Scuba diving in Dubai

Plunge into the magical underwater world and see a different side to Dubai on an immersive scuba diving adventure. Whether you’re swimming with sharks in an aquarium or checking out the coral in the Gulf of Oman, it will be an experience to cherish.

Scuba diving tours in Dubai are available for all levels of explorer with everything from taster sessions to PADI open-water courses on offer.

Below you will find our comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about booking a scuba diving tour, one of the most exciting outdoor activities in Dubai.

What are the most popular scuba diving experiences in Dubai?

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to Dubai scuba diving tours. Check out these excursion options to see which best suits your ability and requirements.

Aquarium diving experience

This is a fantastic opportunity to dive in a controlled environment while surrounded by 65,000 marine creatures. It takes place in the Ambassador Lagoon at The Lost Chambers Aquarium and sessions are available for beginners and pros.

Certified divers can hand-feed sharks and rays for the ultimate thrill.

Introductory sea diving tour

The most popular scuba diving tours in Dubai are the open-water taster sessions that are ideal for beginners. You will be diving off Jumeirah Beach, with a safety briefing on breathing techniques and hand signals.

After learning the basics, you will dive to a maximum depth of 40 feet. Groups are kept small to ensure personal attention from your instructor.

Boat diving tour in Dubai

Suitable for divers of all experiences, these longer tours give you the opportunity to discover sea life in its natural habitat. Diving is from the boat, with land transfers included.

Some trips offer underwater fish feeding while the instructors take photos and videos of your interactions.

Dubai PADI open water diving course

If you want to get certified, you can take a PADI open water diving course in Dubai. Over three days, you will undertake some confined water training before heading out to sea. Four open water dives are included.

Those with less time can take the PADI 2-day course which gives you a license to dive up to 40 feet. To save time, you can do the e-learning at home.

Shipwreck diving adventure in Dubai

Certified divers can submerge in multiple locations and swim over shipwrecks on this advanced sea tour. You will explore lesser-visited sites where unusual marine life and vibrant coral await.

Transfers are usually included on these scuba diving tours in Dubai.

How much will I pay to go scuba diving in Dubai?

Tank diving experiences in the Ambassador Lagoon start at $299 per person for 1.5 hours. Equipment and a wetsuit are provided.

Introductory scuba diving tours in Dubai cost $101 for two hours, $112 for three hours, and $170 for four hours. Instruction and equipment are included.

The three-hour standard diving boat tours are priced at $112 with hotel pick-ups and $81 without transfers. Full-day trips to Fujairah start at $139 and include transport and lunch.

Shipwreck diving excursions cost $157 per person for two dives over four hours. You can rent diving equipment for an additional cost or bring your own.

PADI open water diving courses are $354 for three days or $346 for the express two-day experience. E-learning packages covering the theoretical side can be supplied for an additional charge.

Where will I go scuba diving in Dubai?

Whether you are exploring shipwrecks, lagoons, or beach reefs, there is always something exciting to experience. These are the main locations that you can visit on Dubai scuba diving tours.

Ambassador Lagoon

The Ambassador Lagoon is the main event at The Lost Chambers Aquarium in Dubai. This colossal open-air tank is home to thousands of sea creatures and is a safe environment for amateur and expert divers to explore.

You will swim with tropical fish, rays, and sharks. On some dive packages, participants can even have a go at hand-feeding some of the monsters of the deep.

Jumeirah Beach

Many of the introductory diving tours in Dubai start at Jumeirah Beach. Located five miles from Downtown Dubai, this long stretch of white sand borders the entire Jumeirah district.

Entry to the water is gentle, with shallow reefs making this an immersive yet safe experience for beginners. The sandy seabed means that it is easy to spot colorful coral and tropical fish.

This is a great place to dive as the waters are teeming with marine life, just a short distance from shore.

Fujairah

The longer Dubai scuba diving excursions tend to head over to Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman. The waters here are perfect for underwater reef exploration, and you can expect to see everything from clownfish and sea turtles to blacktip sharks and cuttlefish.

Some of the top dive sites are found here, including Dibba Rock, Sharm Rock, and Hole in the Wall. Highlights for certified divers include the Inchcape shipwrecks, which are home to seahorses, frogfish, and a pair of moray eels called Fred and Wilma!

How long do scuba diving tours last?

Dubai scuba diving trips are between 1.5 hours and three days, depending on which experience you choose.

The shortest option is the tank diving session at Ambassadors Lagoon, which lasts 1.5 hours.

Introductory scuba diving tours in Dubai are generally two hours long, with 45 minutes in the water. Three- and four-hour excursions are also available.

Standard beach diving sessions for all levels are three hours, again with 45 minutes in the water.

Fujairah diving trips and shipwreck excursions last a full day with door-to-door transfers returning you in time for dinner.

Both 2-day and 3-day options are available for the PADI open water diving course.

Where is the departure point for scuba diving tours in Dubai?

Many scuba diving tours in Dubai depart from the Azure Residences on Palm Jumeirah. These include the popular introductory sessions, and the PADI open water diving courses. You will need to make your own way there – a taxi from your hotel is the easiest option.

For the tank diving experience, head to The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah. Then follow signs to the Ambassadors Lagoon.

The full-day Dubai scuba diving trips and shipwreck tours that take you across to Fujairah all include hotel transfers.

When is the best time to go scuba diving in Dubai?

Scuba diving tours in Dubai are possible all year round, with sea temperatures averaging around 77˚F. However, visibility is at its best between spring and fall.

It’s a good idea to avoid the height of summer because although water conditions are pleasant, back on land things are sizzling. During this time, most other sightseeing tours can be uncomfortable in the heat.

For the best of both worlds, visit between March and June for optimum conditions.

Which other water activities can be done in Dubai?

• Snorkeling in Dubai
• Kayaking in Dubai
• Boat trips in Dubai
• Jet ski rides in Dubai
• Parasailing in Dubai
• Speedboat cruises in Dubai
• Flyboarding in Dubai

Travel tips

• Reserve your spot on a scuba diving tour in Dubai before you arrive in the country, to ensure you don’t miss out on your chosen dates.
• Wear your swimming costume and pack a change of clothing for after the dive. Towels are sometimes provided so check the operator details before you head out.
• You will be required to present your ID on most tours so take your passport with you.
• Feel free to take a Go-Pro camera if you have one, but many excursions offer free photos and sometimes videos if you prefer to stay hands-free.