Scuba Diving & Snorkelling

It’s possible to dive and snorkel all year round off Dubai, but it should be noted that the dive sites off Fujairah on the east coast of the UAE, are widely regarded as superior in terms of visibility and marine life.

Most Dubai-based diving outfits organise trips to the east coast (about two hours’ drive away). You can pick up snorkels, masks and fins at the dive centres listed below, or find less expensive fins and facemasks in the tourist shop of any Jumeirah beachside hotel.

Al Boom Diving

Tel +971 4 342 2993
Taxi Directions Opposite the Iranian Hospital, Al Wasl Road
Open 10am-8pm Sat-Thur
Price Dhs1,700 PADI Open water course; Dhs1,000 Advanced open water course
www.alboommarine.com
From Time Out Dubai City Guide This one-stop dive shop is arguably the most comprehensive in the city, and is good for both casual visitors who just want to test the waters with a sample dive, and more experienced divers looking for a specific course. Dive trips can be arranged; the shop also rents equipment and handles maintenance and servicing. A complete range of Suunto diving computers and Sea Quest accessories is available along with fashion items.

Pavilion Dive Centre

Tel +971 4 406 8827
Taxi Directions Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Beach Road, Jumeirah
Open 9am-6pm daily
Price Dhs320 Discover scuba course; Dhs1,750 Open water course
www.jumeirahinternational.com
From Time Out Dubai City Guide This luxury hotel-based centre claims to be the first and only Golden Palm five-star training institute in Dubai. It offers a comprehensive range of dive courses, from beginner through to instructor development (twice a year, usually in May and October). Daily trips leave the marina at 10am, weather permitting, and return before 3pm.

Scubatec

Tel +971 4 334 8988
Taxi Directions Sana Building, Trade Centre Road, Karama
Open 9am-1.30pm & 4-8.30pm Sat-Thur
Price Contact for more details
scubatec@emirates.net.ae
From Time Out Dubai City Guide Scubatec’s qualified instructors are licensed by the PADI and TDI (Technical Diving Instructor) organisations and provide a full range of courses. They can build plenty of flexibility into timings to accommodate the schedules of visitors or residents. Services and repair facilities are available.