Get Up Close with Dolphins & Sea Lions at Atlantis Dubai
May 16, 2025
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Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of marine wonders at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai! This iconic resort offers more than just luxury; it’s home to Dolphin Bay, a premier dolphin habitat, and Sea Lion Point, a dedicated facility for charming South African fur seals 
[22]
[6]
[36]
[42]. These attractions are part of the larger Atlantis experience, promising unique interactions and a deeper appreciation for marine life [22]. Prepare to explore everything these incredible destinations have to offer for your 2025 visit.
Meet the Stars: The Dolphins and Sea Lions of Atlantis
At Dolphin Bay, you'll encounter the intelligent and playful Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, known for their engaging personalities 
[21][22]. Over at Sea Lion Point, the stars are the equally captivating South African fur seals, often affectionately called sea lions, who are sure to charm you with their antics 
[5]
[2]
[14][42]. These remarkable animals are at the center of the unique experiences awaiting you.
Dolphin Bay: Your Guide to Unforgettable Dolphin Interactions
Dolphin Bay stands as one of the world's most sophisticated dolphin habitats, sprawling across 11 acres with seven interconnected pools and three beautifully designed lagoons that mimic a natural environment [6][36]. Every program here kicks off with an educational briefing from marine mammal specialists, covering fascinating details about dolphin anatomy, behavior, and conservation efforts 
[25][6]
[10]
[29]. For your comfort and convenience, wetsuits, towels, and lockers are provided, along with refreshments like juices or bottled water 
[31][25][6]
[7]
[16][10]
[38]. Plus, a fantastic perk is that all dolphin experiences include complimentary same-day access to the thrilling Aquaventure Waterpark and its private beach [31][25][6]
[13]
[40][38].
For those looking for a gentle introduction, the Dolphin Encounter (or Dolphin Dip & Play) offers a wonderful shallow-water interaction [31][25]
[26]
[8][10][38]. You'll wade into waist-high water to meet, touch, hug, and play with these amazing creatures, making it perfect for all ages and non-swimmers [26][8][10][13][38]. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult, and the in-water experience lasts about 30 minutes, designed to be both educational and fun [31][25][26][7][10]
[9][38]
[28].
If you're a confident swimmer (typically aged 8 and above), the Dolphin Swim (also known as Dolphin Swim & Explore or Dolphin Adventure) is your ticket to a deeper connection [31][25][26][8]
[1][13]
[17]
[18]
[19][38]. You'll swim alongside dolphins in a 3-meter deep lagoon, possibly enjoying a thrilling belly ride or a foot push from your new aquatic friend [6][8][10][19][38]. This 30-minute in-water adventure also requires adult accompaniment for younger participants and is conducted in small groups to ensure a quality experience [31][1][13][17][18][6][10].
Dolphin Bay also offers unique experiences that don't require getting fully submerged. The Dolphin Meet & Greet (or Dolphin Photo Fun) allows you to interact with a dolphin from the lagoon's edge, perfect for all ages, and it often includes a complimentary photo [31][25][26][8][10][40][38]. For a different perspective, try Dolphin Kayak or Dolphin Paddle, where you can observe dolphins from a kayak or paddleboard in an activity that also serves as enrichment for the animals (age limits apply) [25][26][28]
[41]
[33]. Scuba enthusiasts can opt for Dolphin Dive & Discover (no certification needed for Discover) or the Explorer Dive for certified divers [31][10][41]. And for early risers, the newer Dolphin Sunrise program offers a peaceful, no-contact observation experience 
[23].
Sea Lion Point: Charming Encounters with Fur Seals
Sea Lion Point is a state-of-the-art, 4.5-hectare facility dedicated to South African Fur Seals, offering delightful and educational interactions [42][5][2][14]. Just like at Dolphin Bay, programs here include an informative session with marine mammal specialists, where you'll learn all about these charismatic animals [5][2]
[39]
[4]
[12][42]. Standard inclusions cover wetsuits, towels, lockers, and that fantastic complimentary same-day access to Aquaventure Waterpark [5][2][39][4][16]
[15][42][33].
The primary in-water program is the Sea Lion Discovery (also called Sea Lion Dip & Play or Sea Lion Encounter) [5][2][39][16][15]. Here, you'll wade into waist-deep water to meet, play, and even get a "kiss" from a friendly sea lion [5][2][39][16]. This interaction typically lasts about 30 minutes in the water and is generally for those aged 8 and older, sometimes with a minimum height requirement of 1.20m [2][39][15][31][4]. Children under 12 will need an accompanying paying adult to join the fun [31][5][2][39][4][15][42].
If you prefer to stay dry, the Sea Lion Meet & Greet (or Sea Lion Photo Fun) is an excellent choice for all ages [31][5][2][12][42]
[43]. You'll meet a sea lion at the poolside, learn fascinating facts from the specialists, and get a wonderful photo opportunity, often with a complimentary printed photo included [5][2][4][42][43][31]. Sea Lion Point generally operates daily from around 10:00 AM until sunset, giving you ample time to plan your visit [2][16][33][42].
