Marassi Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Introduction to Marassi Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Marassi Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, located in Marassi Galleria Mall, Bahrain, spans approximately 30,031 sq ft and is the kingdom’s largest marine edutainment venue. Featuring around 360,000 litres of water and over 200 distinct species, this destination offers a captivating journey through diverse aquatic ecosystems. Developed by Eagle Hills in partnership with Emaar Entertainment, its immersive design places guests in the heart of the underwater world.

Ocean Trench Exhibit

The Ocean Trench is the aquarium’s centerpiece—a vast panoramic display hosting a wide spectrum of marine life, from vibrant tropical fish to awe-inspiring sharks. The 360-degree viewpoint offers a truly immersive dive into the depths, creating an unforgettable visitor experience.

Reef Zone Exhibit

The Reef Zone showcases intricate live coral habitats bustling with colorful reef inhabitants. Designed to evoke the vibrancy and ecological sensitivity of coral reefs, exhibits here explain threats such as bleaching and underline urgent conservation messages .

Rainforest Lagoon Exhibit

This freshwater section recreates a lush, tropical river environment featuring iconic species like Arapaima, piranhas, and seahorses. Visitors are drawn close to life-size tanks, allowing face-to-face encounters—particularly with the giant Arapaima—making this a compelling, immersive experience .

Sea Jellies Exhibit

In this calm and contemplative space, delicate jellyfish glide through softly lit tanks, highlighting their ethereal beauty and biological wonders . It provides a serene contrast to the bustling tank environments.

Lab of the Future & Interactive Zones

The Lab of the Future integrates interactive technologies to showcase cutting-edge conservation science. With a dedicated digital tunnel featuring immersive exhibits, it encourages visitors to think critically about marine ecosystems and stewardship .

Hidden Gems & Immersive Touch Points

Beyond the main habitats, Marassi Aquarium offers additional features such as immersive rope bridges, interactive touch pools, and behind-the-scenes opportunities . These hidden gems enhance educational engagement and connect guests more deeply with the aquatic world.

Conservation Team & Educational Programs

An in-house conservation team works in tandem with NGOs and government bodies to develop educational programming and promote marine preservation . Presentations and daily demonstrations introduce scientific principles and stewardship to diverse audience groups.

Visitor Experience & Amenities

Located inside Marassi Galleria, the aquarium is open year‑round: Sun–Thu from 10 am to 10 pm, and Fri–Sat with extended hours until midnight. Photography is generally permitted—although some sensitive exhibits restrict flash to protect animal wellbeing. Guests are encouraged to plan at least one hour for a standard visit, though many stay longer to fully explore interactive sections .

Ticketing Options

Three ticket tiers cater to varied visitor interests

• Regular Pass (6 BHD): Grants access to the main aquarium tunnel, Rainforest Lagoon, Reef Zone, Sea Jellies, and interactive touch areas.
• Ultimate Pass (9 BHD): Adds behind-the-scenes access and interactive feeding experiences.
• Annual Pass (20 BHD): Unlimited access for one year, perfect for frequent visitors and aquarium enthusiasts.

Location in Marassi Galleria

Marassi Aquarium is strategically placed in Marassi Galleria, a luxury beachfront mall that opened in Q4 2023 . The mall blends high-end retail with leisure options, including cinemas, fine-dining venues, adventure parks, and seaside resorts tied to Address Beach Resort and Vida Beach Resort

Payment Methods

• Cash (Bahraini Dinar).
• Major credit & debit cards – Visa, MasterCard, and possibly American Express.
• Digital wallets/contactless payments – Common options include Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
• Mall gift cards – If Marassi Galleria issues its own gift vouchers or multi-merchant gift cards, these may be accepted.
• Group bookings & online purchases – For events, school groups, and private tours, online payments via bank transfer or invoiced card payments are often supported.