With yet another school holiday around the corner, the AZA-accredited resort has come up with the perfect way to keep Dubai’s younger generation entertained this half term with a series of programmes that are both fun and informative. The newly launched programmes are in line with Atlantis, The Palm’s commitment to drive education across the resort. Not only are they offering informative and impactful education experiences, Atlantis also prides itself on its high welfare standards, its gold standard Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation, as well as its efforts in supporting field conservation.
While some programmes have been designed for children only, others are perfect for the whole family, enabling families to create meaningful experiences. Marine Biologist Programmes for minis (ages 3-6) and masters (12-16) will equip budding biologists with knowledge about life forms’ and the habitats in the world’s oceans, while behind the scenes tours will allow them to get up close and personal with Atlantis’s marine residents. For those that dare, there is also a Marine Animal Adventure offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the depths of a shark-filled lagoon.
Marine Biologist Programmes
Mini Marine Biologist
Younger children can be part of Atlantis’ specialist Aquarist team as they join them in the shallow water to get an up-close look at starfish, sea cucumbers and baby sharks. During this fun-filled adventure, they’ll learn all about marine life with incredible facts that they will be able to expertly pass onto their family and friends.
- Ages: 3-6
- Price: AED 175 for resort guests/ AED 275 for non-resort guests (includes FREE same-day access to Aquaventure Waterpark)
- Duration: 1 hour (30 minutes in shallow water)
- Group Size: Maximum 5 participants
- Location: The Shark Lagoon inside Aquaventure Waterpark
Get an up-close look at starfish, sea cucumbers and baby sharks
Master Marine Biologist
A behind the scenes experience of the resort’s world-class facilities will educate teens on the basics of animal care, feeding and maintenance, as well as the on-site breeding programmes. By shadowing one of the Marine Mammal Specialists, participants will discover what it takes to care for dolphins and sea lions and also get the opportunity to meet the Aquarists to experience first-hand how to prepare food and feed animals including our jellyfish, corals and tropical fish.
- Ages: 12-16
- Price: AED 895 per child
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Group Size: Maximum 5 participants
- Location: Dolphin Bay, Sea Lion Point and The Lost Chambers Aquarium
- Includes: Lunch, certificate and complimentary photo
Behind the Scene
Dolphins and Sea Lions
Guests can embark on an educational journey with marine experts and learn how the marine team care for and enrich all of the marine life at Atlantis, The Palm. A visit to the medical laboratory will reveal how the highest level of animal care is provided by expert veterinarians and technicians. Developed for inquisitive minds, knowledgeable trainers will answer everything anyone ever wanted to know about dolphins and sea lions – as well as the specialist care which they receive.
- Age: for all ages
- Price: AED 145 for resort guests/ AED 350 for non-resort guests (includes FREE same-day access to Aquaventure Waterpark)
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Group Size: Maximum 5 participants
- Location: Dolphin Bay and Sea Loin Point (inside Aquaventure Waterpark)
Participants will discover what it takes to care for 65,000 marine animals
Fish Tales Tour
This is the chance to join an exclusive behind the scenes tour of The Lost Chambers Aquarium where participants will discover what it takes to care for 65,000 marine animals. Visitors will follow the water’s path to our filtration systems, visit the state-of-the-art Fish Hospital, see how 400 kilos of food per day is prepared and learn more about our breeding programmes.
- Age: for all ages
- Price: AED 45 for resort guests/ AED 45 for non-resort guests (excluding admission to The Lost Chambers Aquarium)
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Group Size: Maximum 5 participants
- Location: The Lost Chambers Aquarium
Marine Animal Adventures
Shark Safari
This thrilling adventure will help children and adults to learn all about marine life with amazing facts that will change the way they see the world. Intrepid explorers descend a ladder seven metres to the bottom of the Shark Lagoon whilst wearing a state-of-the-art helmet. This helmet receives a continuous supply of air (three times more than what you normally breathe), so that the entire head remains dry, including hair, glasses or prescription contacts. Once explorers have reached the bottom, they will embark on a guided underwater walking tour, coming face-to-face with sharks, rays, and schools of multi-coloured fish.
- Age: for 10 years and above
- Price: AED 360 for resort guests/ AED 580 for non-resort guests (includes FREE same-day access to Aquaventure Waterpark)
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Group Size: Maximum 3 participants
- Location: Shark Lagoon inside Aquaventure Waterpark