The 5 Best Academies with Swiming Coaches in Dubai
More than a sport, swimming is also a survival skill that can come in handy especially if you live in a coastal city such as Dubai.
Thankfully, swimming academies with experienced coaches are big in the city. They are more than ready to give you the skill to enjoy the waters safely.
So, we scoured the city to give you the best academies with swimming coaches in Dubai. We also included the factors we considered in choosing.
Lastly, we answered some frequently asked questions about swimming coaches in Dubai.
How much does it cost to hire a swimming coach in Dubai?
The cost of hiring a swimming coach in Dubai can vary depending on the pricing structure they have and the number of students joining you during the sessions.
Some coaches operate on a membership basis while others go on a per-session basis. To give you a starting point, we made a table of the average rates the coaching sessions cost.
Take note, one session can last from 30 minutes to an hour.
The Best Academies with Swimming Coaches in Dubai
Before we get right into our top picks for the best academies with swimming coaches in Dubai, here are the factors we considered for our entries on this list:
1. Modern Swim Academy
| Criteria | Rating |
| Credibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Teaching Style | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Other Services | ☆☆☆☆☆ (0/5) |
Proudly affiliated with the UAE Swimming Federation and has coaches that are qualified to teach children from 3 years old and up, Modern Swim Academy is one of the few that provides world-class swimming classes in Dubai.
We love how its coaches are fundamental experts and deeply understand ideal techniques that can transform beginners into adept swimmers in no time.
Its way of teaching definitely focuses more on the basics and gives students a firm grasp of how the fundamentals work to effectively improve students’ physical and mental condition.
So, while it does not utilize teaching styles for competitive swimming, it is a great starting point for those looking to have a strong foundation in swimming techniques.
Its facilities are all included in different international schools such as the International Academic School, German International School, and the Indian International School.
This means that Modern Swim Academy has a complete range of swim training equipment, like paddleboards and floating noodles.
However, since the academy is sharing these with the host schools, the equipment, including the pools, is shared. Thus, the quality of the facilities can be a hit or miss.
On top of that, it does not really have any other services, at all.
We were quite disappointed since we know that in order for a swimmer to be at their peak they have to have a well-rounded physical disposition that is only acquired through workouts and drills outside of the pool.
Pros
- Affiliated with the UAE Swimming Federation
- Highly qualified coaches
- Swimming lessons focused on attaining great physical and mental conditions
Cons
- Doesn’t teach competitive swimming
- No other services
Customer Reviews
Had a fantastic experience with Modern Swim Academy
“Loved it since the pre-pandemic times till date ..Ms. Jenna admin.. approachable and regularly updated me in all aspects… thanks, Coach Olie thanks for giving my daughter the extra push and gaining confidence in swimming.. and Capt. Belal amazing and always lovely having conversations with you 😊 ..highly recommend to all..for kids and adults they got you covered.” – Michael Ngugi, Google Reviews
One of the best swimming schools
“One of the best swimming schools
And how easy is their education?
And treat them with awareness and intelligence
And their methods of teaching swimming are real, impressive and easy for children ❤️❤️ 😍” – Haneen Elsherif, Google Reviews
2. Empire Aquatic
| Criteria | Rating |
| Credibility | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Teaching Style | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Other Services | ☆☆☆☆☆ (0/5) |
Growing the academy from a grassroots level up to have its own network of private and community pools, Empire Aquatic is proof that if you have dedicated coaches and effective programs people will look for your services.
Despite priding itself on its high-level organizational skills, customer service & first-hand knowledge of its clients and their individual needs, it is brought down by the fact that it does not have any affiliations or special accreditations.
While that does not inspire any confidence, especially when you’re having your children learn how to swim for the first time, its teaching style definitely leans more towards competitive swimming.
By providing students that confidence and encouraging dedication, Empire Aqautic shines when students show notable growth the more they train with its coaches.
However, its lack of affiliations and accreditations means that the technique may not necessarily be relatively sound, but it sure is effective as it has produced a lot of competitive swimmers.
And when it comes to its facilities, it is certainly impressive that a once-small swimming academy has built up a network of pools for its students to train in.
