UAE scuba diving is more than just a luxury travel destination for the uber-rich. This bustling desert destination offers a number of extraordinary underwater adventures.

Nestled in the Arabian Gulf, Dubai boasts a variety of dive sites, from man-made aquariums to artificial reefs to wrecks and natural coral formations.

With the UAE’s development, diving here is quite different from diving in the Caribbean or the Pacific, but the city’s best dive sites do feature virtually everything a diving enthusiast could ever ask for: crystal-clear waters, an almost year-round diving season, and an abundance of marine life!

Ready to take the plunge? Below are the 13 best indoor and outdoor dive sites in UAE and how to get to them from Dubai!

We spoke with dive experts at Dive In, who have over 20 different diving experts and years of diving experience, to give you all their best advice for diving in Dubai.

*This article contains affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate and a member of other affiliate programs, I earn a commission when you click a link and make a qualifying purchase. (See link to full disclosure below).

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Indoor Scuba Diving Dubai

While the terms ‘indoor’ and ‘diving’ are not usually mentioned in the same sentence together, many benefits come with indoor dive sites.

First, indoor dive sites are generally safer and more comfortable than outdoor ones. Allowing for more controlled conditions, eliminating variables such as currents, tides, and unpredictable weather.

Second, indoor diving offers convenience, such as not needing to travel far and ease of access. Indoor dive sites allow longer dive times and feature amenities such as changing rooms, gear rentals, and showers!

Plus, they’re usually open year-round. Lastly, indoor diving is an excellent platform for skill development, as instructors can focus on teaching basic diving skills and concepts without worrying about unpredictable external factors that would mostly be present in outdoor diving.

Deep Dive Dubai

Equipped with the world’s largest swimming pool (with a total depth of 60 meters!), Deep Dive Dubai offers a unique indoor diving experience for divers of all levels. The pool is filled with 14 million liters of purified water that’s kept at a constant 30 degrees Celsius, and features an astonishing underwater abandoned metropolis–complete with submerged buildings, streets, and even a fully furnished apartment!

Located in Nad Al Sheba, just 15 minutes away from Downtown Dubai, Deep Dive Dubai offers a variety of underwater adventures. Certified divers may partake immediately in Scuba Dives, while non-certified divers can start off with Discover Scuba Diving, Discover Snorkeling, and Shallow Dives!

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How much does it cost to go to Deep Dive Dubai?

Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool for diving starts from 400 AED for snorkelling to 3000 AED depending on the scuba diving package you choose. This includes all equipment for your dive. For a beginner’s dive package with an instructor is currently 1800 AED per person.

You can also add extras such as having a recorded session.

Is Deep Dive Dubai worth it?

Absolutely, Deep Dive Dubai has record-breaking depths and captivating underwater structures, all in a controlled environment. Offering a unique opportunity for an unforgettable diving experience! Plus it caters to both beginners and experienced divers.

Atlantis

Diving at Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai is an exceptional underwater experience that allows you to explore a mesmerizing world beneath the waves. There are two options, whether you prefer to dive at Aquaventure or Lost Chambers Aquarium. The options depend on if you are a certified or none certified diver.

For none certified divers or those wanting you to snorkel, you can start with The Ambassador Lagoon which is part of Lost Chambers Aquarium. This stunning 11 million litre aquarium features 65,000 marine animals and offers the chance to dive alongside a diverse array of marine life; including tropical fish, graceful rays and even sharks.

Other captivating options include a Shark Safari, Shark Snorkel, Aquatek Extreme or Dive Discovery. While certified divers can choose from Dive Explorer or Predator Dive.

Additionally, if you want to become a certified diver, Atlantis offers PADI courses. There are also other marine-based experiences such as swimming with dolphins, sea lion experiences or of course their legendary largest waterpark in Dubai and the world!

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Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Located in the iconic Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium is an incredible dive destination ideal for certified and non-certified divers alike. The Aquarium’s 10-million-litre tank (one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world) is home to over 140 aquatic species, including over 400 rays and sharks.

