It was sometime in late June this year and a typical summer morning in Dubai. We had guests from our homeland and we were to take them for an outing. With rising temperatures, it was better off staying indoors or taking resort in some mall. But then our guests included little kids too and for them, shopping at malls didn't sound very attractive. Of the many indoor options that Dubai has to offer, a Visit to Dubai Aquarium was one of the best choices then.
Dubai Aquarium located at the ground level of the Dubai Mall is said to be one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world. Dubai Mall itself is one of the largest shopping malls in the world and when we reached there, as usual, we were drawn towards the numerous summer shopping offers ongoing in the mall then. But the children dragged us towards our target - the Aquarium. The aquarium had numerous ways and packages for visitors to explore the aquarium, for example, the researcher experience, explorer experience, and so on. Each package had something unique to offer to the visitors. We opted for the explorer package which offered us the options to explore the Aquarium tunnel, the underwater zoo, submersible simulator and a ride in the glass bottom boat. The male members of the family opted out of it and relaxed at a cafe while we ladies went forward with the kids racing ahead of us. Sometimes it is more fun exploring with the kids!
Our trip began with the 48-metre walk-through tunnel which was 11 meters below the surface of the main tank. The viewing panel of the tunnel is made from 19 cm thick acrylic. Kids loved the view of the aquatic world from under the tunnel as sting rays, sharks, and numerous fishes hovered all around the tunnel. This was not our first time since we have had the opportunity to take many of our guests who visit us from India through this wonderful experience. However, being nature lovers, we always enjoyed exploring the marine life.
Next, we proceeded to the underwater zoo. As per the information by the aquarium staff, the aquarium was a house to thousands of aquatic creatures comprising of over 140 species. What we loved about the aquarium was that each of the aquatic species was segregated in groups and there was a touch screen which provided all the information needed regarded its origin, type, species, etc in details. The kids had a lovely time, looking at the live fishes, and gathering all the information they needed about the same. We were mesmerized by the underwater world as we got a glimpse of the octopus, jelly-fishes, iguanas, crocodiles, otters, penguins, turtles, sea horses, and more...The aquarium has multiple levels which could be accessed by hanging bridges or stairs. It was fun walking on the hanging bridges. So, for all those, who need to explore and collect facts regarding the marine world, the underwater zoo is the place he/she must visit. Here, are some pics of the underwater zoo, taken with my mobile.
Thereafter, we proceeded to explore the submersible simulator and this one turned out to be really disappointing. We had to be in an enclosed room and there was a screen which simulated the underwater world, but it was an animated show lasting for about 3 minutes and I would not recommend my friends to opt for this one.
Next was our ride on the glass bottom boat. This was real fun, as we were taken on a guided tour to the aquarium tank. We were informed that the tank that housed the entire aquatic world, held about 10-million liter of water and the acrylic panel is 75cm thick and that it was bulletproof. It was feeding time for the sharks and we could see them jumping for food as the staff offered food to them. From the glass bottom boat, we could see the tunnel beneath and thousands of fishes were floating and diving beneath. Fishes were all around us and below us...and we had an amazing time with the finned beauties.
Finally a few lines from my pondering pen:
Mesmerized by the Finned Beauties
Our trip began with the 48-metre walk-through tunnel which was 11 meters below the surface of the main tank. The viewing panel of the tunnel is made from 19 cm thick acrylic. Kids loved the view of the aquatic world from under the tunnel as sting rays, sharks, and numerous fishes hovered all around the tunnel. This was not our first time since we have had the opportunity to take many of our guests who visit us from India through this wonderful experience. However, being nature lovers, we always enjoyed exploring the marine life.
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| The Aquarium Tunnel - the 48-metre walk-through tunnel |
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| A Giant Octopus |
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| Jelly Fishes |
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| Finding Dory! |
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| Croc Eggs on display |
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| Remnants of prehistoric croc that lived @112 million years ago |
Next was our ride on the glass bottom boat. This was real fun, as we were taken on a guided tour to the aquarium tank. We were informed that the tank that housed the entire aquatic world, held about 10-million liter of water and the acrylic panel is 75cm thick and that it was bulletproof. It was feeding time for the sharks and we could see them jumping for food as the staff offered food to them. From the glass bottom boat, we could see the tunnel beneath and thousands of fishes were floating and diving beneath. Fishes were all around us and below us...and we had an amazing time with the finned beauties.
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| View from the glass bottom boat |
Finally a few lines from my pondering pen:
Mesmerized by the Finned Beauties
We looked for hours mesmerized,
Pressing our faces against the glass,
As magnificent sharks swam round & round,
And thousand of finned beauties swirled all around.
Lurking in the dark corner we found a crocodile
Opening & closing its eyes as if in boredom.
Jelly-fishes floated and swayed all over,
Sting-rays lazily pressed themselves on the glass
As if watching and scrutinizing us.
My daughter pressed her nose against the glass,
And teased the fishes as they swam all over.
Her eyes mirrored the contents of the tank,
Filled with colors from the aquatic world.
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| Mesmerized by the finned beauties! |
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