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Oman Aquarium
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kid-friendly
The Oman Aquarium, the largest aquarium in Oman, is located within the Mall of Muscat. Opened in 2019, it features a fascinating journey through the aquatic ecosystems of Oman and the world. The aquarium spans two floors and houses more than 30,000 marine animals in massive tanks. The main attraction is the giant ocean tank with an 18-meter-long acrylic tunnel, giving visitors the feeling of walking on the seabed. Here, one can observe sharks, rays, and large schools of fish. Other sections are dedicated to mangrove life, tidal zones, and deep-sea trenches. There is also a penguin section and a crocodile habitat. The aquarium places a strong emphasis on education and marine conservation, offering interactive displays and programs.
- Location: Oman
- Top sights: Al Barakah Palace · Royal Cars Museum · Theater hall
- Nearby: Seeb (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 19 | 21 | 24 | 29 | 33 | 35 | 35 | 34 | 32 | 29 | 24 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 18 | 14 | 21 | 12 | 6 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
This modern facility is fully open to the public and provides a deeply immersive indoor experience focused on regional aquatic life. Visitors follow a set path through various well-maintained exhibits detailing different underwater ecosystems.
Typical hours
The aquarium typically operates along standard mall opening hours, often remaining open late into the evening for family convenience. Weekday mornings are generally the quietest times to visit if you wish to avoid the large weekend crowds.
Photography
Photography is warmly welcomed throughout the exhibits, but it is strictly requested to turn off your flash to avoid stressing the marine life. The underwater tunnel sections offer the most spectacular backdrops for memorable portraits.
Time needed
Most visitors find that spending around one and a half to two hours is perfectly sufficient to see all the tanks and exhibits. If you are traveling with very young children, you might want to allow a little extra time for the interactive zones.
Combine with
Since it is located within the Mall of Muscat, it makes sense to combine your visit with dining, shopping, or exploring other entertainment options there. The mall also features an indoor snow park which provides a stark, fun contrast to the aquatic theme.
Getting there
The mall is easily reached by car or taxi from most parts of Muscat, boasting ample parking facilities for visitors. Public transport options are somewhat limited, so driving or using a ride-hailing app is highly recommended for a smooth trip.
Insider tip
Check the daily schedule upon arrival to see if there are any specific feeding times or educational talks happening during your visit. The air conditioning inside can be quite robust, so bringing a light sweater is a good idea even on hot days.
Geography
Facts
- The largest aquarium in Oman.
- Located inside the Mall of Muscat.
- Opened in 2019.
- Home to over 200 species of marine life.
- The main tank holds 1.8 million liters of water.
- Features a walk-through underwater tunnel.
- There is also a penguin and a crocodile section.
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Sights in the town Oman Aquarium (11)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the highlight?
The large underwater tunnel with sharks and rays.
Is it good for kids?
Yes, very educational with interactive elements.
Where is the aquarium?
It is located in the Mall of Muscat.
How long does the visit take?
Plan for about 2 hours.
Is there an admission fee?
Yes, tickets can be bought online or at the venue.
Oman Aquarium: where is it located?
Oman Aquarium is located in Oman.
Oman Aquarium: what is there to see?
Highlights include Al Barakah Palace, Royal Cars Museum, Theater hall.
Oman Aquarium: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Oman Aquarium: why is it worth visiting?
The Oman Aquarium, the largest aquarium in Oman, is located within the Mall of Muscat.
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Nearby cities
Muscat
Muscat is the capital of Oman, located on the Gulf of Oman.
Seeb
Seeb is a populous coastal city in the Muscat Governorate.
Bawshar
Bawshar is a modern district of Muscat with large sand dunes.
Qurayyat
Qurayyat is a fishing town featuring a 19th-century fort.
Al Mawalih al Shamaliyah
A modern residential district in Muscat, known for its exclusive marina and the luxurious Al Mouj Beach.
Muttrah
Muttrah is home to one of the largest traditional souks in Oman.
Yiti
A quiet coastal village near Muscat, surrounded by rugged mountains and pristine bays.
Bandar Khayran
A spectacular labyrinth of turquoise lagoons and rugged limestone cliffs near Muscat.
History & landmarks
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Built from Indian sandstone, this majestic mosque in Muscat features contemporary Islamic architecture.
Royal Opera House Muscat
As Oman's premier venue for musical arts, this building combines traditional Omani aesthetics with state-of-the-art acoustics.
Muttrah Souq
One of the oldest markets in the Arab world, characterized by narrow winding alleys and the scent of frankincense.
Bait Al Zubair Museum
A privately funded museum housed in a restored traditional home.
Al Alam Palace
The ceremonial palace of Sultan Qaboos is distinguished by its blue and gold facade and mushroom-shaped pillars.
The National Museum of Oman
This modern museum showcases the rich history and culture of Oman from prehistoric times to the present.
Bimmah Sinkhole
Filled with turquoise water, this natural karst depression is located in a coastal park.
Majlis al Jinn Cave
One of the largest underground cave chambers in the world.
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