Safari Dreams: The Best Dubai Zoos to Visit
Wildlife enthusiasts! Did you know that Dubai zoos had a wild beginning in the 1960s? It all began with a surprise gift of wild animals to the ruling sheikh, or Dubai’s leader – talk about a roaring start!
Now, the zoos here are your ticket to meet impressive lions, playful monkeys, and more amid the bustling city.
If you’re ready to have a blast, put on your safari hat and let’s dive into the various Dubai zoos below!
Dubai Safari Park
Website: https://dubaisafari.ae/
Address: Al Warqa – Dubai
Contact details: +971 800 900
Operating hours: Monday through Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM
Dubai Safari Park is a massive wildlife oasis covering about 1,200 hectares. It’s a popular place to see animals from all over the world.
The park’s main goal is to give you a cool experience with wildlife and teach you about taking care of animals and nature.
Here, you’ll find different areas, like African, Asian, and Arabian villages. You can spot all kinds of animals there, such as lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, and Arabian oryx.
They’ve also got a Safari Village where you can go on fun drives and see animals up close!
In addition, this park has top-notch facilities and ample spaces for the animals to be happy and healthy. Regardless of age, you can watch animal shows, participate in programs to learn more about animals, and have a blast.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss “Animal Tales” at Dubai Safari Park! This special tour lets you get up close to the park’s amazing animals. You can help make their meals, join fun activities, and watch experts train the animals.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Website: https://www.thedubaiaquarium.com/
Address: The Dubai Mall – Financial Center Road – Dubai
Contact details: +971 800 382246255
Operating hours
- Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 10:15 PM
- Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 11:15 PM
The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo in Dubai Mall is a popular wildlife attraction. It’s got a huge tank with over 33,000 marine animals, like sharks and colorful fish, and even a Guinness World Record for having the largest acrylic panel.
You can walk through a long tunnel known as the “Underwater Zoo” to see these creatures up close. Inside, they’ve set up different areas like the Rainforest, Rocky Shore, and the Living Ocean.
Plus, you can learn from displays and watch feeding sessions. Whether you’re a marine lover or just looking for an extraordinary experience, this place is a must-visit for underwater world explorers.
Pro tip:
Consider purchasing the Explorer Package at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. This lets you do more cool stuff like the Glass Bottom Boat Tour and the Submersible Simulator, making your visit more fun and hands-on!
Dubai Butterfly Garden
Website: https://www.dubaibutterflygarden.com/
Address: Dubai Miracle Garden, Al Barsha South 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 422 8902
Operating hours: Monday through Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM
Dubai Butterfly Garden is a delightful place designed for nature lovers, especially those who adore these winged beauties. It’s situated indoors and feels like a tropical paradise.
Inside, you’ll see thousands of colorful butterflies fluttering around gorgeous flowers and greenery. More than 15,000 of these nectar seekers are from 50 different types, so it’s great to take a closer look.
Besides these stunning insects, the garden offers educational opportunities. They have sessions and workshops where you can learn about butterflies’ lives, habits, and protection.
But that’s not all! They’ve also got a museum with several exhibits to make your experience more interactive.
And when you get hungry, you can just grab a quick snack at the nearby cafeteria and perhaps buy some fun souvenirs while you’re at it.
Pro tip:
We suggest wearing bright colors or clothes with floral patterns when you visit the Dubai Butterfly Garden. Butterflies are drawn to these things, which might help them come closer to you.
Just remember to move slowly and avoid quick movements to avoid scaring these delicate creatures. Patience is key, so find a quiet spot and wait for the butterflies to display their lovely flying patterns.
Dolphin Bay
Website: https://www.atlantis.com/dubai/atlantis-aquaventure/atlas-village
Address: Atlantis the Palm, Crescent Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 426 1030
Operating hours: Monday through Sunday, 9:30 AM to 6 PM
Dolphin Bay is a fantastic place at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai is where you can safely swim and interact with dolphins. The setting is like an aquatic oasis with its clear water, making it a breathtaking experience.
Here, you can choose different ways to hang out with the dolphins. First, you can go for a shallow-water interaction to get up close and play with them.
Or if you want a richer experience, you can swim with these flipper friends in deeper water. Don’t worry, because you’ll be guided by knowledgeable trainers who prioritize everyone’s safety.
Pro tip:
Consider booking one of the immersive activities, like “Dolphin Encounter” or “Royal Swim” at Dolphin Bay.
These types of experiences will let you get up close with the dolphins, understand their behaviors, and make some special memories!
The Green Planet
Website: https://thegreenplanetdubai.com/
Address: City Walk, Al Wasl, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact details: 800-7699
Operating hours: Monday through Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM
The Green Planet at City Walk Dubai is like a big indoor rainforest. This is a lush home for plants and creatures you’d find in real rainforests all over the world.
While you’re here, you can go through the tunnel, marvel at towering trees, and get up close to the lively ecosystem.
