Opened for the public in 2023, Sea World Abu Dhabi is now a beloved spot for both adults and children. It’s the first marine-themed park in the UAE with such a huge collection of sea animals. This park has escalated UAE image as a world-class tourist destination. Both children and adults enjoy it here alike.
This park is not only a fun destination but also an animal research and rehabilitation centre.
Where is Sea World Abu Dhabi Located?
It is located in Yas Abu Dhabi. You can Come here through both Al Maha Street and Al Ibreeq Street. From Al Maha Street via Sheikh Zayed Road, it’s a 15-minute drive and from Al Ibreeq Street it’s only an 8-minute drive. From Dubai, it’s 1 hr 4 minutes drive to reach the sea world.
No shuttle bus comes directly here but there is a shuttle bus service that comes to Yas island and from there you can take a taxi or car which is the best way to come here.
The most famous sea parks are in the USA. This is the first one that is outside the USA and is dedicated to saving and rehabilitating marine life, making it a one-of-a-kind destination. Spread over 183000 m², this park has five indoor levels, each one providing a surreal marine life experience. Here you can see state-of-the-art exhibits, enjoy thrilling rides, and have educational experiences.
Tickets and timing
- Tickets cost 375 AED per person for adults and 290 AED for children. This ticket is non-refundable in any case but transferable.
- You can also have an annual pass for 995 AED and enjoy unlimited visits to the sea park.
- Moreover, there are VIP passes for reserved seating or private tours.
If you are booking online, it’s better to take a print with you to redeem it. However, you can simply show them your mobile too. It’s open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Attractions at Sea World Abu Dhabi
This sea park is a pure adventure for show seekers. There are themed zones, thrilling rides and yummy food. The eight themed zones are
One Ocean
It is a central hub of the park. It showcases the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems. In this zone, you can explore the animal care centre and enjoy a 360-degree media show. In the animal care centre, you can directly talk to the veterans and care experts who are directly involved with the animals. In the media show you will see the majestic and breathtaking ocean views. You can also visit the explorer headquarters for booking and enjoy desserts at a shop.
The Abu Dhabi Ocean
This section gives you insight into Arabian Gulf marine ecosystems. It also provides a glimpse into the rich history of Bedouin families who searched the waters for precious pearls to trade. You can touch the local animals and talk to experts. The featured animals in this section are sea snakes, rays, Dugongs, sea turtles, and bamboo sharks. The major attractions of this place are
- Sea guardian games are fun and educational for kids and adults.
- Watching performances And meeting the characters and puppets. Some famous tales showcased are a pearl divers life and the fisherman and the mermaid.
- Shopping at local souk al seef and other shops offering traditional goods and souvenirs.
- There is also a photo section and a dining section.
Rocky Point
This area showcases the above and underwater habitat of seals and sea lions. You will see sea lions jumping in and out of water. With advanced technology, they have created and maintained the natural habitat requirements for the animals. They can stimulate water currents, and wave movements and control lighting conditions.
With the Advanced Animal Lighting System (AALS) they also simulate the natural sun.
Recreating night, day, and seasonal light cycles precisely match those found in the Pacific Northwest. It’s heaven for these animals.
The featured animals of this zone are harbour seals, sea lions, small-clawed otters, pelicans and cormorants. You can enjoy sea lion presentations and feed and touch animals too. This area also has a dining section.
Micro Ocean
This is a very fun and playful zone for children. Everything around you is a part of the ocean and you are a micro being observing the cool things happening around in the waters. There are fun rides, Cute characters and shopping and dining options too.
The fun rides include
- A turtle twist which gives you the experience of gliding in the ocean like a turtle.
- Then there’s Octozoom, an octopus-shaped ride in which you spin around and go up and down like an octopus.
- Jelly Plunge is a ride in the shape of a jellyfish. Just like jellyfish go up and down, you pause, propel, and rise in the ocean.
- Eel Racer is an eel-shaped fun ride that takes you to glide through waters like an eel.
- Kelp climb is a play area for kids to climb up the kelp-shaped netted area.
