Everywhere in the world there are places where you can snorkel well. You quickly think of places like Curaçao, Bonaire, Egypt, Australia and Indonesia. But did you know that you can also discover a wonderful underwater world in Dubai and the surroundings of Dubai?
The Emirate of Fujairah, which lies on the Gulf of Oman, is a short two-hour drive from Dubai. This sea, also known as the northwestern part of the Arabian Sea, is known for its large coral reefs with a wide variety of fish and marine animals. Here you can perfectly snorkel and spot turtles and dolphins. Sea cows, porpoises and whales also live in the Gulf of Oman, but these do not live right off the coast, so you will not spot them so quickly while snorkeling.
But not only can you snorkel in the Gulf of Oman, you can also admire coral reefs and fish closer to Dubai off the coast. The sea turtle is regularly seen in the waters of Dubai and off the coast of Abu Dhabi. At Saadiyat Island they spot regularly wild dolphins.
Snorkeling in Dubai
If you want to snorkel in Dubai or Fujairah, you can go into the sea yourself, but it is also possible to book an organized trip where you will be taken by boat to the most beautiful snorkeling sites. Most snorkeling trips take you to Fujairah and you can easily book online.
Below we have listed the best organized snorkeling trips in Dubai for you. Do you prefer diving in Dubai? That is also possible in Dubai and Fujairah. For all information about diving in the United Arab Emirates, visit our Diving in Dubai page.
Snorkeling Trip to Fujairah with Live BBQ Lunch
This full-day snorkeling trip to Fujairah from Dubai gives you the chance to snorkel among the colorful marine life of the Gulf of Oman. After arriving in Fujairah you get on the boat and you will be taken to a beautiful snorkel spot where you can admire the wonderful water creatures in their natural environment.
On board you can enjoy free soft drinks and water and at the end of your journey a BBQ will be served on board. The snorkeling equipment , life jacket and transportation is of course also included in the price. The snorkeling trip costs 102 US dollar per person (8 years and older) and you can easily book the trip online at the GetYourGuide website.
Click here to book online this Snorkeling Trip
Cruise to mysticism Musandam: Full-day Sea Safari
Look out for yourself in breath-taking Musandam during this 8-hour sea safari through Musandamin Oman. Sail the impressive fjords, visit secluded beaches and swim or snorkel in the Gulf of Oman. Before you returning there is time for a nice lunch.
This snorkeling tour can be booked including a pick-up service from your hotel in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman. Snorkelling equipment is not included in the price but there is a possibility to rent it on the spot for AED 25 AED/ USD 7.
The tour costs 103,50 US Dollar per person (12 years and older), children between 4 and 12 years pay 70 US Dollar. Children under the age of 4 can join for free when accompanied by an adult. Please note, the aforementioned prices may change. You can book this tour online at GetYourGuide.
Click here to book online this Snorkeling Trip
Snorkeling at the Dubai Aquarium of at the Atlantis The Palm hotel
If you prefer not to snorkel in the ocean, it is also possible to snorkel in an indoor aquarium in Dubai. In the huge Dubai Aquarium that can be found in the Dubai Mall, you can go snorkeling and admire the thousands of fish and sharks in the aquarium up close. Here you have the choice of various types of snorkeling activities including cage snorkeling where you enter the aquarium in a large cage. Cage snorkeling prices start at 370 dirham about 100 US Dollar. More information about snorkeling in the Dubai Aquarium can be found on the Dubai Aquarium website.
In addition to the traditional diving masks, the Dubai Aquarium and Atlantis also have special diving helmets with which you can dive into the aquarium. Unlike the normal diving mask, these special diving helmets that look like an astronaut helmet allow you to breathe freely while under water. Ideal for people who have difficulty breathing through a mouthpiece.
In addition to snorkeling in the Dubai Aquarium, it is also possible to snorkel in the gigantic Ambassador Lagoon aquarium of the Atlantis The Palm hotel. The Atlantis hotel can be found on the famous Palm Jumeirah island off the coast of Dubai. More information about snorkeling in the Atlantis hotel aquarium can be found on the Atlantis website.