theory session, and photography tips.
  • Dive 3 takes place in the shark cage for a shark feeding frenzy photography session. The Aquarium staff feed the sharks while you are given this unique opportunity to take photographs inside the safety of the shark cage.

The Cost of the package is AED 1,875 (approx $510) total for all three dives and can be covered in a single day or spread out over several. All Underwater camera equipment is provided by the Dubai Aquarium.

So the next time you plan a vacation in Dubai, check out the Dubai Mall’s Aquarium and take the plunge with 400 sharks and rays in an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.