Sharjah Aquarium and Maritime Museum

Sharjah Aquarium

Sharjah Aquarium is a fantastic destination for anyone interested in marine life. With over 150 species of fish and other aquatic creatures on display, the aquarium offers visitors a chance to learn about the fascinating world beneath the waves.

Disclosure: When you make a booking or purchase through links on this site, I may earn commission from partners at no extra cost to you. This helps me to build the site and bring you more great posts!

One of the highlights of Sharjah Underwater Aquarium is the impressive tunnel, which provides a fascinating and immersive underwater experience. Walking through the tunnel, you’re surrounded by fish in all sizes, shapes, colours and patterns. Sharks, rays, groupers and more swim both above and around you. It’s a remarkable experience that visitors of all ages will enjoy.

You may even see a diver in there cleaning the glass from inside and tending to the daily needs of the marine life. Among the 21 aquariums are several themed exhibits with different marine habitats. For example, the mangrove exhibit is home to various creatures usually found in and around mangrove forests. Nearby, the reef aquarium features colourful coral and a few animal species that thrive in that habitat.

The habitats are all those that are found in the emirate of Sharjah and the species found around Kalba, for example, are different from those found around Sharjah city or Khor Fakkan.

A touch tank lets visitors get closer to some of the aquarium’s inhabitants, such as starfish. You can pick them up gently if you’d like to get really close up.

Sharjah Aquarium is not only a tourist attraction but also a centre for research and education. It hosts a variety of educational programmes and workshops for children and adults, covering topics such as marine conservation. You can learn more about programmes on the Sharjah Museums website or social media.

The aquarium in Sharjah is an excellent choice if you want somewhere to take your toddler. I started taking my daughter there when she was just a few months old and she always loved it. Also, you can spend as long as you like there and no one will mind. It’s also a great choice for older children of all ages to supplement school learning units or projects. And, of course, it’s a must-visit destination for adults interested in marine life, too.

There is a cafe at the end of the exhibition but be prepared as it takes cash only. The Sharjah Aquarium shop near the exit has a range of gifts, souvenirs and educational resources. They accept both cash and cards.

Before your next stop, if you have young children, a small shaded play area between the Aquarium and Maritime Museum will allow them to burn off some energy.

Buy The Ultimate Guide to the Emirate of Sharjah now to help plan your trip

Sharjah Maritime Museum

Right next door to the Aquarium is the Sharjah Maritime Museum, and the ticket includes the entry fee to both. Sharjah Maritime Museum explores the emirate’s history of pearl diving, fishing and boat-building. With interactive exhibits, historical artefacts, and engaging displays, the museum offers visitors a chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of Sharjah’s maritime past.

One of the highlights is the collection of traditional boats and ships, ranging from small fishing vessels to large trading dhows. Visitors can learn about the construction and use of these boats and their prominent role in Sharjah’s maritime history. There’s even a full-sized replica of a traditional pearling dhow, complete with interactive displays that let you experience life aboard the ship.

Another interesting exhibit at Sharjah Maritime Museum focuses on the pearling industry, which once played a significant role in Sharjah’s economy. Visitors can learn about the process of pearl diving, from the tools and techniques used by divers to the social and economic impact of the pearl trade on Sharjah and the wider region.

Maritime Museum Sharjah features several interactive exhibits and even a section where visitors can try tying different knots, an essential skill for any seafarer.

Sharjah Maritime Museum hosts various events and programs throughout the year, including workshops, lectures, and cultural festivals.For anyone interested in Sharjah’s rich cultural heritage and maritime history, the Sharjah Maritime Museum is a must-visit destination.

Its engaging exhibits and interactive displays make it a great place to learn about the vital role that seafaring and maritime trade played in shaping the region.

Buy Exploring the Emirate of Sharjah – Walking and cycling tours and itineraries in the city and Central and Eastern Region. Includes Khor Fakkan, the Resistance Monument and a Portuguese History Trail. – Buy your copy now

Buy Exploring the Emirate of Sharjah – walking, cycling tours and itineraries

RTA Ferry Service Dubai to Sharjah

Once your visit is complete, you can take a trip on the RTA Sharjah Dubai ferry, which departs at the terminal outside the aquarium. The boat ride is a fun trip for children and a great option to get to Sharjah for a day trip from Dubai. Combine the ferry with a hop-on hop-off bus ticket to explore Sharjah in a day and head back on the ferry. The boat currently goes three times a day but more trips will be added soon. The journey is 30-45 minutes.

There are two classes, silver and gold. You can book your ticket online or buy at the ticket desk. I recommend buying it online though. Life jackets are available and mandatory for children. If the weather, and the captain, allows, you can go outside to take photos.

The ferry from Sharjah goes to Al Ghubaiba Marine Station in Deira. You can also connect to other water transport options to get around Dubai. Or for Sharjah, book a hop on hop off bus ticket.

Buy your Sharjah Hop On Hop Off City Ticket to start exploring Sharjah now!

RTA Dubai -Sharjah Ferry Timings

Friday to Sunday – 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
Monday to Thursday: 7am, 8:30am, 4:45pm, 6:15pm

RTA Sharjah-Dubai Ferry Timings

Friday to Sunday – 3pm, 5pm, 8pm
Monday to Thursday: 7:45am, 4pm, 5:30pm, 7pm

RTA Ferry Dubai -Sharjah Ticket Price

Silver Class – AED 15 one-way
Gold Class – AED 25 one-way
Person of Determination – free, two wheelchair places available.
Buy Sharjah Aquarium ferry tickets at box office or online at RTA Marine website

Important things to know about Sharjah Aquarium and Sharjah Maritime Museum

Sharjah Aquarium Location: Al Khan, near Al Khan Beach
Sharjah Aquarium Opening times: Sat–Thurs 8am–8pm, Fri 4–8pm. Check Sharjah Museums website or social media for changes during Ramadan and public holidays.
Sharjah Aquarium Ticket Price: Adults AED 25. Children (2–12) AED 15, resident senior citizens plus one companion free, People of Determination free. Discounts are available for groups of 6 or more.
Sharjah Maritime Museum Ticket Price: As above, one ticket gives entrance to both Sharjah Aquarium and Maritime Museum
Shj Aquarium and Maritime Museum Accessibility: Both are fully accessible. The aquarium is on different levels but lifts ramps and elevating ramps are all available.

sharjah aquarium khor fakkan pinnacle reef exhibit

If you liked this, you might like these other posts of places to visit in Sharjah

Aquarium Sharjah FAQs

What is the ticket price for Sharjah Aquarium? AED 25 for adults and 15 for 2-12. Senior citizens go free.
What are the Sharjah Aquarium timings? Sat–Thurs 8am–8pm, Fri 4–8pm, check website for holiday opening times.
Which is better Sharjah Aquarium or Dubai Aquarium? I prefer Shj Aquarium as you see more and you can go as slowly as you like and go back and forth as much as you like. It also usually works out cheaper.
How big is the Sharjah Aquarium? The aquarium in Sharjah covers 6,500 square metres.
When did the Sharjah underwater aquarium open? The Sharjah Aquarium Museum opened in June 2008.
Is Shj Aquarium worth visiting? In my opinion, yes! It’s particularly good for an outing in the hotter months.

Follow on Instagram or Facebook for regular photos, tips and snippets of cultural and historical information too.
Sign up for the Glimpses of the UAE Newsletter
Take me to the Glimpses of the UAE Map to find nearby locations and plan my trip.
See some of my hiking trails, walks and off-road trips on Wikiloc.
To see my Oman trips, visit In Scotterati Footsteps.