Do you dream of discovering underwater treasures without leaving Dubai? Here's our guide to diving in Dubai: from unique experiences at Deep Dive Dubai to memorable excursions in Fujairah... Discover our favorite spots, PADI courses available elsewhere and all our useful tips for a real underwater adventure, all without blowing your budget and optimizing your bookings.
Discover the best diving spots in and around Dubai, offering a unique experience for divers of all levels.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, Dubai and its surroundings offer unforgettable underwater adventures.
Dubai offers unique adventures thanks to the diversity of its diving spots - blending natural marine ecosystems with innovative man-made structures. A veritable gateway to an aquatic universe in the Persian Gulf, it is home to vibrant marine life and breathtaking coral reefs.
Deep Dive Dubai is a 60-metre-deep swimming pool. With its 14 million liters of fresh water, Deep Dive Dubai is not only a must-see attraction, but also the deepest pool in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records.
Here's a comparison of the main diving clubs in Dubai: - it should help you make your choice.
| Diving Club | program activities | practical information |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Dive Dubai | diving for all levels, freediving and snorkeling | Deepest pool in the world (60 meters), underwater city, courses for all levels, water maintained at 30°C. Open Wednesday to Sunday. |
| Al Boom Diving | PADI courses for all levels, shark diving (Dubai Mall Aquarium) | 5-star PADI center, 16 PADI instructors, internationally recognized certifications. |
| Nemo Diving Center | PADI Open Water certification (18 meters) | 3-day PADI Open Water course, located on The Palm Jumeirah. |
| Freestyle Miscellaneous | scuba diving, snorkeling (fins, mask, snorkel) | Located in Dibba Al Fujairah, flexible team, top-of-the-range equipment, facing the famous Dibba Rock. Took over the former Nomad club. |
PADI centers, renowned for their high standards of safety and training. Al Boom Diving is a 5-star PADI center in Dubai. But is following the guide enough? And how do you check these PADI certifications? Some dive clubs offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the dive. It's important to check the specific cancellation conditions of each center before booking. Naturally, reservations are made online. By the way, can I get a refund?
The PADI Open Water Diver course lasts around 4 days and generally includes 9 dives. But how much should you budget for an Open Water Diver course? This is an essential question to ask yourself before taking the plunge. Dive rental equipment (complete set) is included in the price of the PADI Open Water Diver course, so don't forget to anticipate additional costs such as transport. Is this equipment included in the price of the activity?
To reach Fujairah from Dubai, you can travel from Dubai to Fujairah by bus, car or cab. Allow around 1h15 by car. What's the best way to get there? There are regular buses from Dubai to Fujairah: they leave from Global Village and end their journey at Choithrams Supermarket. For groups or families, enquire about transport options, as some centers offer dedicated shuttles to simplify transportation.
Marine exploration in Fujairah
Fujairah is one of the Emirates' top diving destinations, renowned for the diversity of its marine life: turtles, rays, clownfish, barracudas and reef sharks. The Dibba Rock site is particularly popular for its colorful reefs and caves, ideal for beginners and advanced divers alike.
Diving in a controlled environment
In Dubai, sites such as Atlantis The Lost Chambers and Deep Dive Dubai offer a safe introduction to diving. Whether it's your first immersion or a deep exploration, these controlled environments offer a practical and accessible alternative for all levels.
Training and further training
PADI Open Water certification is available in the Emirates for those who want to learn to dive seriously. It is aimed at beginners and generally lasts a few days. The Advanced Open Water option allows you to deepen your diving experience, with specialties adapted to each individual.
Related experiences
Snorkeling and apnea are excellent options for exploring the waters of the Emirates without heavy equipment. Some beaches and specialized centers offer introductory courses. Outings by boat or semi-submersible also allow you to enjoy the marine life, even without diving yourself.
The best time to dive in Dubai is from April to November, to avoid the cold waters of January. But is it really crucial to avoid the rainy season for good visibility?
Searches did not provide information on diving events in Dubai. Nevertheless, it's best to follow the local news to make sure you don't miss anything. But are there really any events or competitions at this time of year?
Prepare your bag and check whether you need your own equipment or whether renting is sufficient. Is bringing your own mask an advantage in terms of comfort and hygiene? It's a detail we don't always think about...
the water oscillates between 21°C in January and 33°C in August. Heated wetsuits come in handy in January and February. Is it possible to rent cold-water equipment on site?
It's important to know Emirati diving regulations if you want to enjoy this hobby without risk. What about specific age limits for adults?
