DinaLast Updated on March 15, 2025
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, which was inaugurated in 2023, is the largest marine park in the Middle East. It is located on Yas Island and is a destination that combines education, entertainment, and unique experiences with marine life. I recently visited Sea World during my trip to Dubai (you can read about Dubai and its attractions here) and was amazed by what the Arabs have built in the middle of nowhere. If you’re planning a trip that includes both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, don’t miss my review of Atlantis The Palm in Dubai – another incredible marine-themed destination that complements the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi experience perfectly!
I’ll be honest, I didn’t have high expectations, but I decided to do this activity because when I went in September, it was still very hot, and you didn’t want to be outside without air conditioning. I was pleasantly surprised, I must say, and concluded that yes, it is worth the money.
SEAWORLD ABU DHABI: WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT IT
Because it’s not just an aquarium, it’s a perfect destination for both children and adults in Abu Dhabi. Imagine a space of 183,000 square meters where you can meet over 68,000 marine creatures and experience unique encounters. Do you want interactive cinema? Do you want a roller coaster to blow your mind? Do you want flamingos? Do you want penguins? You have it all!
THE ZONES OF SEAWORLD IN DETAIL
Sea World is a huge attraction with many zones. You start at the center and choose where you want to go as it has different wings – Antarctica, Arctic, The Ocean of Abu Dhabi, and others.
One Ocean Experience
Imagine a movie theater that moves! The seats shake in synchronization with the 360° screen and you feel like you’re swimming with whales. At some point, a huge blue whale passes over you and you think it will splash you – that’s how realistic it is! The experience lasts about 20 minutes and is a must-see.
Polar Express & Arctic Kingdom
Here, I experienced a shock! The temperature drops below zero (bring a jacket!) and you see over 100 penguins in their natural environment. The most impressive part? There is a spot where penguins swim right above your head!
Make sure to dress warmly and dedicate time not only to photograph these wonderful little creatures but also to learn some things about them.
Just below, they have a laboratory with penguin hatchlings. While at first it seemed a bit strange to see a lonely little penguin in a glass case, they explain that they do this because unfortunately in nature not all babies survive, and they want to give all baby penguins a chance at life, which is why they put them under the laboratory lamp! It’s a bit sad, of course, because penguin life is very connected to their community.
Endless Ocean The highlight of Sea World! A massive three-story-high aquarium with over 68,000 marine creatures. I saw hammerhead sharks swimming next to giant stingrays. The best spot for photos is on the second floor – that’s where I got the best shots of the sharks.
MicroOcean A zone dedicated to the smallest marine creatures. I saw seahorses as small as my fingernail! There are magnifying glasses to observe the details. The highlight here is the phosphorescent creatures of the deep oceans – it’s like seeing aliens!
Rocky Point Here you’ll see the most adorable otters playing and performing acrobatics. Every hour there is feeding and a skills demonstration. Tip: Sit in the front rows but… you’ll get wet!
Ocean Magic The dolphin show is simply magical. It lasts 30 minutes and shows how intelligent these creatures are. Don’t miss the part where a dolphin paints! Note: reserve a seat early, it fills up quickly.
Tropical Ocean An underwater paradise with coral reefs. I was impressed by the clownfish (like Nemo!) and the blue tangs. There is a spot where you can “touch” various marine creatures – a unique experience for children.
Abu Dhabi Ocean Dedicated to local marine life. I saw hamour (the local specialty fish) and understood why it’s so popular in restaurants! There are also impressive exhibits about sea turtle conservation.
**My Pretty Travels Tip:** Sea World is an attraction that truly requires many hours to explore. Unfortunately, I only stayed for 3 hours and didn't manage to see and do everything! Plan for 4-5 hours to have enough time and avoid rushing.
SEAWORLD ABU DHABI: OPENING HOURS AND TICKETS
Online booking from here is recommended – free cancellation provided
Opening Hours:
- Daily: 10:00 – 20:00
- Last entry: 19:00
Prices:
- Adults: 375 AED
- Children (3-11): 295 AED
- Under 2: Free
HOW TO GET THERE
- By taxi from Abu Dhabi center: approximately 80-100 AED
- By bus: Line 170 from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
- Free parking if you come by car
- Shuttle bus from nearby Yas Island hotels
PRACTICAL TIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW
From my experience, there are a few tips that will make your visit better:
- Bring a jacket!! We’re not joking, you’ll really need it if you want to see the penguins
- As I mentioned above, it takes at least 5 hours to see everything without rushing
- Prefer weekday mornings – fewer people at the shows
- Don’t miss the One Ocean show – book a seat for the first performance
- The restaurant overlooking the Endless Ocean is expensive but worth the experience
IS IT WORTH THE VISIT?
Without a second thought, yes! Although the tickets are expensive, the experience is unique. Especially if you have children, they will be thrilled with the interactive shows and educational programs.
WHAT TO DO AFTER SEAWORLD
WHAT TO DO AFTER SEAWORLD
Yas Island has a lot to offer. You can combine your visit with:
- Ferrari World (2 minutes walking distance)
- Warner Bros World (5 minutes walking distance)
- Yas Mall for shopping and food
- Yas Beach for relaxation
Disclaimer: The article may contain affiliate links. If you book through these links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