You’ll also find engaging activities, educational programs, and captivating videos to learn about rainforests and why preserving our planet’s biodiversity matters.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the feeding sessions at The Green Planet! It’s best to check their schedule in advance, so you’ll get the chance to hand-feed colorful birds and curious primates inside the rainforest dome.
Dubai Dolphinarium
Website: https://dubaidolphinarium.ae/
Address: Creek Park, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 336 9773
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 8 PM
- Tuesday – Closed
Dubai Dolphinarium is a go-to place in Dubai where you can see and play with dolphins and other sea animals. The main attraction is the dolphin shows, where these smart and agile flipper mammals do incredible tricks and dances.
Apart from the presentations, they also have educational experiences, so you can learn about sea life and how to protect it. Plus, you might be able to touch and feed dolphins and even get close to seals and exotic birds!
The Dolphinarium is all about making learning fun, whether you’re a family, a tourist, or just love sea creatures. They can also organize gatherings and special events for you if you want.
Pro tip:
Don’t pass up the “Swim with Dolphins” experience at Dubai Dolphinarium. It’s an awesome chance to be really close with the dolphins – you can swim with them in a special pool, interact with them, pet them, and even receive a gentle kiss!
The Lost Chambers Aquarium
Website: https://www.atlantis.com/dubai/atlantis-aquaventure/lost-chambers-aquarium
Address: Atlantis the Palm, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 426 1040
Operating hours: Monday through Sunday, 10 AM to 9 PM
The Lost Chambers Aquarium is a superb underwater place in The Palm, Dubai. It’s a big hit with tourists because it feels like exploring the legendary lost city of Atlantis!
This place is teeming with tanks housing over 65,000 sea animals, from sharks and rays to vibrant fish. And the coolest part? You can even touch some of them in special tanks!
The aquarium also boasts these remarkable glass tunnels and underwater displays, so you can see the sea life from different angles.
What’s more, they teach you all about the marine animals here. But if you’re not a visual learner, they’ve got you covered with scuba diving tours for a more hands-on experience.
Pro tip:
You definitely don’t want to miss the Aquatheatre show at The Lost Chambers Aquarium! This live performance unfolds inside the Ambassador Lagoon, which is the biggest open-air marine display in the Middle East.
While watching the show, you’ll see divers feeding various sea creatures, like sharks and rays, right before you. It’s a mix of fun and learning, giving you a closer view of the fascinating marine life of the Arabian Gulf.
Dubai Crocodile Park
Website: https://dubaicrocodilepark.com/
Address: Mushrif, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 266 3700
Operating hours: Monday through Sunday, 10 AM to 8 PM
Dubai Crocodile Park is an excellent wildlife spot where you can learn all about crocodiles. They’ve got different species, from Nile crocs to American alligators and saltwater crocs.
You can also get close to these intriguing reptiles and discover their behavior, homes, and why they’re worth protecting.
Not only that, but the park also offers guided tours, interactive feeding sessions, and educational talks to make your visit even more extraordinary.
The enclosures are made to look like the Crocs’ natural homes, so they feel comfy and happy. Sometimes, you might see other reptiles, like snakes and lizards, there too, so keep an eye out.
Pro tip:
Be sure to catch the exciting crocodile feeding sessions! They happen every day at specific times and let you get up close to these remarkable creatures.
Skilled handlers interact with the crocodiles, showing how they behave and eat. In addition to being educational, this might also be quite exciting for many families and friends.
Tips When Visiting Dubai Zoos
Before you embark on your Dubai zoo adventure, consider these tips to make the most of your visit:
Plan ahead: Check the zoo’s opening hours and try to come early to avoid big crowds.
Dress smart: Dubai is warm, so wear light and comfy clothes. We suggest putting on a hat, some shades, and some sunscreen.
Stay hydrated: Bring a water bottle to stay cool, especially in the heat.
Play by the rules: Always follow the rules set by the zoo staff. This involves not feeding the animals or straying from the designated paths.
Take photos responsibly: You can usually take pictures, but remember to disable or not use flash because it can surprise or bother the animals. In addition, avoid using selfie sticks near them for safety.
Be patient: Some animals might be resting or hiding. When this happens, it’s best to be patient and spend time observing and learning about other species in the meantime.
Attend feeding and educational sessions: Check the schedule for feeding times and educational sessions with the zookeepers. It’s a wonderful chance to observe and study wild animals in their natural habitats.
Respect the animals: Keep a safe distance from the enclosures, and never try to touch or disturb the animals. This ensures safety for you and the animals.
Stay clean: Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching animals or any surfaces within the zoo. You can also bring hand sanitizer and wipes.
Enjoy responsibly: Have a fantastic time exploring Dubai zoos, all while showing your love and support for the essential conservation work they’re doing
Remember, these tips can change, so it’s a good idea to check the official Dubai zoo websites or contact the site directly for specific guidelines or updates.