Your Ultimate Sharjah Aquarium Guide: Tickets, Timings, Location & Insider Tips

If you’re planning a day out in Sharjah and you want something that’s easy, indoors, family-friendly, and surprisingly educational, Sharjah Aquarium should be high on your list. This guide walks you through everything you need to know: tickets, timings, how to get there, what to see, and how to make the most of your visit.

Why Sharjah Aquarium Is Worth Your Time

Sharjah Aquarium isn’t just another fish tank attraction. It’s the UAE’s first and largest government educational centre dedicated to marine life, and it strikes a nice balance between “underwater theme park” and serious conservation hub.

• Location: In the Al Khan Old Area of Sharjah, right next to the Sharjah Maritime Museum and close to Al Khan Beach.
• Scale: About 6,500 m² over two floors, with 21 aquariums and around 1.8 million litres of water.
• Marine life: More than 100–150 species from the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman – from tiny clownfish to reef sharks and rays.
• Habitats: Tanks recreate coral reefs, rock pools, lagoons, mangroves and rocky shores found along Sharjah’s coastline.
• Audience: Ideal for families with kids, students, tourists, and marine-life enthusiasts who want to explore the underwater world in comfort.
• Bonus: Your Sharjah Aquarium ticket includes the Sharjah Maritime Museum next door via a joint ticket.

Sharjah Aquarium Location & How to Get There

The official name is simply Sharjah Aquarium, but you’ll also see it called “Aquarium Sharjah”, “Sharjah Fish Aquarium”, or even “Sharjah Underwater Aquarium” in travel blogs.

Exact Location

• Area: Al Khan Old Area, Sharjah
• Next to: Sharjah Maritime Museum
• Nearby: Al Khan Beach, Al Khan Lagoon, and close driving distance to Al Qasba

Reaching Sharjah Aquarium by Car or Taxi

• From Al Khan: Around 5 minutes by car.
• From Al Qasimia: Roughly 10 minutes by car.
• There’s convenient on-site/nearby parking and taxis are easy to find. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem work well.

By Bus from Dubai & Within Sharjah

If you’re relying on public transport, Sharjah Aquarium is still reachable – you just need to plan your route.

• From Dubai to Sharjah: Use intercity buses such as E303A, E304, E307, E307A, E400 to reach Sharjah, usually terminating at or near Al Jubail Bus Terminal.
• From Al Jubail to the Aquarium: Take Route E1 towards the Sharjah Aquarium stop, then walk a short distance.
• Use a Sayer Card for cashless payment and discounted fares on Sharjah buses.

Tip: Routes and numbers change periodically, so double-check Dubai RTA / Sharjah public transport apps before you go.

RTA Ferry Day Trip from Dubai

For something more scenic, you can treat the aquarium as part of a waterfront day trip.

• Take the Dubai–Sharjah ferry from Al Ghubaiba Marine Station in Deira to the Al Khan terminal near Sharjah Aquarium.
• Trip time is about 30–45 minutes, with Silver and Gold class options.
• From the terminal, it’s a short taxi ride to the aquarium.

Sharjah Aquarium Timings, Ticket Prices & Entry Fees

Because Sharjah Aquarium operates under the Sharjah Museums Authority, timings and ticket structures are quite consistent across the year, with exceptions for Ramadan and Islamic holidays.

Regular Opening Hours

• Saturday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

These timings apply to both the Sharjah Aquarium and the Sharjah Maritime Museum (joint ticket).

Ramadan Timings

• Saturday – Thursday: approx. 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Friday: around 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM only
• During the last 10 nights of Ramadan, evenings can be suspended or adjusted.

Always confirm Ramadan hours on the official Sharjah Museums website or social channels just before your visit.

Closed Days (Islamic Holidays)

Sharjah Aquarium is normally closed on:

• 29th & 30th of Ramadan
• 1st day of Eid Al Fitr
• 9th of Dhul Hijjah
• 1st day of Eid Al Adha

Sharjah Aquarium Ticket Prices & Joint Ticket

The ticket structure is simple, and one of the big perks is that it’s a joint ticket for both Sharjah Aquarium & Sharjah Maritime Museum.

• Adults (13+): around AED 25
• Children (2–12): around AED 15
• Under 2 years: Free
• People of Determination: Free entry (often with a companion also free)
• Resident senior citizens: generally free with one companion

Educational groups, school trips, and university visits can get discounted Sharjah Aquarium entry fees, especially for groups of 6 or more.

For the latest Sharjah Aquarium ticket prices and offers: visit the official e-shop at eshop.sma.gov.ae and choose the Sharjah Aquarium & Sharjah Maritime Museum – Joint Ticket.

Free Entry Days

On certain occasions, Sharjah Aquarium offers free entry (expect bigger crowds):

• 18 May – International Museum Day
• 1 December – Martyr’s Day
• 2 December – UAE National Day

Inside Sharjah Aquarium: Layout, Habitats & Marine Life

Once you enter, the aquarium is designed as an indoor walkway looping through different zones, tanks, and habitats over two levels. It feels like an immersive underwater tunnel in parts, with marine creatures swimming around and above you.

