COMBO: The National Aquarium & Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi Ticket
(1 Reviews)
Instant Confirmation
E-tickets accepted
Flexible Tickets
USD 34.58
Dive into an extraordinary underwater world at The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi, the largest aquarium in the Middle East, home to over 46,000 animals across 10 unique thematic zones. Walk through immersive underwater tunnels, come face to face with majestic sharks and gentle manatees, explore a coral reef teeming with life, and discover the UAE's rich pearl diving heritage — all inside one of the most spectacular aquatic attractions in the region. Add the enchanting Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi to your visit for an optional upgrade that takes you into lush tropical bio-domes filled with over 10,000 free-flying butterflies from the Philippines and Costa Rica.
Key Highlights
- Explore 10 unique thematic zones featuring over 46,000 marine and land animals — from sharks and rays to manatees, sea turtles, and jellyfish
- Walk through immersive underwater tunnels surrounded by 360-degree views of vibrant coral reefs and gliding sharks
- Discover the UAE's National Treasures Zone, dedicated to the history of Arabian pearl fishing, with a captivating pearl diving animation
- Enjoy interactive touch pools, live feeding sessions, and educational encounters with expert staff throughout your visit
- Upgrade to the Butterfly Gardens combo and marvel at over 10,000 free-flying butterflies in two tropical bio-domes, the Philippines and Costa Rica zones
About COMBO: The National Aquarium & Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi Ticket
Set within the Al Qana waterfront lifestyle destination in Abu Dhabi, The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is the Middle East's largest aquarium — a world-class attraction that takes visitors on a journey through ten immersive thematic zones, each dedicated to a distinct aquatic and natural ecosystem from around the globe. From the moment you step inside, the scale and diversity of marine life on display is genuinely awe-inspiring — the collection includes over 46,000 animals spanning fish, rays, sharks, sea turtles, manatees, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects, all housed in meticulously designed habitats that prioritise animal welfare and visitor education.
The journey through the aquarium moves from the UAE National Treasures Zone — celebrating the Emirates' pearl diving heritage with animations showing how oysters form pearls and featuring the vibrant fish of the Arabian Gulf — through coral reef theatres, jellyfish galleries, touch pools, and freshwater environments, before arriving at the centrepiece: a spectacular 360-degree underwater tunnel where sharks, rays, and vast schools of fish glide silently overhead and on all sides. A dedicated National Geographic Pristine Seas Exhibit brings conservation stories from the world's most remote ocean environments directly to Abu Dhabi audiences. Optional add-ons available with selected tickets include a Beyond the Glass wildlife rescue tour, a Glass Bridge Walk above the main tank, and a glass-bottom boat (Bu Tinah Dhow experience) for an extraordinary perspective on the marine life below.
The optional Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi — available as a combo upgrade — is a complete and separate experience within the same Al Qana complex. Two tropical climate-controlled bio-domes house over 10,000 free-flying butterflies from the Philippines and Costa Rica, alongside resident sloths (including a baby), exotic birds, and lush tropical vegetation. Specialist guides provide feeding demonstrations and animal behaviour commentary throughout the day. Book your National Aquarium Abu Dhabi ticket now on Thrillark and save up to 12%.
The journey through the aquarium moves from the UAE National Treasures Zone — celebrating the Emirates' pearl diving heritage with animations showing how oysters form pearls and featuring the vibrant fish of the Arabian Gulf — through coral reef theatres, jellyfish galleries, touch pools, and freshwater environments, before arriving at the centrepiece: a spectacular 360-degree underwater tunnel where sharks, rays, and vast schools of fish glide silently overhead and on all sides. A dedicated National Geographic Pristine Seas Exhibit brings conservation stories from the world's most remote ocean environments directly to Abu Dhabi audiences. Optional add-ons available with selected tickets include a Beyond the Glass wildlife rescue tour, a Glass Bridge Walk above the main tank, and a glass-bottom boat (Bu Tinah Dhow experience) for an extraordinary perspective on the marine life below.
