Dubai is home to rich underwater ecosystems that burst with incredible marine life. The Arabian Gulf is an underwater haven for turtles, dolphins, rays, other pelagic marine creatures, and 500 species of fish. No wonder local and international divers love diving in these waters. The great thing about scuba diving Dubai is that it can be enjoyed by divers of different levels, from beginners to seasoned divers. If you’re planning to go scuba diving UAE this 2023, here are amazing scuba diving spots in Dubai worth considering for your itinerary.
The Palm Jumeirah
For first timers and beginners, Palm Jumeirah is a great site to launch your dive adventure. Discover Scuba Diving Dubai presents an opportunity to learn how to dive and it’s ideal for different ages, even folks with no previous scuba diving experience. Also known as Introductory Diving, beginners can try diving in Palm Jumeirah without committing to a longer certification program. Like its name suggests, Discover Scuba Diving allows you to explore the underwater realm of Dubai and discover its colorful marine life. Get a chance to see different kinds of fish like clownfish, angelfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, lionfish, and more. You might even spot cruising Green turtles. If you have time to get your first certification, you can enroll in the PADI Open Water Diving.
Jumeirah Beach
Jumeirah Beach is also a great site where beginners can appreciate the beautiful underwater world. The warm waters are teeming with life and there’s always something new to discover in each dive. After scuba diving, you can relax and enjoy a stroll along the sandy shores with the stunning view of Burj Al Arab as a backdrop. There are several cafes and food kiosks along the beach where you can grab something to eat.
Deep Dive Dubai
Have you heard of the incredible 60-meter indoor pool in Dubai? Deep Dive Dubai holds the title of being the “deepest diving pool” in the world. This engineering wonder holds 14 million liters of warm freshwater and it is kept clean using a state-of-the-art purification system. If you haven’t been to this popular attraction, this is the best time to enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience. The facility is designed to cater to different levels, from beginners to experienced divers. Get in touch with our Dive Shop Dubai and we can arrange a Deep Dive Dubai package according to your level.
Underwater wrecks
Zainab
Originally known as ‘The Seasroun Five’, this ship was used to transport oil until it was involved in an interception in 2001 that resulted in its sinking. The ship is intact and its bottom is nestled 30 meters deep on the coast of Dubai. The wreck is a favorite playground of batfish, yellowtail barracuda, snappers, and other marine creatures. Advanced divers can participate in this deep sea diving Dubai.
Mariam Express
This ro-ro ferry was used to transport cargo from UAE to Iraq. In 2006, the overloaded commercial ship capsized due to rough seas. The first site of the wreck has a minimum depth of 18 meters and a maximum depth of 25 meters. The second site, which contains the cargo and construction vehicles, lies at 21 meters. Common marine life sightings at Mariam Express are yellowtail barracuda, torpedo rays, and spotted eagle rays. Macro creatures like nudibranchs and flatworms may also be spotted in the site.
Cement Barge
The cement ship sank in 1971. This popular wreck in Dubai has a minimum depth of 5 and maximum depth of 20 meters. The shallow part of the wreck is ideal for beginners. Cement bags may still be seen in the hold. The remains of the Cement Barge sit upright but have been broken open. Marine creatures such as angelfish and sand gobies may be encountered in the wreck, as well as shrimps and nudibranchs.
Sheikh Mohamad’s Barge
The former McDermott Derrick Barge was purposely sunk in 1984 to create an artificial reef where corals and other marine life can thrive.
Schedule your Dubai Dive
Dubai features spectacular dive sites for beginners and experienced divers. The Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach are ideal for beginners and new divers who want to enhance their diving skills. Deep Dive Dubai is a famous attraction that features diving opportunities for all levels. Dubai is also home to different wrecks like Zainab, Mariam Express, Cement Barge, and Sheikh Mohammed’s Barge that are suitable for experienced divers who want to engage in deep sea diving. Schedule your Dubai Dive in 2023 to explore these dive areas.