Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai (must see)

Ever thought of walking straight into an ocean without getting your feet wet? That’s more or less what happens at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, where 10 million liters of water and over 140 species make for one of the most surreal encounters in the city. And yes, that includes more than 400 sharks and rays gliding right above your head like slow-motion torpedoes.

The real magic begins when you start meeting the residents up close. There’s the royal couple of reptiles—King and Queen Croc—who reign supreme with prehistoric flair. Then come the tuxedoed Gentoo Penguins, an otter family that could out-charm anyone, and a lively squad of 50 rays waiting to be hand-fed (under supervision, of course—no one wants to lose a finger to enthusiasm).

Feeling brave? Try wading into a shallow tank to feed sharks, or hop on a glass-bottom boat that floats across the aquarium’s surface. It’s like watching rush hour in the ocean—except quieter and far more elegant. For the full “immersive” experience, certified divers can even join the fish directly inside the tank.

But the showstopper is the 48-meter underwater tunnel. Eleven meters below the surface, you’ll stroll past schools of shimmering fish, watch divers hand-feed sharks, and feel like you’ve entered a living, breathing screensaver. Every glance reveals a new character in this silent aquatic opera.

Indeed, where else can you see crocodiles, penguins, and rays all under one roof—and still have time for coffee afterward?

Pro tip: chat with one of the Aquarium Educators. They know all the behind-the-scenes stories—and, who knows, maybe a gossip among the penguins, too...