Vacationing in Dubai offers an endless array of attractions, but it also comes with the constant challenge of seeking shelter from the scorching heat. Thankfully, just outside the city lies a refreshing oasis that’s also packed with fun—Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, an extraordinary water park offering a cool escape.
Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark is officially the largest water park in the world, and it’s hard to resist visiting such an impressive destination while on vacation in the Middle East. Located on the outskirts of Dubai, on the iconic Palm Jumeirah—a man-made archipelago shaped like a palm tree—Atlantis Aquaventure is far from your average water park. It’s a world of marine adventures divided into several zones. The main attraction is, of course, the water park itself, filled with slides, pools, and a variety of experiences ranging from relaxing fun to thrilling excitement for all ages. The park is also home to an aquarium and Atlas Village, an area where visitors can discover a variety of marine creatures.
Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
Inside the park, you’ll find everything you’d expect from the largest water-based kingdom in the world.
From thrilling, heart-pounding rides to family-friendly zones and serene relaxation areas, all the way to playgrounds specially designed for the little ones—Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark offers such a wide variety of attractions that even the most demanding visitors will find something to love.
Fun for Kids
Worried your kids might complain about boredom? That’s highly unlikely. The park features four zones called Splashers, created solely with younger guests in mind. Each zone is packed with a range of pools, both open and enclosed slides for younger children, water races, whirlpools, obstacle courses, and playgrounds. Water gushes from cannons, spills from buckets, and sprays the laughing kids at unexpected moments. It’s no wonder that choosing a favorite attraction here is a tough challenge for the little ones!
Thrills for the Brave
Aquaventure Waterpark is far from just a family attraction. There’s plenty of adrenaline-fueled excitement for adults who crave adventure. For the boldest visitors, the park offers the challenge of conquering three towering structures packed with surprises: Poseidon’s Tower, Neptune’s Tower, and Trident Tower. These thrill-filled towers feature dark tunnels, twists, loops, shark-filled pools, and terrifying routes. For those seeking some competitive fun, you can even invite your friends or family for a race through winding, exhilarating tracks.
For a serious adrenaline rush, you can’t miss Surf’s Up, an attraction that lets you feel like a pro surfer riding the waves. But if you’re seeking the ultimate thrill, Odyssey of Terror, the world’s tallest water slide, is waiting for you. And for the bravest among you, there’s the park’s most famous slide, the Leap of Faith. Tighten your swimsuit because this freefall straight into a shark-filled tunnel is considered the scariest water slide in the Middle East.
Time to Relax!
If you’re not in the mood for adrenaline-fueled activities, don’t worry—there’s no pressure to join in the thrills. It’s time to lie back and relax because Atlantis Aquaventure is also perfect for blissful relaxation. Enjoy the serenity of the park’s private Aquaventure Beach, and if the sand and sun become too much, take a dip in the ocean while savoring the stunning views of the Dubai skyline.
Find peace along the banks of a crystal-clear lagoon, surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Looking for another tranquil experience? Hop on a lazy river float and let the gentle currents carry you through the park, allowing you to forget all your worries and fully unwind.
Nature (Literally) at Your Fingertips
The Lost Chambers Aquarium
While many of you could enjoy the water park attractions all day long, Atlantis Aquaventure offers something special for those seeking a break from the aquatic excitement. The Lost Chambers Aquarium, located within the park, is home to an incredible 65,000 marine creatures, with its largest tank holding a whopping 11 million liters of water.
Here, you’ll encounter sharks, stingrays, adorable clownfish, and other vibrant sea creatures. But this aquarium offers much more than just observing underwater life. You can explore underwater artifacts in special chambers, visit the fish hospital, feed the aquarium’s residents, or even participate in yoga sessions or therapeutic sound meditation surrounded by marine life.
Atlas Village
On the map of Atlantis Aquaventure, you’ll also find Atlas Village. While you won’t spot any water slides here, the entertainment options are plentiful. This special area offers incredibly close encounters with marine animals. Dolphins and sea lions living in the lagoon can be admired from the edge of the pool, or you can get even closer by immersing yourself in the water.
During these experiences, you’ll learn fascinating facts about the anatomy, behavior, and lifestyle of these animals. Dolphin Bay, the dolphin kingdom, also allows guests to kayak alongside these playful marine mammals or meet with a dolphin specialist who will share insights into their care and well-being.
A More Ethical Dolphin Encounter
Meeting dolphins is a magical experience for many, and it may even be a dream come true. Watching animals in a park like this might seem like the easiest way to get close to them, but it’s important to recognize that living in such conditions can expose these creatures to significant and unnecessary stress. A more ethical and rewarding option is to observe dolphins in their natural habitat, where you can witness their joy and freedom without the confines of captivity.
While in Dubai, you can take advantage of a full-day trip to the magical Musandam Peninsula. These types of cruises often include marine life experts who eagerly share interesting facts and observations with the group (tickets for such trips can be purchased here). Another option is an excursion to the coast of the Fujairah emirate, where you can explore underwater life by snorkeling among turtles, coral reefs, and other marine creatures. You can book Fujairah trips online via GetYourGuide.
Other Attractions at the Park
Thought that was the end of the excitement at Atlantis Aquaventure? This place still has plenty up its sleeve. For even more thrills, head to the Watersports Hut by Aquaventure Beach to discover a new sports passion. Here, you can try a variety of both non-motorized and motorized water sports, ranging from kayaking, speedboats, and paddleboarding to more unique options like flyboarding and seabobbing.
The park also offers everyone the chance to experience an extraordinary underwater adventure, providing excellent conditions for diving. Both children and adults can dive beneath the surface, with no prior experience required for these activities. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned diver, you can try your hand at shark or stingray diving, snorkeling, or even scuba diving. And if you fall in love with the underwater world, you can also take a deep-sea diving course and earn a special certification.
It’s worth being aware of the activities organized by the park, but if this is the experience that interests you most, you might also consider taking diving courses on the open sea, which are readily available in Dubai. While there’s no guarantee of encountering specific species, the experience is far more authentic than viewing animals in a pool environment.
Planning Your Visit to Atlantis Aquaventure
It’s best to purchase your ticket to Atlantis Aquaventure in advance. You can do so through platforms like GetYourGuide, which offers the benefit of skipping the ticket counter and entering the park directly. When buying tickets, remember that a standard day pass to the waterpark doesn’t include entry to the aquarium or dolphin and sea lion encounters. Lockers, sun loungers, and beach cabins are also charged separately.
To make the most of your time at the waterpark, be sure to download a park map from their website, but an even more useful tool is the Aquaband+ app. Not only will it prevent you from getting lost, but it also shows real-time wait times for rides, helps locate your companions in the park, and facilitates payments at restaurants and gift shops.
Practical information
- It is best to purchase tickets for the Atlantis Aquaventure in advance. This way, you can avoid standing in long lines and reduce the risk of tickets being sold out.
- Address: Atlantis The Palm – Crescent Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Buy tickets on GetYourGuide