Resorts like Deep Dive Dubai implement rigorous security measures to guarantee a safe experience. One question that often comes up is how novice divers are supervised in these controlled environments. However, these reassuring measures do raise a question: how are new divers supervised in practice, particularly during a first dive?
Dubai, a seaport with unique ecosystems in the heart of the Gulf's shipwrecks. The region is home to a number of marine conservation initiatives. Did you know that there are marine protected areas to preserve marine life?
Dubai has set up an artificial reef project to boost marine biodiversity and promote water purification. A promising initiative, but did you know that How to participate in this artificial reef project?
Analyzing the influx of tourists to sites should help raise awareness of human impacts on marine ecosystems. For example, how many divers are allowed on the most popular sites?
Some diving centers are setting up carbon-offset schemes. Their stated aim is to offset their ecological impact. But how can you get involved in these positive initiatives and promote green tourism?
It's important to apply good practices? A necessity to preserve marine fauna while protecting fragile ecosystems. By the way, feeding fish during dives?
For responsible diving, specialists strongly recommend choosing certified centers that integrate eco-responsible practices. In fact, what reference labels should you look for to be sure of their environmental commitment?
Dubai, a seaport with unique ecosystems in the heart of the Gulf's shipwrecks. The region is home to a number of marine conservation initiatives. Did you know that there are marine protected areas to preserve marine life?
Dubai has set up an artificial reef project to boost marine biodiversity and promote water purification. A promising initiative, but did you know that How to participate in this artificial reef project?
Diving in Dubai is often described as a surprising activity, ideal for discovering another facet of the emirate. Whether in the sea or in a tank, divers appreciate the clarity of the water, the local marine life and the safety of the staff. The experience is equally suited to beginners and experienced divers.
A common mistake is to overlook weather conditions, which can affect visibility at sea. Some visitors book without checking the level required for certain technical dives. It is also advisable to follow the instructions given by instructors to ensure a safe outing.
At Visiter Dubai, we recommend diving early in the morning, when conditions are best. There are several diving spots, in the sea or in deep pools, such as Deep Dive Dubai. Remember to check whether a medical certificate is required, and don't forget your swimsuit and a towel for a 100% relaxing moment.
Prices at Deep Dive Dubai vary according to the activity chosen. An accompanied snorkeling session costs around 400 Dhs; while a guided dive to 30 meters is 1200 Dhs. Certified divers can opt for specialized dives from 1500 AED.
Deep Dive Dubai is accessible from the age of 10 and offers courses for all levels, with certifications to match. Safety is paramount: 56 underwater cameras and a hyperbaric chamber are on site. A restaurant and store are also available for accompanying guests.
Whether diving in Dubai is worth the effort is a matter of debate. Some believe that the diving sites in Dubai itself are unremarkable. Excursions are often organized to the east coast of the Emirates or to Oman, which means long journeys. Recent wrecks may disappoint some divers.
However, Dubai offers a variety of experiences, from beginner introductions near Jumeirah to PADI certification in Fujairah. There are also dives at aquariums such as Atlantis The Lost Chambers and Deep Dive Dubai; Fujairah, an hour's drive from Dubai, is often recommended, and shark enthusiasts might prefer Musandam or Oman.
The cost of diving in Dubai varies according to the type of experience and location. An introductory dive in Jumeirah costs around €100; while a dive with bull sharks in the Dubai Aquarium is around €160. Diving certification courses cost around €240.
A PADI Open Water course in Fujairah costs around €145 for diving and snorkeling with an instructor. These prices are indicative and may vary according to the service providers and options chosen.
When diving in Dubai, take along a swimsuit suitable for water activities. Women can opt for a one-piece swimsuit, bikini or burkini, while men can choose swim shorts or briefs. It's important to put your clothes back on when you leave the beach, and to avoid walking around town in a bathing suit.
Aside from diving, it's important to respect the local culture by wearing decent, comfortable and practical clothing. Avoid provocative outfits and opt for loose-fitting cotton garments in light colors suited to Dubai's hot climate, not forgetting a hat and sun cream to protect you from the sun.
There is no diving insurance specifically dedicated to Dubai. However, it is strongly recommended that you take out travel insurance including international medical cover for any stay in Dubai, especially if you plan to dive. Medical costs can be very high in the United Arab Emirates.
Travel insurance covers health expenses, hospitalization, repatriation and other unforeseen events such as trip cancellation or lost luggage. Check that diving is covered by the contract, and make sure you're fully covered in the event of illness or accident.
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