Planning Your Marine Adventure: Pricing, Booking & Key Inclusions
So, what's the investment for these incredible experiences? Prices for dolphin and sea lion interactions at Atlantis, The Palm vary by program and season [31]. To give you an idea, the Dolphin Meet & Greet might start around AED 495-575, while a Dolphin Encounter could be in the AED 725-850 range, and the Sea Lion Discovery often starts from AED 575-645 [25][8][28]
[37][13][2]. Remember, these are per-person prices, subject to change, and guests staying at Atlantis, The Palm might get preferential rates [31][39][42]. It’s always best to book in advance, especially during peak times, which you can easily do online via the official Atlantis website or through recognized tour operators [31][39][7][38].
Let's recap what’s generally included: the specific animal interaction, that all-important educational briefing, wetsuits, towels, lockers, changing facilities, and some light refreshments [25][2][6][28][5][39][4][16][10][15][18][42][38]. The big bonus, of course, is the free same-day access to Aquaventure Waterpark and its private beach, turning your marine adventure into a full day of fun [31][5][25][2][39][4][6][7][8][16][10][28][12][13][15][40][17][18][19][33][42][38]. You might also snag discounted admission to The Lost Chambers Aquarium as an extra perk [31][4][12][15][18][42]. When it's time for your adventure, head to the Atlas Village Ticketing Plaza or the facility itself about 15-30 minutes before your scheduled slot [31][39][7][1][9][19][38]. Just a heads-up, cancellation policies can be quite strict, sometimes involving fees for late changes, so plan accordingly [25][2][9].
A Commitment to Care: Animal Welfare & Conservation at Atlantis
Atlantis, Dubai, encompassing Dolphin Bay and Sea Lion Point, places a profound emphasis on animal welfare and conservation, caring for over 65,000 marine animals across its facilities 
[27]
[11][14]
[20][21][23]-Ultimate-Guide-to-Living,-Shopping,-Tourism,-and-Real-Estate-in-Dubai-3/&size=28)
[30]
[34][22]. A cornerstone of this commitment is its accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), an internationally recognized "gold standard" for animal care, welfare, conservation, and education [27][21][42][23]
[3]
[35]. Atlantis was the first resort in the Middle East to achieve this, undergoing a rigorous review every five years [27][21][23][35]
[24]. The resort is also a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and holds EarthCheck Silver Certification for its sustainability efforts [23][35][22].
Through the Atlantis Atlas Project, USD $1 from every marine animal experience is donated to conservation and sustainability initiatives, making a tangible impact [11][20][42][22][30][34]. The resort boasts an in-house fish hospital, runs breeding programs, and actively participates in release programs for native species like Arabian carpet sharks and honeycomb stingrays, in collaboration with Dubai Municipality [11][20][30][34]. Broader sustainability efforts include an on-site water bottling plant, food waste reduction technology, solar panels, community cleanups, and innovative recycling programs [22][11][20][34]. The educational mission is central, aiming to foster a deep appreciation for marine life and the importance of its conservation among all guests [11][14][20][21][22][23][30][35]. Atlantis addresses ethical considerations by maintaining these high standards, focusing on education, directly funding conservation, providing naturalistic habitats, and even offering no-contact program options for guests [27][21][35][24][11][20][30][25][39][6][28][12][42][23][14][40][36][38].
Know Before You Go: Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience
To make your visit as smooth as possible, here are a few practical tips. You'll need to bring your swimsuit to wear under the provided wetsuit and a valid photo ID [25][2]. While sunscreen is a good idea for your time at Aquaventure, try to avoid using excessive amounts or tanning oils right before your animal interaction, as these can be harmful to the animals [25][2]. For animal safety, personal cameras and GoPros are generally not allowed in the water during interactions, but professional photographers are on hand, and photos are available for purchase; some Meet & Greet programs even include a complimentary photo [7][1][10][33][31][4][15][18][5][26][8][42][43].
If some members of your group just want to watch, an Observer Pass is usually available for Dolphin Bay, which also includes Aquaventure access [25][10][28][13][40]
[32]. It's crucial that all participants can understand safety instructions, which are typically given in English [25][2][43]. Be sure to check all age, height (for some sea lion programs), swimming ability, and health restrictions (like pregnancy or severe medical conditions) before you book [31][4][15][25][2][7][1][17]. Remember, children under 12 (or 18 for some deeper water programs) must be accompanied by a paying, participating adult, and specific child-to-adult ratios may apply [31][25][2][39][4][26][6][7][1][10][28][13][9][15][17][18][19][42][43][38]. On a positive note for inclusivity, Atlantis facilities are Certified Autism Centers™ (CAC), offering sensory guides and quiet zones [3].
Is It Worth the Investment? Who Should Visit?
So, is a trip to Dolphin Bay or Sea Lion Point worth it? For families, these experiences are undeniably unforgettable and educational, especially with the added bonus of Aquaventure Waterpark access, though it is a premium-priced activity [31][5][25][2][39][26][8][16][10][12][42][43][38]. Animal lovers will appreciate the opportunity for interaction balanced by Atlantis's strong welfare credentials, like AZA and WAZA affiliations, direct contributions to conservation, and the availability of no-contact options [27][21][42][23][3][35][11][20][22][30][34]. It’s a unique blend of thrill, education, and a genuine commitment to marine life that appeals to a wide audience.
The unique and enriching experiences at Dolphin Bay and Sea Lion Point offer more than just a day out; they provide a chance for responsible enjoyment and learning about our incredible marine world [22][6][36][42]. To get the most current information on programs, availability, and to make your bookings, it's always best to visit the official Atlantis, The Palm website. Prepare to make some waves and create memories that will truly last a lifetime!
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