Underwater Wonders: Where to go scuba diving in Dubai

Aleksandr Agulov
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Aleksandr Agulov

Absolute Car Guy and PetrolHead. And Sales Manager in Trinity Car Rental Boutique.

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07.07.2025
Reading time: 7 min
Underwater Wonders: Where to go scuba diving in Dubai

If you are looking for an exciting way to spend a day in Dubai, you should try scuba! It is an exhilarating experience that adventure seekers adore. The main reason for the popularity of scuba diving Dubai is that it has some of the most transparent and beautiful waters in the world. In addition, the warm waters of Dubai are ideal for beginners. If you get used to swimming without an oxygen tank, your body can adapt to the depth much faster. Below, we will tell you about the most popular places for diving Dubai.

Dubai is a true paradise for diving. It has everything for this: coral reefs, sunken ships, and even aquariums. You will not see this anywhere else in the world. Try to reach the depths and feel like a conqueror of the sea.

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1. Jumeirah Beach

This is one of the most popular beaches for Dubai diving. The water here is obvious, thanks to which you will be able to see all the inhabitants of the sea depths. Experienced divers can go deeper to see the sunken ships underwater. The beach area offers a variety of amenities, including changing rooms, showers, toilets, and a cafe. There are picnic areas and sports grounds. When heading to Jumeirah Beach, read about things to do with kids, and you will have fun.

  • Location: Jumeirah Beach is south of the city's historical district.
  • Visiting hours: The beach is open 24 hours.

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2. Martini Rock

If you want to dive into calm waters and forget about the hustle, Martini Rock is the best place for sea diving in Dubai. It is a real paradise for divers, with crystal blue water, stunning underwater landscapes, plants, and diverse fauna. You will find corals, sea turtles, moray eels, and various tropical fish here. The best visibility is in the morning. This place is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.

  • Location: in the waters of Fujairah, near the coast of the Indian Ocean.
  • Visiting hours: Martini Rock does not have fixed opening hours, as it is a natural object. However, access to it is through diving centers that organize dives at certain hours.

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3. Dubai World Island

Dubai World Island is an archipelago located along the coast of Dubai. Here, you will find luxury hotels and the best places for scuba diving. Imagine diving in crystal clear water surrounded by many reefs and coral colonies, each with its underwater ecosystem.

  • Location: the archipelago is located about 4 km from the coast of Dubai in the Persian Gulf.
  • Visiting hours: Each island has its pass system. The cost of a day pass starts at 400 AED, including a boat transfer.

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4. Sharm Rock

This vast natural aquarium is perfect for scuba diving in Dubai. It is home to coral reefs in pink and purple shades and various marine inhabitants such as butterfly fish, angel fish, and moray eels.

Sharm Rock's depth varies from 5 to 13 meters, making it ideal for training beginners who want to try scuba diving.

  • Location: 15 minutes by boat south of the Meridian Fujairah hotel.
  • Visiting hours: Sharm Rocks is available for diving all year round. However, the best time to dive is from October to May.

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5. Mariam Express Shipwreck

This is a popular place for Dubai diving. Mariam Express was once a giant ferry. However, after it sank, it became an attraction for scuba divers. Here, you can see a rich ecosystem: corals and a variety of fish, including groupers and barracudas. Diving depth: from 21 to 25.5 meters.

  • Location: approximately 45-60 minutes by boat from Dubai's Umm Suqeim Harbour port.
  • Visiting mode: access to the object is through diving centers that organize dives.

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6. Zainab

If you are looking for a diving Dubai experience that you will remember for a lifetime, then the Zainab shipwreck is the perfect place. It is one of the most popular locations among divers. Zainab sank in 2001, and 24 years later, some of the most beautiful species of marine animals (yellow snappers, barracudas, rays, etc.) live here. The ship lies at a depth of about 30 meters, which makes it accessible to experienced divers with a PADI Advanced Open Water certificate.

  • Location: About 40 minutes by boat from the coast of Dubai.
  • Visiting hours: Available for diving all year round.

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7. Inchcape

If you are serious about scuba diving Dubai and have the necessary experience, visit Inchcape. This archipelago of artificial reefs has become popular among divers due to its rich marine life and fascinating underwater landscapes. However, it is worth noting that this dive is not for the faint of heart, and only experienced divers can take on this challenge. You must sign up for a diving tour at one of the local diving centers to visit these places. They provide a boat transfer and all the necessary equipment for the dive object.

  • Location: The archipelago is off the coast of Fujairah, about 30 meters from the land.
  • Visiting hours: Inchcape is available for diving all year round. However, the best time is from October to May, when the water is clearer, and the weather conditions are most favorable.

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8. Scuba diving in the Dubai Mall

Scuba diving in the Dubai Mall is an amazing and exciting experience you can't get anywhere else. The Dubai Mall has a giant aquarium inhabited by sharks, rays, and other marine animals. There is also a transparent tunnel 48 meters long with a panoramic view of 270 °, passing 11 meters below the water's surface. A dive into this shark tank could be the most exciting experience of your life.

  • Location: Downtown Dubai, next to Burj Khalifa.
  • Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (last entry at 10:15 PM). Friday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (last entry at 11:15 PM).

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9. Deep Dive Dubai

This giant pool with 14 million liters of water is the perfect scuba diving experience. It is designed to look like a sunken city with streets, apartments, cars, and even play areas. You can explore the seascape, try freediving and snorkeling, and get certified here. The facility is designed for divers of all skill levels aged ten years and above. You will be accompanied by a team of international diving professionals and the latest equipment, technology, and amenities during the dive.

  • Location: The centre is in Nad Al Sheba, in the NAS Sports Complex, just 15 minutes from the centre of Dubai.
  • Opening hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 – 20:00. Diving: Daily at 09:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00.

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10. Sheikh Mohammed Barge

The Sheikh Mohammed Barge was sunk deliberately to create a beautiful place for divers. It lies at a depth of 18-23 meters in the Persian Gulf, so divers must make at least two dives to explore the wreck fully. Here, you can see a variety of pink and purple corals. Visibility varies from 2-7 meters, on rare occasions reaching 15 meters. Diving centers usually organize trips to this place by speedboat, and the journey takes about 30 minutes from Palm Jumeirah.

  • Location: About 20 km off the coast of Dubai in the Persian Gulf.
  • Opening hours: Since the barge is located in the open sea, it is available for diving all year round.

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FAQ

  • Where can I go diving in Dubai?

    There are many places in Dubai where you can go diving: Jumeirah Beach, Martini Rock, Sheikh Mohammed Barge, and even the Dubai Mall.

  • Do I need certification to scuba dive in Dubai?

    Yes, certification is required - but not always. It all depends on what type of diving you are going to practice.

  • Is diving in Dubai safe for beginners?

    Yes, diving in Dubai is safe for beginners, provided you follow the instructions and choose a licensed dive center.

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