Currently, the Aquarium offers these dive experiences: Shark Dives (790 AED); Specialty Dives (2,100 AED); PADI Discover Scuba Diver program with Al Boom Diving (1,210 AED); Cage Shark Walker Experience (620 AED); and Cage Snorkeling Experience (370 AED). All prices are inclusive of scuba gear!

While non-certified divers may avail of the Shark Walker and Cage Snorkeling experiences, they would still have to complete the PADI Discover Scuba Diver program to be able to do Shark Dives and Specialty Dives.

What are the dive experiences offered at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo?

The Dubai Aquarium offers Shark Dives, Specialty Dives, PADI Discover Scuba Diver program with Al Boom Diving, Cage Shark Walker Experience and Cage Snorkeling Experience.

Marine Dive Sites in Dubai

Of course, while there are many benefits that come with indoor diving, there’s really no substitute for the real thing if you want to explore underwater landscapes. Yes, there’s more risk involved (in theory), but the variety of dive sites and diving conditions, the enhanced physical benefits, as well as the sense of freedom that comes with being able to connect with nature make the risk worth it. 

Zainab Shipwreck

Among the most popular dive sites in Dubai, the Zainab shipwreck is located approximately 19 nautical miles off the coast of Dubai. Originally used to transport (or smuggle, depending on who tells the story) oil, the vessel was sunk in 2001. Today, more than two decades later, the region’s marine life has taken over the wreckage; and dives here now feature sightings of snappers, batfish and yellowtail barracudas!

With a maximum depth of 30 meters, the Zainab shipwreck is an ideal site for more advanced divers.

MV Ludwig 

Another notable wreck off the coast of Dubai (one of the most well-preserved), the MV Ludwig was sunk in 2000 during one of the UAE armed forces’ target practice sessions. Today, lying mostly intact on its port side, it now serves as a home for a variety of Dubai’s marine life.

Some of the species found here include barracudas, damselfish, sea squirts, and pennant fish. With a maximum depth of 27 meters, this dive site is most suited for advanced divers. 

MV Dara 

One of the most historic wreck dive sites on this list, the MV Dara, originally built in 1948, was a four-deck high passenger liner that travelled between Dubai and Muscat. It was tragically sunk in 1961 when it struck a mine. The resulting fire and explosions took a total of 238 lives. As such, this dive site also serves as a memorial.

Today, the wreck lies in the Persian Gulf on its starboard site in three main sections. Unlike the MV Ludwig, however, only the front and back end of the MV Dara are still recognizable. While it has become home to a diverse array of marine life, most divers explore this site for its history. With a maximum depth of  30 meters, the site features strong currents and unpredictable visibility, which makes it suitable only for highly experienced divers. 

Mariam Express

Located off the coast of Dubai, the Mariam Express was a ro-ro vessel that transported cargo from the UAR to Iraq. It was sailing from Hamriah Port to Iraq when it sank due to rough sea conditions in 2006.

Lying at a maximum depth of around 25 meters, the wreck is now home to a wide variety of marine life. Dives here feature sightings of spotted eagle rays, yellowtail barracuda, and a variety of flatworms and nudibranchs.

Martini Rock

Situated near the Palm Jumeirah, Martini Rock gets its name from the martini glass shape its rocky pinnacles form beneath the surface. This dive site is known for its great visibility even on bad days, and its abundance of marine life–making it ideal for divers who are into underwater photography, so make sure you bring your underwater camera with you when you make your dive here.

Divers here will usually encounter nudibranchs, trigger fish, scorpion fish, lionfish, cuttlefish, snappers, turtles, rays, and moray eels. The site also features a variety of soft and hard corals. Martini Rock has a maximum depth of approximately 20 meters.

Jumeirah Beach

Offering arguably the best dive sites in Dubai for beginners, no Dubai diving list is complete without mentioning Jumeirah Beach. Dive sites here range from around 5 to 12 meters in depth, and their generally calm conditions are great for those just starting their scuba diving journey.

Of course, another factor that makes Jumeirah Beach ideal for beginners is its accessibility. It’s a popular tourist destination, and is located in the heart of Dubai–so it requires minimal travel time, and is very near equipment rentals and dive shops!