Layout & Key Features

• 21 aquariums / 20+ tanks spread over two floors.
• Environments representing:
  • Coral reefs
  • Rock pools and rocky shores
  • Lagoons
  • Mangroves and mangrove forests
  • Local Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman ecosystems
• Indoor tunnel-style sections where rays, sharks, and schooling fish circle above and beside you.
• Overlooks and windows at different levels for varied perspectives.

Signature Experiences

• Underwater tunnel vibe in the larger tanks, especially where reef sharks and rays cruise past just beyond the glass.
• Mangrove exhibit, showing life in brackish water and among mangrove roots.
• Reef tanks packed with colourful fish and coral formations.
• Touch pool / touch tank where kids can (gently) interact with selected creatures like starfish under supervision.

Marine Life You’ll See

The focus is on the Arabian Gulf’s marine world, with plenty of familiar and not-so-familiar sea creatures:

• Clownfish (Nemo fans will be happy)
• Seahorses
• Moray eels
• Sea rays and other rays
• Reef sharks and smaller shark species
• Groupers and schooling fish typical of local reefs
• Starfish and other invertebrates in rock pool-style tanks

The official line is “almost 100 species”, but once you include all small fish and invertebrates, many guides talk about “over 150 species” in total.

Education, Conservation & Turtle Rehab

Sharjah Aquarium positions itself as more than a tourist attraction. It’s an educational hub and a marine conservation centre, especially for local Gulf ecosystems.

Turtle Rehabilitation Programme

One of the most impressive elements is the sea turtle rehabilitation program:

• They receive sick or injured sea turtles, treat them, rehabilitate them, and then release them back into the open sea.
• Visitors see how human actions impact sea turtles and what it takes to nurse them back to health.

“Because We Care” Environmental Clean-Up Campaign

Under the Sharjah Museums Authority, the aquarium runs an annual marine environment clean-up campaign called “Because We Care”:

• Focus on marine pollution and its impact on habitats.
• Community-driven beach and seabed clean-ups.
• Raising environmental protection awareness among residents and students.

Educational Programmes & Workshops

As a government educational center, Sharjah Aquarium offers structured programmes for:

• School visits (primary and secondary)
• University field trips and research-focused visits
• Family workshops and children’s edutainment activities

Typical topics cover marine ecosystems, conservation, marine pollution, and how to respond to sick or injured marine animals. There are also periodic themed programmes, like the “Summer Museum Adventures” that combine creative workshops with science learning.

Shows, Fish Feeding & Interactive Sessions

If you want to see the aquarium at its liveliest, time your visit around the scheduled feedings and activities.

• Main Tank Feeding
  • When: Saturday – Thursday (except Friday)
  • Time: 10:00 AM
  • Where: The main Arabian Gulf & Sea of Oman tank area
• Shark Feeding
  • When: Saturday, Monday, Wednesday
  • Time: 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
  • Where: Tank near the Al Khan Beach themed area
• Touch Pool Experiences
  • Guided sessions at the touch tank where children can handle certain species gently, with supervision.
• Kids’ Interactive Sessions (Ages 6–12)
  • When: Every Saturday and Sunday
  • Hands-on activities and materials to help children explore marine concepts in a fun, independent way.

Schedules can change, especially during Ramadan or holidays, so check at the reception when you arrive for the day’s programme.

Facilities, Accessibility & Family-Friendly Services

Sharjah Aquarium is designed as a family-focused, accessible attraction, making it easy to visit with toddlers, elderly relatives, or people of determination.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair-accessible walkways and ramps throughout the building.
• Wheelchairs available on request at the entrance.
• Wide corridors that work for strollers as well.

Facilities for Families & Kids

• Restrooms on multiple levels.
• Baby changing facilities and private feeding rooms for mothers.
• A small shaded play area outdoors between the Aquarium and the Maritime Museum.

Cafés & Dining Options

• On-site café with light meals (sandwiches, salads, snacks) and hot/cold drinks. Some guides note it may be cash-only at times, so bring some cash just in case.
• Nearby, you’ll find more cafés and restaurants in Al Qasba and around Al Khan Lagoon, covering Middle Eastern and international choices.

Souvenir & Gift Shop

• Located near the exit of the aquarium.
• Sells plush toys, mugs, T-shirts, magnets, stationery, and educational books.
• Typically accepts both cash and cards.

Comfort & Wi‑Fi

• The entire complex is air-conditioned – ideal for hot summer days.
• Some sources mention free Wi‑Fi around the café area.

Photography at Sharjah Aquarium: Rules & Best Spots

Sharjah Aquarium is great for photography, but there are strict rules designed to protect the animals.