The optional Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi — available as a combo upgrade — is a complete and separate experience within the same Al Qana complex. Two tropical climate-controlled bio-domes house over 10,000 free-flying butterflies from the Philippines and Costa Rica, alongside resident sloths (including a baby), exotic birds, and lush tropical vegetation. Specialist guides provide feeding demonstrations and animal behaviour commentary throughout the day. Book your National Aquarium Abu Dhabi ticket now on Thrillark and save up to 12%.
Inclusions
- Full day admission to The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi
- Access to the 360-degree underwater tunnel, touch pools, jellyfish gallery, and UAE National Treasures Zone
- National Geographic Pristine Seas Exhibit access
- All live feeding sessions and educational encounters
- Full access to The Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi
Exclusions
- Food and beverages
- Personal expenses
Insiders' Tips
Visit on a weekday morning when the aquarium is quietest — the 360-degree underwater tunnel and touch pools are the most crowded areas later in the day. If you are visiting the Butterfly Gardens, arrive on a warm day when butterflies are most active and flying freely. Wear bright colours to the Butterfly Gardens — butterflies are naturally attracted to vivid hues and you are more likely to have them land on you.
Additional Information
Operating Hours
- 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
- Last entry 9:00 pm
- Infants and toddlers between the ages of 0 and 3 years are allowed free of charge.
- Guests above the age of 3 years will be charged as per the adult fare.
- Smoking and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited inside the museum.
- No children under the age of 12 will be admitted to the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi unless they are accompanied by an adult aged 16 years or above.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations are Non-Refundable
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi?
The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is the largest aquarium in the Middle East, located within the Al Qana waterfront destination in Abu Dhabi and home to over 46,000 animals across 10 unique thematic zones. It is consistently rated among the top family attractions in Abu Dhabi and one of the most impressive aquariums in the world.
What are the 10 zones at The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi?
The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi features 10 thematic zones including the UAE National Treasures Zone, a coral reef theatre, jellyfish gallery, freshwater zone, touch pools, the 360-degree underwater tunnel, and the National Geographic Pristine Seas Exhibit. Interactive elements including touch pools and live feeding sessions are spread across multiple zones throughout the day.
What is the Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi and is it worth adding?
The Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi features two tropical bio-domes housing over 10,000 free-flying butterflies from the Philippines and Costa Rica, alongside resident sloths, exotic birds, and lush tropical vegetation. The combo ticket is highly recommended for families wanting the most complete Al Qana wildlife experience in a single visit.
What animals can I see at The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi?
The aquarium is home to hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles, manatees, jellyfish, crocodiles, exotic birds, and over 46,000 species in total. The Butterfly Gardens combo adds over 10,000 free-flying butterflies, resident sloths including a baby, and tropical birds to the experience.
What is the 360-degree underwater tunnel at The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi?
The 360-degree underwater tunnel is the centrepiece of the aquarium, placing visitors inside a curved transparent walkway with sharks, rays, sea turtles, and thousands of fish gliding above, below, and beside them simultaneously. Visit in the morning for the quietest experience and the most time to absorb the marine life on all sides.
What are the optional add-on experiences at The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi?
Optional add-ons include the Beyond the Glass Wildlife Rescue Tour, a Glass Bridge Walk above the main tank, and the Bu Tinah Dhow glass-bottom boat experience. These are available at additional cost and must be booked separately, subject to availability on the day.
How long should I spend at The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the aquarium, with the Butterfly Gardens adding another 1 to 1.5 hours for a total of approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours. The surrounding Al Qana waterfront complex offers cafes and restaurants for a relaxed meal after your visit.
Is The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi suitable for young children?
Yes, the aquarium is one of the most family-friendly attractions in Abu Dhabi, with touch pools, live feeding sessions, and the dramatic underwater tunnel engaging visitors of all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult aged 16 or above at all times.
Where is The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi located?
The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is at Al Qana, approximately 15 minutes by taxi from Abu Dhabi city centre, with free parking available on site. Public transport is limited, so taxi or ride-hailing is the most convenient way to get there.
Do I need to book The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi tickets in advance?
Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly during UAE public holidays and weekends when crowds are at their peak. Booking through Thrillark saves up to 20% on the standard rate, and tickets are valid for two weeks from the date of purchase for maximum flexibility.
Trustpilot
in Dubai