Experience Unique Thrills and Rare Animals at the World’s Largest Indoor Marine Park

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Experience Unique Thrills and Rare Animals at the World's Largest Indoor Marine Park

Most of us have gone through a marine biology phase, when communing with dolphins seemed like the ultimate career goal. Even if that deep-seated affection for aquatic animals hasn’t held steady into adulthood for everyone, it’s hard not to be awed by the idea of the world’s largest indoor marine park. That distinction belongs to SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.



The lively capital city of the United Arab Emirates is home to a diverse population drawn by the modern Arabian Gulf country’s wealth. A destination for excellent theme parks, it’s even the location of the world’s fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa, at ​​Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The city’s five-level, nearly 2-million-square-foot SeaWorld opened in 2023 and gained the title of “Largest Indoor Marine-Life Theme Park” from Guinness World Records in 2024. Visitors to manmade Yas Island — created in 2006 to house a Formula One track — will also find theme parks Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, and the hotly anticipated Disney Abu Dhabi.

What you’ll find at SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Viewing window at SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi



Everything at this park is gloriously excessive, from its 17 restaurants and 13 shops to its 15 rides and experiences. Those include the pulse-raising Manta Coaster, which takes riders through a bioluminescent tunnel populated by rays amid its flips and dips. A single-day ticket here costs 375 AED, or just over $100 USD at the time of writing. But to make the most of their trip, guests will likely want to upgrade. The SeaWorld Encounters being offered are hard to resist, especially with the knowledge that Global Humane has approved the animals’ welfare. To get to know Malquot, the dugong, it’s about another $20. Dugongs are mammals indigenous to Abu Dhabi that Americans will recognize as cousins to the manatee. Other animals available for feedings and face-to-face meetings include dolphins, sea otters, penguins, seals, sea lions, and even a walrus. Those packages range from around $25 to $50 extra at the time of writing.

There are also packages that plunge visitors into the not-so-murky deep. Scuba diving lessons allow humans to commune with sea life. Other guests may prefer a little more distance from the underwater fauna, in the form of either kayaking or going down in the SeaSub, the first submersible in the world to be built specifically for an aquarium. For more diving adventures on the United Arab Emirates coastline, check out the world’s deepest swimming pool, located north in Dubai.

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Be prepared for indoor fun

Families at SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.