However, it is not at that point yet wherein its range of equipment is complete nor of the highest quality.
On top of that, it also lacks other services that can shape students into more holistic swimmers, another evidence that while its programs are effective, the techniques may not be as strong.
Pros
- Great organizational and customer service quality
- Competitive teaching style
- Has a network of private and community pools
Cons
- Lacks accreditations and affiliations
- Swimming equipment is not complete
- Techniques taught are not as strong
- No other services
Customer Reviews
Coaches are very professional
“Coach Manny was very professional! My daughter loves her swimming lesson and has gained so much confidence in the water! She has improved so much. We will resume the lessons after the summer break!
Empire aquatic keep up the great work!” – Natalia Carvalho, Google Reviews
I highly recommend them
“Both my children have been taking classes with coach Benny. He came highly recommended and has surpassed our expectations! My children are learning to swim at an older age and have progressed exponentially! My primary objective was water safety and then moving on with technique. Coach Benny is attentive, making sure I’m aware of what level they are at, always providing feedback, and knows how to deal with each child differently. I now am much more relaxed around pools and have 2 happy strong little swimmers 😊” – Racha El Salah, Google Reviews
3. Dolphin Sports Academy
| Criteria | Rating |
| Credibility | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Teaching Style | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Other Services | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
With over 11 years of experience, Dolphin Sports Academy knows exactly how to teach swimming to people of all ages, including 1-year-olds.
The academy has produced more than 500 athletes and has taught swimming as a skill to even hundreds more, those alone are achievements in and of themselves.
We are so impressed by the number of people it has trained that we almost forgot the fact that Dolphin Sports Academy is not affiliated with any sports organization and does not have any special accreditations for its coaches.
However, the results speak for themselves and it is undeniable that the programs that the academy has are definitely effective.
Of course, we can’t credit these achievements with just the programs alone. Dolphin Sports Academy’s facilities are world-class.
It has its own private swimming pools that only its students get to use, on top of a complete range of high-quality swim training equipment.
We love how this academy’s edge is its own exclusive training space and well-maintained equipment that is surely effective in aiding every swimmer’s growth.
And its teaching style is definitely leaning more toward the competitive side, so beginners should expect a more rigorous approach to swimming compared to when it’s just swimming for health reasons.
But while the academy does offer other classes like football and karate, there are no other classes that would somehow help swimmers get a more physical regimen.
Pros
- Has produced a lot of athletes
- World-class facilities
- Competitive teaching style
- Offers other sports classes
Cons
- Not affiliated with any sports organizations
- Teaching style may be too rigorous for beginners
- No other services complementing swimming
Customer Reviews
My kids have had a wonderful experience
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful coaches at Dolphins Academy. My two kids have had a wonderful experience at the academy. From being new learners to being proficient now, the entire credit goes to the coaching team of the Academy. The progress of each child is well-tracked and adequate support is provided to develop it further. The academy is the perfect place for beginners as well as advanced swimmers. I look forward to my children being trained for the championships by their able coaches.” – Remy Dias, Google Reviews
Best place for beginners
“My 2 kids joined Dolphin swimming academy a year back. They are in the pre-team now. Thanks to the coach Yousuf who is training my kids. Really appreciate his support for my kids. It’s the best place for swimmers from beginner to Advanced. Hope my kids will take more awards🤞Once again Thanks to the coaches and management team for their dedication and support 🙏🏽” – Hemalatha Sankaralingam, Google Reviews
4. Aqua Swim Academy
| Criteria | Rating |
| Credibility | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Teaching Style | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Other Services | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
Providing a friendlier environment for those starting out or trying out swimming as a starting point for competing, Aqua Swim Academy has 25 years of combined experience teaching aspiring and competitive swimmers.
We love that this swimming academy is registered in both UAE and Sri Lanka, both of its respective authorities. This means that everything its students learn is regulated, approved, and safe.
However, it lacks any notable affiliations that give it that edge compared to other swimming academies.
The same can be said for its facilities. While relatively more than adequate, they’re not necessarily a high level of quality.
But we are impressed by the fact that it has 3 different pools in 3 different locations, making swimming classes more convenient for everyone attending.
