A Dolphin Bay Travel Guide
Dolphins are some of the gentlest marine creatures in the world and Dubai has one place dedicated to these beloved friends from the sea, Dolphin Bay.
This massive water park gives you the chance to get up close and personal with the dolphins and create memorable experiences with them.
If you’re planning to visit Dolphin Bay, this guide will show you everything that you need to know about this popular water park in Atlantis The Palm.
What is Dolphin Bay?
Dolphin Bay is an 11-acre themed water park created to focus on dolphins and the experiences they offer.
Located in Atlantis Aquaventure on Atlantis The Palm, this water park has three lagoons and seven interconnected pools to give the dolphins plenty of space to swim and feel at home in their natural habitat.
Dolphin Bay offers different experiences that don’t only give you a chance to be with the dolphins on the water but also learn about their routine, behavior and habits.
The theme park even has a youth programme for teenagers aged 12-16 who dream of becoming a marine biologist.
What separates Dolphin Bay from similar parks is that it’s not only created for entertainment but also as a conservation habitat for the Indo-Pacific dolphins.
The entire water park uses more than 26 million liters of water to make sure that the dolphins are comfortable in their environment.
Best Time to Go
Since Dolphin Bay is an outdoor tourist attraction, it’s best to visit it in the winter from December to March when the weather is fair in Dubai. Here, you can make the most of your day with the dolphins without being exposed to the sweltering heat of the sun.
Things to Know
Here are some of the most important things that you need to know to make your visit to Dolphin Bay more worthwhile:
- Operating Hours
Dolphin Bay is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. But you should take note that different experiences have their own timings.
Operating hours may also vary on holidays and during the Holy Month of Ramadan. So, make sure to check with the theme park before your visit.
- Ticket Prices
Ticket prices at Dolphin Bay will vary depending on the type of experience that you choose:
All these experiences come with a complimentary pass to the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark.
But before you book any of these experiences, make sure that you’re qualified to do them since there are height and age restrictions in some of these activities.
- Rules Inside the Habitat
Never wear any hair accessories or jewelry during the encounter as they may fall into the water and can pose a hazard to the dolphins.
Video recording is also not allowed since it can cause stress to the dolphins.
How to Get Around
Trains: Since Dolphin Bay is in Palm Jumeirah, the only Metro that has access to this attraction is the island’s Palm Monorail. You can ride the train to the Palm Atlantis Monorail Station and take a taxi going to Dolphin Bay.
Buses: Unfortunately, there are no bus lines that travel near Dolphin Bay.
Taxis: Your most convenient option for getting to and from Dolphin Bay is through taxi. You can take a taxi from anywhere in the city or book one through Uber or Careem, which is the local alternative to Uber in Dubai.
Car service: If you want to travel through private car service, you have the option to arrange it with your hotel or travel agent. You can also rent a self-drive car that you can use in going around the city.
Where to Stay Near Dolphin Bay
Atlantis The Palm
Address: Crescent Road – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 426 2000
Pricing: $$$
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It’s easily one of the most recognizable resorts in all of Dubai since it sits right at the crescent of prestigious Palm Jumeirah.
Over the years, Atlantis The Palm has built a reputation for its world-class hospitality and iconic rooms.
The resort is inspired by the underwater city of Atlantis and it has two suites that actually make you experience what it feels like to be underwater.
Of course, Atlantis The Palm also has attractions including the Lost Chambers Aquarium that’s home to more than 65,000 marine animals.
Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort and Spa
Address: East Crescent Road – Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 588 070 880
Pricing: $$$
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Do you want to feel like you’re in the French Polynesia during your stay in Dubai?
Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort and Spa has all the makings of a perfect holiday, from its lush greenery to its world-class accommodations.
Indulge in a room with beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf, relax in the hotel’s world class spa or just enjoy all its amenities and nearby attractions including Dolphin Bay.
C Central Resort The Palm
Address: Palm Jumeirah – Crescent Road – The Palm – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 487 35 500
Pricing: $$
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Combining a modern facade with contemporary decor, C Central Resort The Palm offers luxury in a relaxing beachfront environment.
Here, you can choose from one of the 203 rooms and suites with stunning views of the Gulf and Palm Jumeirah.
You also get access to the resort’s private beach, spa, restaurants, pool bar and fitness center, all without breaking your bank.
The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel
Address: East Crescent – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 524 7777
Pricing: $$$
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If you’re looking for a resort that will revujenate your mind and body, The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel is the first wellness resort in the Middle East.
The resort doesn’t only offer beautiful rooms and suites with views of the water and the island, but it also has different amenities that are focused on wellness and relaxation.
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
Address: Crescent Road – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 818 2222
Pricing: $$$
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Known around the world for its unmatched elegance and hospitality, the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumierah captures the relaxing views of Palm Jumeirah by day and its bustling nightlife in one place.
The hotel doesn’t only have some of the best rooms and suites on the island, but it’s also home to six famous restaurants and bars, the exclusive Pearl Club and many other amenities.
Where to Eat Near Dolphin Bay
Nobu Dubai
Address: 22nd Floor – Atlantis, The Palm – Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 426 0760
Pricing: $$$
Website
It’s the favorite Japanese restaurant of many celebrities for a reason – because it revolutionized Japanese cuisine by combining traditional ingredients with modern innovative methods.
The masterpiece of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Nobu Dubai on Atlantis The Palm has one of the most beautiful views of the island.
