Looking for a relaxing dip on your trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? We’ve got the perfect place for you to check out while you’re in Dubai. Dive Dive Dubai boasts a whopping 197 feet (60 meters) of freshwater depth, making it the world’s deepest pool. But it’s not just the depth that attracts divers.
The pool opened in July 2021 and is one of Dubai’s many popular adventure activities. With underwater games, warm temperatures, and exciting things to see in the depths, let’s have a look at what makes Deep Dive so special.
Things to See & Do
The pool was designed to be the shape of an oyster. This is to pay tribute to Dubai’s pearl diving heritage. It is filled with 14 million liters of water (that’s the same amount as six Olympic-sized swimming pools!), and is certified by Guinness World Records as being the deepest diving pool in the world.
Onsite there is a gift shop, restaurant, and enough space to hold up to 100 guests comfortably. There are plans for the pool to host events in the future.
Okay, so you won’t be spotting whale sharks or turtles on a dive here, but a dive here is far from boring. You will see Marilyn Monroe (a large portrait of her anyway), as well as remnants of a submerged city, an apartment building, a library, funky graffiti, and an arcade with your favorite vintage video games.
Underwater game of pool, anyone?
Who can go?
This is an exciting playground for scuba divers and freedivers alike. Both beginners, and more experienced divers are welcome, with freediving and scuba courses available year-round, from intro level to expert. All are taught by some of the best and most experienced dive professionals in the world, so you’ll really be in safe hands.
As well as courses, Deep Dive Dubai offers fun dives of different categories depending on your certification level, and scuba specialities such as Cave Diver can be done here. There’s something to see for every diver.
Diving isn’t for you? No problem! Snorkelers and swimmers can also enjoy the pool from above. Or, you can stay dry and watch the divers through the peephole windows.
Why dive here instead of the ocean?
Some divers get nervous diving in darker waters but that’s not a worry here; with 156 lights dotted around, the pool is always well-lit (even at the deepest parts). There’s also a state of the art sound system to create a relaxing, underwater mood.
The main benefit of diving here is that you can guarantee good conditions, every day. There’s no canceling dive days due to strong currents or big waves. You’re guaranteed comfort, including no seasickness!
If you’re a beginner or nervous diver, this could be a great place for you to get comfortable under the water. There are no scary fish to pop out and surprise you, no cold water to make you shiver, and no waves splashing you in the face. It’s the perfect location for your first diving experiences.
Another nice feature of the pool is that it has a very comfortable 86°F (30°C) water temperature. Wetsuits aren’t even needed, which makes for more convenient, and less restricted diving. Also, the excellent water filter maintains the highest levels of hygiene and safety.
To top it off, there is an onsite hyperbaric chamber for extra safety and peace of mind. Many divers will be descending deep at this dive spot, and it’s nice to know that they don’t have to go far to get help, should any signs of decompression sickness come up.
Top Tip
Want to know a juicy secret? We asked full-time, Deep Dive Dubai freediving instructor Gaspard Garry-Gendre if he has any insider information for us about the pool.
“The luminosity of the pool deck can be very different depending on the time of day, maybe because of the seasons,” he says. “But, the 2pm slot is considered the golden hour as the sun is getting lower. This brings with it beautiful luminosity, and a relaxing ambiance for diving.”
So, if you plan to book a dive at Deep Dive Dubai, the 2pm slot is the prime time!
The pool is located in Nad Al Sheba; just 25 minutes from Dubai International Airport, and is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am until 8pm. But make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
So what are you waiting for? Go check out this underwater wonderland!