When you think of Dubai and its surrounding, images of dusty, arid desert dunes comes to mind. Yet in the heart of the Arabian desert sits an unexpected surprise — a little slice of icy Antarctica.

Here, hidden away within the family-friendly Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is Penguin Cove, a magical place where you can get up close and personal with hordes of adorable penguins.

Penguin Cove tickets in hand, you can watch these playful critters in their icy habitat, see them swim in the water, and learn all about how they live and adapt in the wild.

Here's all you need to know about Penguin Cove tickets, one of the most exciting theme parks in Dubai.

How much do penguin Cove tickets cost?

Since the penguin Cove is part of the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo theme park, your entry price depends on the type of ticket you choose.

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo standard ticket costs AED 200 (around US$55) — this option lets you see the world's biggest hanging aquarium, home to more than 33,000 sea creatures.

However, to update to a Penguin Cove ticket, you'll have to pay extra. The Dubai Aquarium with Penguin Cove & Nursey Experience ticket usually costs AED 209 (around US$57).

Who is eligible for discounts?

The Penguin Cove at the Dubai Aquarium only has discounts for UAE residents. If you provide a valid ID, A Penguin Cove & Nursery Experience can cost as little as AED 150 (about US$40).

If you plan on participating in more of the optional activities within the Aquarium, the park also has special combo deals that provide better value for money.

The Ultimate Experience, for example, includes basic entry as well as a guided behind-the-scenes tour, access to Penguin Cove and the Interactive Platform, a glass boat tour, and a fish feeding session – all for AED309 (around US$85).

Should you book in advance?

Yes, it's definitely a good idea to book your tickets ahead of time before going to Penguin Cove at the Dubai Aquarium. This is because the experience is very popular and only has limited capacity.

By booking ahead of time, you guarantee your spot and avoid needing to wait in line to get a ticket on the day.

Plus, booking online and in advance also gives you the chance to take advantage of occasional promotional deals and discounts that can help save money on your penguin Cove ticket.

What are the best penguin Cove tours?

Since the Penguin Cove is located within the bounds of the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, the majority of the Penguin Cove tours actually revolve around the Aquarium.

In these situations, if the Penguin Counter is not already included, you will have the option to pay extra for it as an add-on.

Here’s a quick look at the most popular options:

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo + Penguin Cove Ticket

The most straightforward option, this tour is your basic pre-book entry ticket.

For about US$55, you'll get to discover the incredible underwater world at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, where you can see thousands of sea creatures, as well as encounter the playful Gentoo penguins.

This special deal also lets you cancel for free up to 24 hours before your visit.

Ski Dubai + Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Ticket

Providing excellent value for money at roughly US$95, this combo ticket offers access to two of the most popular attractions in Dubai: Ski Dubai Snow Park and the Aquarium.

At Ski Dubai (located at the Mall of the Emirates), you can take part in various thrilling winter activities — skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and snowball fights, and even mingle with the center's own colony of penguins.

Add that to the underwater escapades at the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, and you've got yourself a fantastic tour package.

LEGOLAND® Water Park + Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Ticket

Ideal for anyone traveling with kids aged 2-12., this combo offers access to both the Legoland Water Park and the Aquarium (where you can pay extra for the Penguin Cove).

In addition to seeing sharks, rays, fish and penguins at the Aquarium, at LEGOLAND, you can explore a world of 20 different LEGO®-themed water slides, towers and attractions.

The ticket costs around US$90 per person, saving around 30% compared to buying individual tickets.

Motiongate™ Dubai + Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Tickets

On top of a day at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, this combo tour also grants you access to Motiongate, a Hollywood-inspired theme park.

Here, you can experience movie magic first-hand with dozens of rides and attractions based on popular Hollywood blockbuster films like Ghostbusters, The Smurfs, Shrek, The Hunger Games, Step Up, Madagascar and plenty more.

This combo ticket costs around US$90 per person, saving roughly 30% compared to buying individual tickets.

What will you see at Penguin Cove?

At the Penguin Cove inside the Dubai Aquarium, the main attraction is the adorable colony of Gentoo penguins. You'll get to watch them swim and play in their very own home called Penguin Cove.

Beyond the Cove itself, the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is chock-full of creatures from around the world. You'll see sharks, rays, fish and plenty more during your visit – over 33,000 sea creatures in total. You can even walk through a fully immersive underwater tunnel, watching dozens of sea creatures swim overhead.

If you'd like to participate in more Encounters, take your pick from the King Croc Encounter, the Otter Encounter, the Shark Trainer Encounter, or the Ray Encounter.

There are plenty of interactive and educational shows throughout the day too, including ray feeding at 10:30 AM, shark feeding at 2 PM, otter presentations at 2:30 PM and Piranha presentations at 2:45 PM

For when you get hungry, there are cafes where you can grab some tasty snacks or drinks.

How to get there?

The Penguin Encounter is conveniently located in the heart of Dubai as part of the the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. This is just one of the many tourist attractions found within the enormous Dubai Mall.

To get to the Dubai Mall, you can take a taxi, use public transportation (get off at the Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall Metro Station), or drive your own car, since there is plenty of parking on-site.

What are the opening times?

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is open all week from 10 AM to 11 PM, with the last admission allowed at 10:15 PM.

The Penguin Encounter has the same opening hours, however, tickets must be bought in advance.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo as well as the Penguin Encounter (Penguin Cove) is wheelchair friendly. Being mostly flat with ramps throughout, the attraction is designed with everyone in mind and provides an unforgettable experience for all.

Keep in mind that some particular sections or activities (such as anything that involves getting in the water) may be inaccessible to wheelchair users.

When is the best time to visit the Penguin Encounter in Dubai?

The best time to visit the Penguin Encounter in Dubai is from November to April, during the cooler months. The more comfortable weather allows you to fully enjoy the penguin exhibit and interactive experiences without the extreme heat of the summer.

Which other theme parks are there in Dubai?

Travel info

Book in advance to secure your spot for the Penguin Encounter in Dubai by making reservations ahead of time.
Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for a chilly environment.
Guests should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
Bring a camera to capture these incredible Antarctic birds with exceptional photo opportunities
This experience is applicable for ages 2 and above and children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. If in doubt, check with the tour provider before booking.

Penguin Cove Tickets