Dubai: Scuba diving with sharks at the Atlantis aquarium

Going Out

Login / Sign Up

Monday, December 23, 2024

Gold / Forex

Going Out

Dubai: Scuba diving with sharks at the Atlantis aquarium

Ever wondered what it would be like diving in the shark tank of the Atlantis hotel?

Published: July 21, 2020 17:30 Yousra Zaki, Assistant Editor Features

1 of 14

Gulf News went down to the Ambassador Lagoon to try out the Atlantis Dive Explorer, which is a 30 minute dive session, where you come face to face with sharks, rays and fish. Image Credit:

2 of 14

Atlantis the Palm Ambassador Lagoon — It was a little bit nerve wracking at first, getting inside an enclosed shark infested aquarium, but my dive buddy talked me through all the safety procedures and I was totally ready to see the fascinating creatures swimming all around me. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani, Photographer

3 of 14

Atlantis the Palm Ambassador Lagoon — The Ambassador Lagoon and The Lost Chambers Aquarium combined are home to over 250 species and 65,000 marine animals including Baby Stingrays, Moon Jellies, Moray Eels, Lobsters, Eagle Rays, White Tip Reef sharks, and Arapaima. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani, Photographer

4 of 14

Atlantis the Palm Ambassador Lagoon — The sharks are well fed and taken care of. Sharks are generally very curious animals and will sometimes get closer to humans just to say hi. They were swimming around me. This grey reef shark wasn't too shy and approached us often throughout the dive. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani, Photographer

5 of 14

Atlantis the Palm Ambassador Lagoon — The Ambassador Lagoon is an 11-million-litre marine habitat and one of the top ten largest aquariums in the world. It is also the largest open-air aquarium in Africa and The Middle East at just over three million gallons. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani, Photographer

6 of 14

Atlantis the Palm Ambassador Lagoon — This habitat focuses on marine life found in the local waters of the Arabian Gulf, including Golden Trevallys, Cobias, Crescent Angelfish and a variety of sharks and rays. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani, Photographer

7 of 14

Atlantis the Palm Ambassador Lagoon — Image Credit: Virendra Saklani, Photographer

8 of 14

Atlantis the Palm Ambassador Lagoon — If you are a certified diver, you can take part in this super cool experience of diving alongside incredible sea creatures. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani, Photographer

9 of 14

Atlantis the Palm Ambassador Lagoon — The sting rays in the aquarium were plenty. They were a little less shy than the sharks. They come up close, touch your head, swim over you and gently flap their "wings". It helps that they have a permanent smile. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani, Photographer

10 of 14

Atlantis the Palm Ambassador Lagoon — Image Credit: Virendra Saklani, Photographer

11 of 14

Atlantis the Palm Ambassador Lagoon — Sharks have several rows of teeth and can lose and replace thousands of teeth in their lifetimes. As predators, sharks play a vital role in the ecosystem. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani, Photographer

12 of 14

Atlantis the Palm Ambassador Lagoon — Sharks have been around for over 400 million years - long before dinosaurs. Because their skeletons are made of cartilage, they don’t leave fossils. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani, Photographer

13 of 14

Atlantis the Palm Ambassador Lagoon — While inside the tank, I could see hotel guests and aquarium visitors excitedly waving at me. It was fun having my picture taken by strangers, while inside the tank. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani, Photographer

14 of 14

Atlantis — As the region’s first AZA-accredited resort, the Atlantis have joined forces with the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the International Fund for Animal Welfare and Dubai Municipality for a week of fun and informative activities to increase awareness of sharks and their conservation. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani, Photographer

Latest In

Multiple bird flu cases detected across England

8 minutes ago
Probe finds Trump ally Gaetz paid for sex, used drugs

31 minutes ago
Sheikh Mohammed establishes Dubai Resilience Centre

1 hour ago
Up to Dh2m fines for illegal network protocol bypasses

1 hour ago
Save the date: New festival coming to Al Ain soon

This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to improve your experience and provide more personalized service to you. Both on your website and other media. To find out more about the cookies and data we use, please check out our Privacy Policy.