We think that its teaching style is Aqua Swim Academy’s strong suit. Due to its coaches’ flexibility and adaptability in teaching styles, the academy is able to be easy enough for it to be encouraging for beginners and challenging enough for actual athletes.
This allows students to gradually be able to develop their talents in swimming without it being too rigorous at first, and without it being too lax for actual growth.
And while we think that it is amazing that Aqua Swim Academy organizes swim competitions for its students, this makes the competition scene less daunting.
However, besides that, there are no other services that Aqua Swim Academy offers.
Pros
- Has 25 years of experience teaching swimming
- Registered in both UAE and Sri Lanka
- Balanced teaching style
- Organizes swimming competitions
Cons
- No notable affiliations
Customer Reviews
Training and encouragement given are amazing
“It is a great pleasure for me to have this opportunity to express my gratitude to Damith Sir and other instructors at the Aqua Swimming Academy. I have been sending my two daughters swimming for months. The training and encouragement given by the instructors are amazing. My daughters love to go swimming as the instructors do not force, but train children in a systematic method. I appreciate their hardworking and focus on each child’s progress in training. Thank you for all of your efforts in making me proud that I have two skilled swimmers in my home. Good luck Aqua Swimming Academy!” – Tharanga Adikari, Google Reviews
Joing them has been the best decision
“Super excellent swimming academy with a professional trainer. Highly recommended. I had made my 6-year-old daughter join elsewhere first to learn how to swim. She lost interest and developed fear as the trainer was very strict.
Joining Aqua Academy has been the best experience. The skilled trainers are very kind, patient, above all fun-loving. They know how to pull the best in you by making learning a fun experience.
My girl looks forward to going there. Thank you Damith sir and all other trainers for pulling her out of the fear and making her learn how to swim with techniques.” – Nitasha Sharma, Google Reviews
5. Swimming Classes in Dubai
| Criteria | Rating |
| Credibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Teaching Style | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Other Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Associated with Swim Life in India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa, and lead by an American/Australian certified teacher and former national swimmer, Swimming Classes in Dubai takes the time to fully understand each student.
Its coaches are also trained in facility management and that is notable in how well-maintained the equipment and the pools are all the time.
And while there is nothing special in its facilities, the fact that these are in excellent condition despite regular use is already an accomplishment.
On top of that, its coaches are trained in various aspects of the sport of swimming outside of teaching.
From sports management to organizing high-level training programs and camps, Swimming Classes in Dubai is a well-rounded academy that has the education to back it up.
And that also expands into its teaching style. With experience in programming education processes and efficient delivery methods in aquatic education, it has developed a unique teaching method.
This method has enabled its coaches to understand every student’s need for pace and their ability to grasp and master swimming skills.
This means that it is one of the top choices for people looking to start swimming, as its coaches will never push you into something you are not ready for.
Another great thing about this academy is that it also offers other services such as beach swimming lessons, swimming lessons for nurseries and teachers, and team-building events at the beach and swimming pool.
Pros
- Excellent accreditations and experience
- Equipment is well-maintained
- Wide range of complementing swimming classes
Cons
- Nothing special about its facilities
Customer Reviews
Would recommend this to everyone
“I would rate my swimming learning experience with Chris and Timothy as profound and close to my heart, as in the past I had drowned in water and was hydrophobic since then. Chris and his masterful team (including Timothy and Anitha) made an earnest effort to not just help me learn swimming but also to perfect the strokes. If you want to learn to swim the right way, would recommend you to come here by the beach and learn to swim from them. Cheers and Happy Swimming!”- Srinevasan Ranga, Google Reviews
Cannot say thank you enough
“I cannot say enough to thank Chris for helping me in just a few days to lose my fear of the water and start enjoying swimming.
He also has a great team that patiently helps us at all times. They work all together to make you feel safe and confident. You’ll learn to swim in the pool and sea. Fantastic.
I thought I would never be able to swim because of my water phobia, but here I am!
Thank you, Chris and the team!!” – Elaine Correia, Google Reviews
FAQs about Swimming Coaches in Dubai
We hope this helped you in finding the right academies with swimming coaches in Dubai. Also, if you’re looking for other services, then check out these articles: