Sharjah Aquarium: Marine Wonders Await
Explore 250+ marine species at Sharjah Aquarium, featuring coral reefs, mangroves, and interactive exhibits for a fun and educational experience.
Located in l Khan, Sharjah Aquarium is a world wonder that features 20 tanks that recreate different local aquatic environments. The aquarium is one of the largest educational centres in UAE and it is run by the Sharjah Museums Authority. With over 250 species, there is a variety of marine life, from coral reefs and rock pools to lagoons and mangroves. It is amusing and entertaining completing your Dubai vacation.
Overview of Aquarium in Sharjah
The Sharjah Aquarium opened in Al Khan in 2008. Spread across a wide area of 6500 m2, it comprises 20 different aquariums on two floors. Each aquarium is filled with almost 1.8 million litres of water.
Is Sharjah Aquarium Worth Visiting?
Aquarium in Sharjah is a destination that cannot be missed, especially for those interested in marine life and the underwater diversity of the Arabian Gulf. With over 250 species of sea animals, including reef sharks, sea rays, and foreign fish, the aquarium offers a fascinating glimpse into the aquatic population of the region. The displays are well thought out with large tanks, underwater walk-throughs, and interactive galleries, offering an educational outing for visitors of all ages. Along with Sharjah Aquarium, the UAE is home to several other must-visit aquariums that offer incredible marine experiences like Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Lost Chambers Aquarium, located in Atlantis The Palm, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and Dubai Dolphinarium.
In addition to providing an exhibition of sea creatures, Sharjah Aquarium also emphasizes attempts at sea conservation to educate individuals on the importance of saving the ocean and its inhabitants. At affordable admission rates and in a family-friendly environment, it is a great addition to any travel itinerary, whether you're a local or a visitor exploring Sharjah's educational and cultural attractions.
Things to Do in Sharjah Aquarium
Since the aquarium is home to many marine species, dwelling in the Arabian Gulf waters, you will go beyond the broad categories of sea life and learn to differentiate between them. You will get the chance to observe the magnificent sea rays, the elusive moray eels, the docile reef sharks, the beautiful clownfish and the delicate sea creatures.
Besides learning about sea creatures, you will get to discover their habitats, like coral reef, mangroves, the Khan Lagoon and the shores that surround it. It is an entertaining experience for people of all ages. It is suitable for family and friends outings.
The Significance of Aquarium in Sharjah
The aquarium aims to create the ideal environment for coral reefs to grow, besides spreading awareness about the severe marine pollution and its damage. Sharjah Aquarium seeks to protect the marine environment. It was not only created as a recreational space, but also was built for the purpose of familiarizing the people with marine life and introducing its importance.
In 2009, the Sharjah Museums Authority decided to broaden the aquarium by setting up a marine nature reserve. The aquarium now is a perfect safe place for sea life to breed and thrive.
Furthermore, the aquarium holds a turtle rehabilitation program. It is where the husbandry team collects and receives the injured or sick turtles and provides them with the required care, before releasing them back into the sea.
Aquarium in Sharjah is organizing an annual marine environment clean-up campaign, as a part of the Sharjah Museums Authority’s social responsibility initiative “Because We Care.” The campaign aims at raising awareness of environmental protection and shedding lights on the value of preserving marine attractions. Besides, the campaign aims to spread awareness about the marine pollution dangers, resulting from some irresponsible individuals.
Facilities of Sharjah Aquarium
To ensure a comfortable and relaxing time for visitors, the Aquarium provides some facilities:
- Free WiFi
- Wheelchair access for senior citizens and people of determination
- Mothers’ room with changing tables for babies
- A café for quick snacks and meals
- A prayer room
- A gift shop
- Elevators and restrooms
- Ample parking space
Sharjah Aquarium Opening Hours
The aquarium opens from Saturday to Thursday from 08:00 am to 08:00 pm. On Friday, it opens from 04:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Hidden Gems Most Visitors Miss
Beyond Sharjah Aquarium's highlight spots lie exceptional gems in waiting. These secret wonders say a lot about sea conservation and offer bewitching experiences that go unnoticed to visitors.
Lesser-known exhibits that worth your notice
Stare in wonder at the mangrove ecosystem exhibit, where twisted roots create spooky underwater forests. This incredible presentation reveals the genius of nature - mangroves are sea coast defenders as well as day nurseries for millions of sea animals. Watch the heartwarming turtle rehabilitation program, where dedicated caregivers nurse struggling sea turtles to health before their triumphant return to ocean freedom.
