Abu Dhabi has a beautiful coastal location that lets you dive into the magical world of the ocean. Dubai is known as the most popular location for scuba diving, but you will also find many incredible locations for scuba diving in Abu Dhabi that prove that relaxation and sports meet in a delicious combination in this UAE’s capital.
What Does Scuba Diving In Abu Dhabi Feel Like?
Time seems to slow down when you dive into the ethereal underwater life of Abu Dhabi. Scuba diving is a peaceful escape from the urban landscape, and there are many reasons why you should go for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- The underwater conditions in the coastal regions are perfect for diving in Abu Dhabi, snorkeling, or swimming. The warm water and marine breeds create a beautiful environment adorned with aquatic wildlife such as sea mammals, fish, Turtles, and others.
- Even if you and your friends are not expert divers, there are plenty of confident instructors and diving centers that help you navigate your way with a gentle scuba diving journey.
- The Corniche Has Shallow waters, which is the perfect destination for beginners or young children to begin their Scuba Diving experience.
- Pearl diving used to be an important resource for the people of the Arabian Gulf. The history of Pearl Diving in Abu Dhabi dates back 350 years prior to oil discovery. This is one of the many reasons scuba diving in Abu Dhabi pays an ode to this important asset of the economy and allows people to get an up-close experience of this unusual diving attraction.
- There are many diving schools in Abu Dhabi that cater to all levels of divers, from beginners to experts. You can easily book a session with them to discover the underwater treasure of the city.
- Al Mahara Scuba Diving in Abu Dhabi is one of the best centers with PADI-qualified instructors who can teach you all the tips and tricks related to scuba diving.
- Diving in Abu Dhabi is an excellent opportunity to polish your skills and join the Underwater World to spot Turtles, rays, and other rare species.
Things You Need To Know Before Scuba Diving In Abu Dhabi
Before you choose your scuba diving center, please make sure that the diving instructors are registered with PADI. The driving centers will also require you to fill out paperwork before you take part in any of the underwater activities. But don’t worry – there are plenty of professional diving centers in Abu Dhabi to choose from.
The Diving centers will provide you with all the essential safety equipment that is a part of your package. Make sure that you wear appropriate clothes that will not interfere with your underwater fun.
You can also take your children to enjoy scuba diving in Abu Dhabi. Many companies, such as the Al Mahara Diving Center, offer scuba certifications for junior divers and also provide many other activities that are safe and child-friendly
How Much Does Scuba Diving In Abu Dhabi Cost?
Scuba diving can be an expensive activity, but it is something that is worth doing at least once on your trip. Many diving centers offer their Scuba Diving services, which is why the prices differ according to weekend and weekday trips, duration of the underwater activities, and other factors. You can expect to pay between AED 199 and AED 1000 for scuba diving in Abu Dhabi.
Best Scuba Diving In Abu Dhabi
If you have a passion for the underwater world, you will love Abu Dhabi. There are many good dive destinations that are easily accessible and offer everything from deep water dives to reef dives. Enjoy a day in the warm seas and incredible marine life such as Stingrays, spotted Eagle rays, barracuda, and so much more.
Here are the best driving centers in Abu Dhabi with PADI-certified instructors for beginners to expert-level divers.
1. Abu Dhabi Diving Centre
Address: Al Kasir – Al Marina – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 50 202 8357
The Abu Dhabi Marine Center boasts a prime location in the City of Al Marina. They offer scuba diving in Abu Dhabi as it is a PADI-certified water adventure and sports company and has a variety of diving experiences waiting for you.
If you are looking for an eco-friendly but affordable diving journey, then this facility with 35 instructors and International standards is perfect for beginner to expert-level divers. Everyone here can enjoy an underwater adventure. Their diving trips take you to multiple scenic locations in Abu Dhabi, such as Lulu Island, cement barges, steel blocks, and others.
The diving trips start from approximately AED 400 and include two tanks and full equipment, snacks, beverages, and expert photography. The night dive is a very interesting experience in which you get to dip below the surface of the water in the alluring night and watch the Marine creatures, especially the nocturnal ones, welcome you to a new world that is not Visible on the surface.
2. Al Mahara
Address: Villa 215 Al Mina Road – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 50 111 8125
Al Mahara is a premium dive resort offering the highest quality professional training and knowledge for scuba diving in Abu Dhabi. The staff is very friendly and accommodating and fun to learn from. They have expert knowledge and equipment and can provide you with a fun, safe, and adventurous scuba diving experience.
What sets Al Mahara apart from others is that they are very passionate about the local marine environment, which is why they work with many NGOs and other companies focusing on the underwater environment while building public awareness about the marine habitat and how to protect it.
Their scuba diving adventures close to the shores of Abu Dhabi let you see the colorful corals, hammour, Sheri, stingrays, and a variety of juvenile marine life as well. The offshore sites are selected for more advanced diving levels, and you can make the most out of your experience with digital underwater photography.
3. Ocean Dive Center
Address: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental – Corniche Rd W – Al Ras Al Akhdar – Marina Gate 2 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 50 141 3255
The Ocean Dive Centre has a team of professional instructors who offer friendly and safe scuba diving in Abu Dhabi for beginner-level divers. The professionalism of the diving experts is clear from their accommodating nature and their patience to adapt to your different routines.
So, no matter if you’re here in Abu Dhabi for two weeks or two months, they will sort a schedule for you to finish all your dives. Their top-notch service and comfortable scuba diving experience will definitely exceed your expectations and make sure that you leave the city with a bundle of unforgettable memories.
4. Mermaid Diving Center Abu Dhabi
Address: W Corniche Rd – Al Bateen – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 55 887 6015
This exclusive dive resort in Abu Dhabi Is located in three prime locations – Radisson Blu, L Le Méridien, and Sheraton. The elite diving instructors are what make this dive resort an excellent option for scuba diving in Abu Dhabi.
The instructors collectively have more than 27 years of experience, which is why they are able to tackle any problems that arise from the divers’ or trainers’ side with smooth efficiency. Scuba diving can be a daring adventure, which is why most people are reluctant to dive underwater.
But Mermaid Diving Center has certified diving courses that are available in multiple languages, and combine that with the highest quality standards and training, and you will develop a love for marine life like never before. The instructors also personalize their customer services to offer individual guidance to you.
5. Sea Hawk Water Sports & Adventures
Address: 133 Jacques Chirac St – Al SaaDiyat Cultural – Cultural District – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
The Abu Dhabi marine wildlife enthusiasts must not miss this opportunity to experience this immersive experience that combines the breathtaking architecture of the city with the incredible life in the Gulf’s waters.
At Sea Hawk Water Sports and Adventures, you will find a variety of PADI-certified courses, scuba diving and snorkeling in Abu Dhabi that range from junior to master level, and if you are a visitor in Abu Dhabi for a few days, their special intensive courses are perfect for you to gather as much sea knowledge as possible. The daily packages for scuba diving in Abu Dhabi feature five stunning locations on the coastline, including one very mysterious diving journey to explore the shipwrecks.