Top 3 Dolphin Watching Trips in the UAE

1.Dolphin Encounter & Aquaventure Waterpark Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,269 reviews · from $197Our pick

At Atlantis the Palm, a marine mammal specialist prepares you for a 30-minute shallow-water dolphin encounter. You’ll learn about dolphins, meet one at close range, then use the same-day Aquaventure ticket for slides such as Leap of Faith and Odyssey of Terror. Children under 12 need a paying adult. Guides may include Julia, Warwick, Ryan, or Alexandro.

“We done the Dolphin encounter as a family of 6. It was incredible. The guides (Warwick was one of the guides) were very interactive and taught us a lot about Tina the Dolphin. Tina was so social with humans too. would love to do the swim with the dolphin next time. Photos are quite expensive but was cheaper for me to purchase the lot on digital which was 1275 AED and we had around 58 photos in total. other wise it is 150 AED per photo.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Swim with Dolphins at Atlantis Waterpark

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,184 reviews · from $225

Meet a dolphin at Atlantis Dubai’s Dolphin Bay after a 15-minute briefing, then spend up to 30 minutes in 3-meter-deep water with trained handlers. You’ll snorkel, try simple maneuvers, receive a hug, and watch the dolphins perform. The $225 price also includes same-day Aquaventure access, towels, lockers, and drinks.

“Wow the most incredible experience loved every minute worth paying the extra £20 to swim with the dolphins, we were lucky enough to be the only 2 booked at the time slot so received the VIP experience…. Totally recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Dubai Dolphinarium Dolphin, Seal & Bird Show Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,020 reviews · from $25Best value

At Dubai Dolphinarium in Creek Park, you’ll watch bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, seals, and trained birds perform. A standard ticket costs $25, with VIP seating and options that include the exotic bird show. Bring AED 5 for Creek Park entry, and note that children under 12 need an adult in the arena.

“We had a fantastic time at the Dubai Dolphinarium watching the dolphin, seal, and bird show. The dolphins were incredible — so clever and full of personality — and the seals were adorable and entertaining. The bird show was colourful and interactive, with some amazing tricks. Everything was well organised, family-friendly, and kept both adults and kids engaged from start to finish. Definitely worth a visit when in Dubai!”

Check availability →Read our full review