When I first entered the Lost World Aquarium — formerly the Lost Chambers — I wasn’t prepared for how technology had transformed it. What was once a straightforward aquarium had been rebuilt with 1,900 LED panels, 55 projectors, and 140 speakers turning tunnels into an immersive fantasy world. Digital mermaids swam through projections while real sharks circled behind glass, and I couldn’t tell where technology ended and reality began. Located at Atlantis The Palm, this reimagined attraction houses 65,000 marine animals across 19 habitats, plus 430 new species added during the 2025 renovation. It’s Dubai‘s most theatrical underwater experience, and it knows it.
Quick overview
Lost World Aquarium admission costs AED 170 for adults and AED 125 for children aged 3-11 during standard periods. UAE residents pay reduced rates: AED 115 adults, AED 95 children. Children under 3 enter free. The aquarium is open daily from 10:00am to 9:00pm, with last admission at 8:00pm. Online booking is essential during weekends and public holidays. Most visitors spend 60-90 minutes exploring the 14 themed zones, underwater tunnels, and Ambassador Lagoon. Atlantis hotel guests (both The Palm and The Royal) receive complimentary entry. Combo tickets with Aquaventure Waterpark offer substantial savings.
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AED 170 adults / AED 115 children | Daily 10:00am – 9:00pm | Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai | Under 3, Atlantis hotel guests | 8:00pm |
How much does Lost World Aquarium cost?
Standard admission costs AED 170 for adults and AED 115 for children (ages 3-11). UAE residents pay discounted rates: AED 115 adults, AED 95 children. Children under 3 enter free — collect complimentary tickets at the entrance. People with disabilities receive 50% discount with one discounted companion ticket.
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | AED 170 | Ages 12+ |
| Child | AED 125 | Ages 3-11 |
| UAE resident adult | AED 115 | With Emirates ID |
| UAE resident child | AED 95 | Ages 3-11 with Emirates ID |
| Under 3 | Free | Under 3 years |
| Atlantis guests | Free | Staying at Atlantis The Palm or The Royal |
Combo tickets with Aquaventure Waterpark cost AED 380 (adults) and AED 330 (children) — saving around 25% versus separate purchases. Third-party vendors occasionally offer discounts, though prices fluctuate.
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- 🛍️ Get a taste of Old Dubai on a guided souks and heritage walking tour.
- 🌸 See the floral displays at the Dubai Miracle Garden.
Is Lost World Aquarium free to enter?
No, except for specific groups. Children under 3 and Atlantis hotel guests (both The Palm and The Royal properties) enter free. Everyone else aged 3+ must purchase tickets.
People with disabilities and one companion receive 50% discount with valid documentation. There are no free admission days or reduced evening hours.
Why book the Dubai City Pass?
- Access more than 20 top attractions: Enjoy free entry to highlights such as The Dubai Frame and IMG Worlds of Adventure as part of your pass.
- Hop-on hop-off sightseeing included: Use the double-decker bus service to explore Dubai’s streets and landmarks at your own pace.
- Speedboat and cruise experiences: Take in the skyline from the water with a 90-minute speedboat tour or a Dubai Marina sunset dinner cruise.
- Fun and family-friendly attractions: Visit immersive experiences like AYA Universe and enjoy adventure and entertainment for all ages.
- Flexible pass length: Choose from 1 to 7 days so you can tailor the pass to how long you are spending in the city.
What time does Lost World Aquarium open?
Lost World Aquarium opens daily at 10:00am and closes at 9:00pm. Last admission is 8:00pm. These hours apply year-round, though the aquarium occasionally closes early for private events — always check the website before visiting.
These Lost World Aquarium ticket prices and opening hours were checked and verified in January 2026.
Early mornings (10:00am-11:30am) are quietest. Midday through afternoon (12:00pm-5:00pm) attracts families and tour groups. Evenings after 6:00pm thin out, offering more intimate viewing.
The Return of the Trident mermaid show performs hourly throughout the day in the 11-million-litre Ambassador Lagoon. Show times are posted at the entrance — arrive 10 minutes early for good viewing positions.
Do I need to book Lost World Aquarium tickets in advance?
Online booking is strongly recommended, particularly during weekends, public holidays, and Dubai’s peak tourist season (November-March). Walk-up tickets are available at the entrance if capacity permits, but weekend sell-outs occur regularly.
Book at least 24-48 hours ahead if visiting during busy periods. Atlantis hotel guests don’t need tickets — show your room key at the entrance for complimentary admission.
A brief history
The aquarium originally opened in 2008 as The Lost Chambers Aquarium, themed around the mythical lost city of Atlantis. For 17 years, visitors explored maze-like tunnels and chambers designed to resemble underwater ruins while observing 65,000 marine animals.
In August 2025, the aquarium closed for a complete technological transformation. Hyperspace (the company behind Aya Universe) partnered with Atlantis to reimagine the experience, installing cutting-edge projection mapping, LED panels, and spatial audio systems throughout.
The revamped Lost World Aquarium opened on 27 October 2025 with 14 interactive themed zones, 430 new marine animals from 35 species (including Striated Frogfish, Axolotl, and Giant Pacific Octopus), and live mermaid performances. The renovation aimed to compete with Dubai’s growing immersive entertainment sector while maintaining the aquarium’s educational and conservation focus.