- Explorer’s sea base is a playful area for kids where they can jump around, crawl, climb, roll and explore the beauty of the micro ocean.
Tropical Ocean
This zone is a rainforest setting where you get to explore marine life in its beautiful and vibrant presence. They have habitats for dolphins, flamingos, macaws, tropical birds, and tropical fish and rays. You can touch dolphins, feed rays and get to see the animal presentations and shows.
The attractions of the place are dolphin shows, meeting live characters and watching their shows, exciting rides and shopping and dining areas.
Arctic Zone
The Arctic zone is set as a frozen landscape. Here you will see walruses, puffins, sea otters and cold water fishes. The attraction of this zone is a 360° multimedia sphere ride. For tourists’ amusement, there is a comedic duo with live performances and a shopping area with Arctic-themed products.
Antarctica zone
This icy zone is a pure joy to explore. It’s the land of penguins. With the impressive air and water temperature controlling techniques, they have maintained the ideal climate for penguins. These penguins include king penguins, gentoo penguins, rockhopper penguins, chinstrap penguins, macaroni penguins and Adelie penguins. Watching these cute creatures thrive in the area gives you sheer joy. The management has installed a full spectrum zoological lighting system that replicates the seasonal changes of Antarctica. This ensures the best welfare conditions for the animals.
Furthermore, Kids can have fun in the penguin play area and then you can dine in the dining area.
Endless Ocean
This zone lets you witness the magical ocean life in all its might. There are observing Points from where you can witness sea life. This realm is a large aquarium with over 68,000 animals. These include schooling fish, sharks, rays, moray eels, octopuses, crustaceans and many more.
Moreover, You can witness 8 habitats of animals within the ocean. A 20m vertical window, the cave, the tunnels, everything feels so surreal and enchanting.
The major thrilling experiences here are Sea diving and sea ventures. You can put on a suit and dive in to swim with the Fish and if you are brave, you can leave the base and explore the sea with an underwater walking tour. This experience is amazing and beyond words. You truly learn to appreciate the beauty and importance of marine life here.
Overall, all these 8 zones transport you to the magical realms of marine life. You witness them happening around you while experiencing direct interaction with animals.
What to Expect?
Well, this tour is going to be an amazing and memorable experience for you. You can expect
- Full-on marine adventure with experiencing real marine life across the glass walls.
- An educational tour of witnessing habitats of animals in and above marine life.
- Experiencing connections between animals and their habitats.
- A thrilling adventure.
- Over 100 amazing live shows and a chance to meet characters.
- Adventurous rides
- Play Areas for Kids
- Animal shows and presentations
- Dining areaS
- Shopping areas for buying souvenirs
- Experiencing the region’s largest aquarium.
- Underwater adventures.
- 360° media immersive shows
- Witnessing the park’s preservation and protection initiatives and techniques to protect and preserve aquatic animals.
Things to Know
Here are important things to know
- You can’t refund your ticket in case you miss it.
- Children can’t go alone. There must be an adult to accompany them.
- Important things like ATMs, prayer rooms, baby changing rooms, feeding facilities and smoking areas are on the plaza level.
- There are extra charges for services like valet parking, strollers and lockers.
- You can’t bring food or drinks to the park.
- Book tickets online to save time and learn about discounted deals.
- Dress in comfy clothes so you can enjoy the visit with ease.
- You need 5-6 hours so even if there are other attractions nearby, take your day off from them for this magical tour.
Why and when You Should Visit Sea World Abu Dhabi?
- It is not only fun but also an educational opportunity for both kids and adults.
- This is one of the largest aquariums that has 25 million litres of water and thousands of animal species.
- This park is not only for fun but also preserves and protects marine animals.
- Best time to visit is on weekdays.
- The best months to visit are October to March when the weather is cool.
Conclusion:
Sea World Abu Dhabi is a global tourism hub for the right reasons. The place has fun, education, surreal experiences and thrilling adventures. It’s not only enhancing UAE image and tourism but also protecting sea life in the best way possible. If you are looking for fun or simply want to appreciate nature’s finest creations, Take a tour. It’s worth spending your time and money.