The oceanic conservation reserve, born in 2009, is a tribute to ocean conservation. Here, passionate protectors and volunteers foster vibrant environments in which fish are healthy and coral gardens bloom. Such a sanctuary is the very best of the aquarium's larger mission - safeguarding marine animals for future generations.
Interactive experiences beyond the main displays
Romantic encounters await at the Sharjah Aquarium for adventurous souls. The touch pool welcomes strangers to experience close contact with soothing rays and starfish, directed by masterful hands. Aquarium specialists tell interesting tales of feeding hours and uncover the seedy eating habit of ocean's creatures.
Technology meets marine learning at virtual reality desks, where guests swim side by side with spectacular dolphins and manta rays. Knowledge seekers find their paradise in masterclasses, delving into marine biology mysteries and conservation matters in-depth.
Timed feeding sessions that you should not miss
Aquatic drama unfolds in spectacular feeding demonstrations. Nature's drama unfolds according to precise timetables:
- Shark Feeding: Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Al Khan Beach location
- Main Tank Feeding: Daily except Fridays at 10:00 AM at Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea location
Trained aquarists swim into waters of crystal clearness during these 30-minute exhibitions, their feed buckets enticing spinning schools of sea life. Sharks and rays glide through their aquatic ballet, creating what visitors have described as stunning moments frozen in time.
These feeding rituals afford perfect snapshots of ocean behavior. Young minds absorb interesting morsels of underwater dining habits. Some sea creatures slink in with subtle delicacy while others blast through water with lightning speed, each displaying unique feeding methods. Seasoned travelers recommend inquiring about daily times when arriving or checking the aquarium website to schedule best times for these wonder moments.
Combining Your Aquarium Visit with Local Features
Sharjah Aquarium's prime coastal location opens the doors to stunning cultural wealth. Thoughtful travelers discover a treasure trove of maritime heritage, horticultural delights, and culinary indulgences at their doorstep. Beyond Sharjah Aquarium, the UAE boasts many more marine attractions.
The Maritime Museum connection
Steps from the aquarium is the Sharjah Maritime Museum, a treasure trove of maritime history. Your aquarium admission provides free entry to this amazing institution. Pearling traditions of old, fishing lore, and boat-building skills are brought to life through expertly curated displays and valuable artifacts.
Traditional wooden dhows dominate the scene, like a real pearling vessel where visitors learn centuries-old sea customs by participating in exhibits. Master the nautical knots, important knowledge passed from sailors to sailors for centuries. Best of all the museum's treasures is one of the world's oldest pearls, discovered in an old Sharjah coast cemetery.
Al Noor Island: the ideal sequel
Beyond the aquarium, Al Noor Island floats like a jewel in Khalid Lagoon, only 1.3 miles away. The island's crown jewel, the Butterfly House, is a sanctuary for delicate winged wonders from distant corners of the globe. Evening hours transform garden walkways into glowing wonderlands where creative lighting tints nature in brilliant hues.
Fast explorers may orbit the island within 20 minutes, but kids linger in the playground, mastering complicated rope challenges. Art installations glimmer across the grounds, their light-enhanced designs reaching highest beauty after dark.
Local restaurants near and after your visit
Foodies have gourmet experiences awaiting them. Sanobar Restaurant on Al Meena Street has seafood platters grilled to perfection. Traditional Emirati flavors dominate at Al Bait Al Qadeem Restaurant near Sharjah Corniche, with aromatic Kabsa serving foodies.
Gazebo Restaurant's chefs serve excellent Indian food, their Biryani highly recommended. El Manza Restaurant in Marbella Resort welcomes visitors to Moroccan seafood tajines. Zahr El Laymoun on Corniche Street instead serves Lebanese banquets through well-assembled mezze plates to cater to vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian palates.
FAQs
Q1. How big is Sharjah Aquarium?
Sharjah Aquarium spans 6,500 square meters and features 21 exhibition tanks, showcasing diverse marine life from the Arabian Gulf.
Q2. Where is Sharjah Aquarium located?
It is situated in Al Khan, Sharjah, near the waterfront, offering scenic views and easy access to other cultural attractions.
Q3. How much time should you spend in Sharjah Aquarium?
Visitors typically spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the exhibits, though families and marine life enthusiasts may enjoy a longer visit.
Q4. When does Sharjah Aquarium close?
The aquarium closes at 8:00 PM from Saturday to Thursday and at 8:00 PM on Fridays, with varying hours on public holidays.