Diving in Dubai is an incredible experience that combines the allure of a modern cosmopolitan city with the natural wonders of the underwater world. The city offers something for every skill level and preference – from indoor aquariums to artificial reefs, to natural formations. Whether you’re just beginning your scuba diving journey, or planning to test your wreck diving skills, Dubai is definitely worth visiting.

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UAE Marine Sites & Scuba Diving Tours from Dubai

Red Buoy

Located around 20km off the coast of Abu Dhabi, Red Buoy is a great dive site for divers who value visibility above all else. The dive site has a maximum depth of around 11 meters, and is home to a variety of marine life.

The site’s crystal clear waters offers divers and snorkelers an incredible view of its vibrant reefs and the reef fishes that live in them. Whale sharks have also been known to visit the area.

Sharm Rock 

Also known as Three Rocks, Sharm Rock is one of the best dive sites in Fujairah for snorkelers and entry-level divers. It is easily accessible from the coast, has great visibility (making it ideal for night dives), mild currents, and manageable depths at 10 to 22 meters.

On top of all that, Sharm Rock is teeming with marine life. Divers here may encounter bannerfish, puffers, snappers, moray eels, reef sharks, cuttlefish, and turtles navigating vibrant coral formations. In warmer seasons, whale sharks are occasionally spotted in and around the dive site!

Inchcape I 

Located in Fujairah, the Inchcape I is an artificial reef created in 2001. Before it was decommissioned and intentionally sunk, the vessel was utilized to transport crew and supplies to and from ships, oil platforms and rigs in both Dubai and Fujairah.

Resting on a sandy seabed at a depth of 30 meters, the sunken vessel is now home to vibrant pink and purple corals, sponges, and anemones. Nudibranchs, sea horses, moray eels, and different types of fish can also be seen patrolling the wreck. This dive site is ideal for advanced divers.

Dibba Rock

A perennial favourite among snorkelers and divers alike, Dibba Rock is a small rocky island in Fujairah. This marine protected dive site is characterized by an impressive coral reef system, adorned with colourful hard and soft corals. Dibba Rock is home to a high population of green turtles, black-tipped reef sharks, as well as many species of fish.

While the area is prone to both thermoclines and strong currents, it only has a maximum depth of around 14 meters–making it ideal for beginner divers.

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Final thoughts on where to Dive in UAE

If it’s your first time diving, it’s best to start off easy and learn the ropes; we recommend Jumeirah Beach as the perfect dive site to learn and enjoy some cool photos with the Burj Al Arab in the background.

Scuba diving in Dubai offers an extraordinary journey into a captivating underwater world. From exploring artificial reefs and encountering marine life in a giant aquarium to delving into historic wrecks, Dubai’s diverse dive sites provide an array of underwater experiences for enthusiasts of all levels.

The warm waters, excellent visibility, and unique marine ecosystems make Dubai a remarkable destination for both beginners and seasoned divers. Deep Dive Dubai offers a unique experience with record-breaking depths while Jumeirah Beach offers the perfect beginners adventure for those wanting a marine-based site.

As the city seamlessly blends modernity with heritage, scuba diving here not only reveals the treasures of the deep but also reflects the rich cultural tapestry that defines Dubai. So, whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures, tranquil moments beneath the waves, or the chance to witness marine conservation efforts, Dubai’s underwater world promises a journey of discovery, wonder, and unforgettable memories.

Before you go, check out some of these other articles you might be interested in:

– Interested in seeing more wildlife in Dubai? Check out our guide to Dubai Butterfly Garden
– More adventure at sea, see Dubai’s attractions from the sea with a Jetski tour of Dubai
– Stay by the sea with the the best hotels on Palm Jumeirah
– Enjoy a beach day with things to do at Kite Beach Dubai

 Frequently Asked Questions about Diving in Dubai

*This article contains affiliate links, as an Amazon Associate and a member of other affiliate programs, I earn a commission when you click a link and a qualifying purchase is made. (See Disclosure for more details)