Photography Rules

• No flash photography – flash can disturb and stress marine creatures.
• No flashlights or harsh lighting equipment are allowed near the tanks.
• Tripods and professional equipment may require prior permission; if you’re planning a professional shoot, contact Sharjah Museums Authority in advance.

Best Photo Opportunities

• The main tank with sharks, rays, and schooling fish for dramatic wide shots.
• Tunnel-style sections where marine life surrounds you on multiple sides.
• Coral reef tanks for colourful close-ups.
• Seahorse and jellyfish displays, where low light gives a cinematic feel.
• Candid shots of kids in the touch pool or during workshops.

Visitor Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Visit

To turn your aquarium visit into a smooth, enjoyable outing, it pays to do a little planning.

Before You Go

• Check official timings & Sharjah Aquarium ticket prices on the Sharjah Museums website.
• Look for special offers, free-entry days, or seasonal programmes like Summer Museum Adventures.
• If you’re bringing a school group or large family group, book in advance to lock in group discounts and avoid queues.
• Pay extra attention to timings around Ramadan and Eid, when hours shift.

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking and standing most of the time.
• A light jacket or shawl if you get cold easily indoors; the air conditioning can be strong.
• Extra clothes for kids, especially if they’re drawn to the touch pools or splashy activities.
• Camera or smartphone (remember, no flash).
• Both cash and card for tickets, café, and souvenirs.

Best Time to Visit

• Quietest time: Weekday mornings, roughly 8:00–11:00 AM, are ideal if you want fewer crowds and more time at each tank.
• Busy times: Evenings, weekends, public holidays, and free-entry days can be crowded, with more families and school groups.
• Evening / night visit: Combine sunset at Al Khan Beach with an aquarium visit before closing time for a different ambiance and cooler temperatures.

How Long You Need

• Sharjah Aquarium only: 1–1.5 hours at a relaxed pace.
• Aquarium + Sharjah Maritime Museum + café + kids’ play area: 2–3 hours is comfortable.

Nearby Attractions & Things to Do Around Sharjah Aquarium

If you’re already in Al Khan, it makes sense to build a mini-itinerary around Sharjah Aquarium.

• Sharjah Maritime Museum (included in the joint ticket)
  • Explore the UAE’s seafaring history, traditional dhows, and pearl-diving heritage.
  • Interactive exhibits that work well for kids and adults.
• Al Khan Beach
  • Close to the aquarium; ideal for a swim, sand play, or waterfront stroll.
  • Great for sunset before or after your aquarium visit.
• Al Qasba
  • Restaurants, cafés, a canal-side promenade, and cultural venues.
  • A pleasant place to finish your day with dinner or coffee.
• Al Mamzar Beach Park (towards the Sharjah–Dubai border)
  • Large park with beaches, BBQ spots, greenery and walking tracks.

All of these spots make Sharjah Aquarium easy to plug into a longer list of things to do in Sharjah or a day trip from Dubai.

Who Will Enjoy Sharjah Aquarium the Most?

Sharjah Aquarium works for a surprisingly wide audience, but for different reasons.

• Toddlers & young kids: The dim galleries plus glowing tanks are highly engaging, and the pace is flexible.
• Families with school-age children: Plenty of edutainment around marine ecosystems, conservation, and local history (especially when you combine it with the Maritime Museum).
• Tourists & visitors: A comfortable way to experience the Arabian Gulf’s underwater world without getting on a boat or going diving.
• Students: Useful for school and university projects on marine biology, environmental science, or sustainability.
• Photographers & marine-life enthusiasts: A compact but rich set of habitats and species, though you’ll need to work with low light and no flash.

Sharjah Aquarium Planning Checklist

Use this quick checklist to make sure you’ve covered the essentials before you go:

• [ ] Check today’s timings (regular vs. Ramadan vs. holidays).
• [ ] Confirm the latest Sharjah Aquarium ticket prices and whether you qualify for free or discounted entry (kids, people of determination, seniors, groups).
• [ ] Decide your transport:
  • Car/taxi, or
  • Bus (know your Dubai–Sharjah route and the local E1 bus from Al Jubail), or
  • Dubai–Sharjah ferry plus short taxi ride.
• [ ] Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light layer if you get cold easily indoors.
• [ ] Bring camera/phone (and remember: no flash).
• [ ] Take both cash and card for flexibility at the café and gift shop.
• [ ] Plan at least 2–3 hours if you want to include the Sharjah Maritime Museum.
• [ ] If you want to catch the main shows, aim for:
  • [ ] 10:00 AM main tank feeding (Sat–Thu)
  • [ ] 1:00 PM shark feeding (Sat/Mon/Wed)
  • [ ] Weekend kids’ interactive sessions (Sat–Sun)

With reasonable ticket prices, easy access from both Sharjah and Dubai, and a thoughtful mix of marine life, conservation, and heritage, Sharjah Aquarium remains one of the stand-out family attractions in the emirate. Whether you’re planning a quick visit or a full-day itinerary around Al Khan, this guide should give you everything you need to enjoy your time at Sharjah’s underwater gem.