The Ambassador Lagoon — an 11-million-litre tank containing sharks, rays, and groupers — remained the centrepiece, now enhanced with projection mapping that transforms the water into a living canvas of light and digital effects.
What you’ll see inside Lost World Aquarium
14 Themed Zones — Each zone combines physical marine habitats with digital storytelling. Projection mapping creates fantasy underwater landscapes where digital creatures interact with real animals. Original musical scores play through 140 speakers, creating an immersive soundscape.
Ambassador Lagoon — The 11-million-litre centrepiece houses reef sharks, giant groupers, stingrays, and thousands of tropical fish. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides unobstructed views. The Return of the Trident mermaid show performs hourly here — performers use underwater breathing apparatus and choreographed routines with the fish.
Interactive Trident Experience — Motion-sensing technology responds to hand gestures, triggering hidden digital effects and secret messages throughout your journey. Children particularly enjoy this gamified element.
Underwater Tunnels — Walk through acrylic tunnels surrounded by sharks and rays swimming overhead. The tunnels wind through Atlantis-themed ruins with projection mapping adding atmospheric effects.
Marine Diversity Zones — 19 distinct habitats showcase different ocean ecosystems: coral reefs, kelp forests, deep sea environments, and tropical lagoons. New species include electric rays, lionfish, seahorses, jellyfish, and octopi.
Touch Pool — Hands-on experience with starfish, sea urchins, and hermit crabs. Staff supervise and provide educational information. Popular with families.
Aquatheatre Shows — Marine experts present educational talks about conservation, feeding behaviours, and habitat protection. Shows run 2-3 times daily — check schedule on arrival.
Atlas Project Exhibit — Digital displays explain Atlantis’s sustainability initiatives, including breeding programmes, ocean conservation, and marine research partnerships.
What’s included with your ticket?
- Access to all 14 themed zones
- Underwater tunnels and Ambassador Lagoon viewing
- Return of the Trident mermaid shows (hourly)
- Aquatheatre educational presentations
- Touch pool experience
- Interactive Trident digital features
- Atlas Project conservation exhibits
Not included: Aquaventure Waterpark (separate admission), Dolphin Bay experiences (additional fees), diving experiences (additional fees), food and drinks, professional photography.
Things to do near Lost World Aquarium
Aquaventure Waterpark (adjacent, same complex) — World’s largest waterpark with 105+ slides including the near-vertical Leap of Faith through a shark lagoon. Combo tickets available.
The Pointe (800m, 2-minute monorail or 10-minute walk) — Waterfront dining and entertainment complex with 80+ restaurants, Palm Fountain (world’s largest), and views of Atlantis. Free to explore.
The View at The Palm (2km, 5-minute taxi) — 240-metre-high observation deck on the 52nd floor of Palm Tower with 360-degree views of Palm Jumeirah. Combo tickets with Lost World available.
Dubai Marina (5km, 12-minute drive) — Canal city with skyscrapers, yacht marina, waterfront promenade, and The Beach shopping mall.
Nakheel Mall (1.5km, 3-minute monorail) — Shopping mall at Palm Jumeirah’s base with 300+ stores, cinema, and restaurants. Monorail connects to Atlantis.
Practical tips
- Location: Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai (eastern side of hotel building)
- Getting there: Taxi most convenient (30-35 minutes from Dubai Mall, 25 minutes from Dubai Marina). Metro to DMCC or Nakheel, then monorail to Atlantis Aquaventure station. Monorail: AED 30 return, 10-12 minute journey. Free parking at Atlantis P18 for day visitors.
- Time needed: 60-90 minutes standard visit. Budget two hours if attending mermaid shows and educational presentations.
- Photography: Non-flash photography permitted. No professional equipment or tripods without permission. Underwater tunnels offer best photo opportunities.
- Dress code: Casual. Comfortable walking shoes. Temperature-controlled environment — bring light layers.
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with lifts throughout. Wheelchairs available on request.
- Crowds: Weekday mornings quietest. Avoid Friday-Saturday afternoons. School holidays attract substantial family crowds.
- Combo strategy: If visiting Aquaventure, do the waterpark first (requires 4-5 hours), then aquarium last (cooler, less physically demanding).
FAQs
How does it compare to the old Lost Chambers? Completely transformed. The marine animals remain, but technology now dominates — projections, LED panels, digital effects throughout. More theatrical, less traditional aquarium.
Is it suitable for children? Yes, family-friendly for all ages. Young children enjoy interactive elements and mermaid shows. Educational content appropriate for school-age kids.
Can I dive or snorkel in the aquarium? Yes, additional paid experiences available: Shark Safari (AED 610), Ultimate Dive (certification required), Aquatrek Extreme (underwater helmet walk). Book separately.
Do Atlantis hotel guests really get free entry? Yes, all guests staying at Atlantis The Palm or Atlantis The Royal receive complimentary aquarium access. Show room key at entrance.
Can I re-enter after leaving? No. Tickets are single-entry only.
What’s the mermaid show schedule? Hourly throughout the day. Check exact times at entrance — they vary seasonally. Shows last approximately 10-15 minutes.
More UAE travel
Other UAE travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Inside the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital.
- A guide to tackling Abu Dhabi in February with children.
- The best day to visit Ferrari World.
- Visitor guide to the Emirates Park Zoo in Abu Dhabi.
- Practical guide to visiting Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi.
