Dubai was on my way back from diving in Maldives, and since it's full of fun things to do, I figured I'd go diving in one of the 2 Aquariums. The Lost Chambers Aquarium by palm beach, also offered aquarium diving. It felt more appealing, especially as they use ocean water, so there is no restriction in bringing your own gear (including camera) unlike other aquariums that try to prevent contamination, but it turns out their diving aquarium is actually smaller, and they charge an even more ridiculous amount of money for a dive ($330 for 30mn), while the bigger Dubai aquarium was a bit less than half, although you had to pay extra for the guide to film you (since I couldn't bring my own camera).
So, I went with the Dubai aquarium, which I think was a good choice, it's still not cheap, but no aquarium is, 30mn felt short, but it was probably long enough given that I didn't have to go anywhere, and the extra I paid for video, gave me some good shots, when I'm usually never in diving shots :)
The dive center had all the gear you needed (but make sure to get the 5mm wetsuit, 3mm is too cold for 24C):
Like all aquariums, they have a small platform you go from:
And then I got a bunch of shots even if the quality was lesser than my own diving camera:
And interestingly, while the lost chambers aquarium might not be the best choice to dive (more limited hours for diving and a lot more expensive), that other aquarium is in my opinion the nicer one of the two to visit from the dry side :)
video summary:
The Dubai Mall Aquarium, located in the largest mall in the world, is a bit of a weird layout as it's on multiple floors (which half makes sense based on how tall the main aquarium, is). Contrary to the Palm Jumeirah Lost Chambers Aquarium, it has more than just sea life, which both fun, and a bit out of place for an aquarium (I mean, they had hedgehogs and reptiles, mmmh, ok).
I did enjoy diving in the main aquarium, that was definitely fun. After the dive, I did a visit of the aquarium on its multiple floors and that was fun too.
they had lots of tours for non divers
nursery for new jellyfish
algea
getting a new baby blue spotted ray ready for the main exhibit
I love nurse sharks, they are pretty and kind looking :)
The main aquarium had bigger fish:
that the tube I dived on the other side of, and photobombed a few people :)