But more than the panoramic views, this restaurant will treat your palate to dishes like wagyu beef tacos, tuna tataki and the famous black cod miso.
En Fuego Dubai
Address: Atlantis The Palm – Crescent Road – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 426 2626
Pricing: $$
Website
If you’re craving for Latin American food, only one place should come to mind: En Fuego Dubai.
Known as the bst Latin American restaurant in the city, En Fuego Dubai isn’t just your typical restaurant.
Stepping inside its doors will instantly transport you to Latin America with its colorful interiors, lively entertainment and social dining concept.
You’ll surely feel like you’re in a fiesta as you enjoy good Latin American dishes while singers, dancers and entertainers keep the energy alive throughout the night.
Ossiano
Address: Atlantis The Palm – Crescent Road – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 426 0770
Pricing: $$$
Website
Treat yourself to one of the best meals you’ll ever have in your life at the Michelin-starred Ossiano in Atlantis The Palm.
Offering a progressive fine dining experience, this restaurant by Chef Gregoire Berger will indulge your senses with different dishes inspired by the ocean using the best ingredients in the world.
You also get to feel like you’re underwater as a massive aquarium features fishes, sharks and stingrays.
What to Do in Dolphin Bay
Swim With the Dolphins
If you’ve always dreamed of swimming with the friendly dolphins, this is your chance to do so at Dolphin Bay.
After getting an orientation with a marine specialist to make sure that you and the dolphins are safe, you can already spend time with these gentle creatures in their lagoon.
If you want to take the experience further, you can also go kayaking while being surrounded by dolphins.
Timings for this activity are at 10:00 AM, 11:45 AM, 2:45 PM and 3:45 PM. Kayaking is also allowed for guests 8 years old and above.
On the other hand, you can go paddleboading on the lagoon with timings at 9:30 AM, 10:45 AM, 1:45 PM and 4:30 PM. This activity is allowed for guests 12 years old and above.
Get Up Close and Personal with the Dolphins
If you want to spend more time with the dolphins, you can book a dolphin encounter where you get 30 minutes with the friendly creatures on the water.
A marine specialist will also teach you about how these dolphins behave, feed and play with humans, and even show you tricks that these gentle creatures can do.
If you want to capture the memory, especially if you’re doing it with the entire family, Dolphin Bay has an onsite photographer to take your photos.
The best part is, this activity is open for people of all ages.
Meet and Greet with the Dolphins
Does your kid want to see the dolphins but he’s too afraid to get into the water? You don’t need to worry because Dolphin Bay also offers a meet and greet with their residents.
Here, you can sit near the lagoon and the marine specialist will let the dolphins swim up to you, so you can touch them and take photos with the onsite photographer.
Let the Kids Join the Youth Programme
If you have kids and teenagers aged 8 to 18 years old who are interested in learning about dolphins, let them join Dolphin Bay’s Youth Programme.
This special activity lets guests into the unique world of dolphins and how marine specialists make sure that they stay healthy, comfortable and happy.
The theme park has a team of more than 100 marine specialists who will teach your kids the importance of conserving the ocean and taking care of the dolphins.
Whether they choose to pursue becoming a marine specialist or not, this is surely an experience that they’ll never forget.
To take the experience further, you can also book for a behind-the-scense dolphin tales tour where a marine specialist will show you to the fish laboratory, hospital and pharmacy.
Where to Shop Near Dolphin Bay
The Shops at Atlantis The Palm
Address: The Avenues – Atlantis the Palm – Crescent Road – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: 04 426 1424
Website
After getting up close and personal with the dolphins, you can enjoy some retail therapy at the shops at Atlantis The Palm.
Located on The Avenues part of the resort, you’ll find a wide array of stores from local and designer brands carrying everything from swimwear to jewelry.
Here, you can find brands like Tiffany & Co., Via Rodeo, Stefano Ricci and Bmore Dubai.
Nakheel Mall
Address: Palm Jumeirah Center – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 800 625 4335
Website
The biggest mall in Palm Jumeirah, Nakheel Mall is the ultimate shopping destination if you’re looking for local and international brands that sell the best products in the city.
With five levels, you’ll surely find what you’re looking for in Nakheel Mall and you can also dine at one of the many restaurants and cafes in the mall.
It’s also home to The Rooftop and The View that are popular attractions in Dubai. Nakheel Mall is also connected to the Palm Monorail, which makes it easy to take public transport.
What to Expect from Weather in Dolphin Bay
Winter: Being in the middle of the desert, you can’t expect any snow or heavy rainfall in Dubai. But the winter months that run from December to March is the best time to explore the city since the weather is colder.
Summer: If you don’t like the heat, you have to avoid being in Dubai during the summer. From June to September, the heat and humidity are at their highest with temperatures reaching as high as 50 degrees Celsius.
Transition period: Dubai goes through two transition periods – April to May and October to November. This is when the weather become unpredictable since the city is switching seasons.
Apps to Download When Visiting Dolphin Bay
RTA Dubai Drive: A useful tool that will help you navigate around the city to go to different tourist attractions. It also helps you find the best parking areas in the places you visit.
iOs | Android
Uber: Booking a private car service to take you to and from Dolphin Bay
iOs | Android
S’hail: The best tool to use if you want to learn about the public transport system of Dubai including the bus, tram, monorail, metro and water buses
iOs | Android
Visit Dubai: The app that has all the information you need about the top tourist spots in Dubai including Dolphin Bay
iOs | Android