Dreaming of exploring vibrant underwater worlds and encountering fascinating marine life in Abu Dhabi? The National Aquarium, a truly impressive facility at Al Qana, offers an immersive journey through diverse aquatic ecosystems, showcasing thousands of creatures from around the globe, making it a must-visit for families and marine enthusiasts alike. This incredible attraction promises an educational and awe-inspiring experience, allowing you to get up close with everything from majestic sharks to playful otters.
Before you dive into this aquatic adventure, understanding the entry costs and available ticket options is important to help you plan your visit effectively. The National Aquarium offers various ticket tiers, catering to different interests and desired levels of interaction. We’ll break down the general entry information and what each ticket type typically offers, ensuring you choose the best experience for your budget and curiosity.
The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi Ticket Options
The National Aquarium offers several ticket types, allowing visitors to choose the experience that best suits their preferences and how much they want to explore.
General Admission
The General Admission ticket is your standard entry to The National Aquarium, providing access to its primary attractions and exhibition zones. This ticket allows you to embark on the “Aquarium Journey” through all 10 themed zones, where you can discover over 46,000 animals representing more than 300 unique species. You get to walk through the Middle East’s longest underwater tunnel, marvel at the diverse marine life, and learn about various ecosystems.
This option is perfect if you want to experience the core offerings of the aquarium and explore at your own pace. It includes access to educational exhibitions and live feeding sessions, providing a comprehensive look at the aquarium’s inhabitants and their natural behaviors. Expect the General Admission ticket to be around AED 110 per person, though prices can vary slightly depending on where you purchase them. Children under three years old typically receive free entry, but it’s always best to confirm directly with the aquarium or your ticket provider.
Beyond the Glass Experience
For those who wish to delve deeper into the aquarium’s operations and animal care, the Beyond the Glass Experience ticket offers an enhanced visit. This ticket typically includes the standard aquarium journey along with a guided tour behind the scenes. This exclusive access allows you to see how the aquarium staff care for the animals, prepare their food, and manage the complex life support systems that keep the aquatic environments thriving.
A highlight of this ticket often includes the Glass Bridge Walk, where you can stroll across a transparent bridge above one of the main tanks, offering a thrilling perspective of sharks and other large marine creatures swimming directly beneath your feet. This ticket is designed for visitors who seek a more interactive and educational understanding of marine conservation and the daily workings of a large aquarium. The approximate cost for the Beyond the Glass Experience is around AED 140 per person.
Bu Tinah Dhow Ticket
The Bu Tinah Dhow Ticket provides a unique perspective of the aquarium’s main exhibits by including a Glass Bottom Boat Tour. This tour allows you to glide over the surface of the large tanks in a specialized boat with a transparent bottom, offering an unparalleled view of the aquatic life below. You can observe sharks, rays, and other large fish swimming gracefully in their habitat from a different angle, creating a memorable experience.
In addition to the boat tour, this ticket grants you full access to the 10-zone aquarium journey. It’s an excellent option for those looking for a novel way to interact with the marine environment without getting wet. The Bu Tinah Dhow Ticket is typically priced around AED 160 per person, offering good value for the added experience.
All Access Pass
For the ultimate experience at The National Aquarium, the All Access Pass combines all the premium features into one comprehensive ticket. This pass typically includes the standard aquarium journey, the thrilling Glass Bridge Walk, the immersive Glass Bottom Boat Tour, and the fascinating Behind-the-Scenes guided tour.
The All Access Pass ensures you don’t miss out on any of the unique interactive and educational opportunities available at the aquarium. It’s ideal for visitors who want to maximize their time and gain a complete understanding of this impressive facility. The All Access Pass is usually available for approximately AED 190 per person, offering the most in-depth and engaging visit.
Where to Purchase Tickets
You have several convenient options for purchasing your tickets to The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi.
Online Through Official Website
The most straightforward and often recommended way to buy tickets is directly through The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi’s official website. Purchasing online allows you to select your preferred date and time slot, which can help manage crowds and ensure your entry, especially during peak seasons. The official website often has the most accurate and up-to-date information on ticket availability, pricing, and any special offers. Booking in advance can also save you time upon arrival, as you can often bypass ticket queues.
Third-Party Booking Platforms
Various third-party online booking platforms also offer tickets to The National Aquarium. Websites like Headout, Platinumlist, and Cobone frequently have deals and discounts, sometimes offering slightly lower prices than direct purchases. It’s worth checking these platforms, as they occasionally provide combo deals that include entry to other Abu Dhabi attractions, which can offer significant savings if you plan to visit multiple sites. Always ensure you are purchasing from reputable and authorized vendors to avoid any issues with your tickets.
At the Aquarium Entrance
You can also purchase tickets directly at the entrance of The National Aquarium at Al Qana. While convenient for spontaneous visits, this option might mean longer waiting times, especially during weekends, public holidays, or school breaks. It’s always advisable to check the aquarium’s operating hours and expected crowd levels if you plan to buy tickets on arrival.
Important Information to Consider
A few additional details will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to The National Aquarium.
Children’s Entry Policy
As a general rule, children under the age of three years old are usually admitted free of charge. However, children under a certain age (often 12 or 16) must be accompanied by a paying adult. Always verify the specific age requirements and accompaniment policies when booking your tickets.
Validity of Tickets
Tickets purchased online often have a specific validity period, such as two weeks from the date of purchase. Ensure you use your ticket within this timeframe. Some tickets might be for a specific date and time slot, while others offer more flexibility. Always check the terms and conditions of your chosen ticket type.
Operating Hours
The National Aquarium typically operates seven days a week, with varying hours. Generally, it opens in the morning and closes in the evening. It’s always best to check the official website for the most current operating hours, as these can change due to public holidays, special events, or seasonal adjustments.
Location and Accessibility
The National Aquarium is conveniently located in Al Qana, a popular waterfront destination in Abu Dhabi. It’s easily accessible by car, with ample parking available (though parking might incur a small fee). Public transportation, including buses, also provides access to the area. The aquarium itself is designed to be accessible, accommodating strollers and wheelchairs.
Additional Experiences and Encounters
Beyond the main entry tickets, The National Aquarium often offers additional, separately priced experiences, such as animal encounters (e.g., feeding a shark, meeting a puffin or capybara). These activities provide unique, up-close interactions with specific animals and typically require pre-booking due to limited availability. If you’re interested in these special encounters, check their availability and book them in advance through the official website.
In summary, The National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi provides a spectacular journey into the aquatic world, with various ticket options to suit every interest. While prices can vary slightly based on the package and point of purchase, you can expect the General Admission to be around AED 110, with enhanced experiences costing approximately AED 140 to AED 190. By planning your visit and choosing the right ticket, you’re set for an unforgettable adventure. The www.few.ae team hopes you have a fantastic time exploring the wonders beneath the waves.
then "Add to Home Screen"