Summary
Breathing underwater for the first time is something you never forget. It’s like entering another world — quiet, weightless, and full of life. Scuba diving in Dubai wasn’t just an adventure; it was an entirely new perspective on what the city has to offer beyond skyscrapers and sand dunes.
Why I Did It
While most people picture Dubai as a city of luxury, for me, it has always been a playground for thrill-seekers. After ticking skydiving in Dubai off my list, I wanted to explore a different kind of thrill — one that’s deep, calm, and silent.
I had always been fascinated by the underwater world — the coral reefs, the marine life, and the mystery of the deep. I didn’t want to just float on the surface with a snorkel. I wanted to go deep. That’s when I decided to finally book a beginner scuba diving session in Dubai.
My Experience
After my skydiving adventure, my social media feed transformed into a constant stream of adrenaline-fueled suggestions — paragliding, dune bashing, bungee jumping — but there was one thing that kept pulling me in every time: scuba diving. Every reel, every short clip about scuba diving Dubai triggered something inside me. I just knew this had to be my next big thrill.
A bit of research led me to okaydive.com, which offered the best pricing and solid reviews. Without wasting any time, I booked my slot.
On the day of the dive, I reached the location shared by the company, which was their main office near Jumeirah Beach. After confirming my registration, I attended a mandatory training session. The instructor made the entire session surprisingly fun and easy to follow. He used a hilarious but deep analogy:
We all laughed, but it stuck with me.
The lecture covered how to use scuba diving equipment, how to handle common issues like water getting into your mask or discomfort in the ears, and even how to communicate underwater using hand signals. After that, I signed a waiver that included a medical check and consent form — and then I was ready.
The dive spot was just a five-minute drive from the okaydive.com office. We headed there in the company vehicle. Once at the beach, we geared up and completed a short 15–20-minute practical session in shallow water to review everything we had learned in theory.
As we began the actual dive, everything changed. The noise of the world disappeared, replaced by the peaceful, muffled rhythm of water — it was incredibly calming. But as we descended deeper, the light faded and the atmosphere shifted into something surreal. At first, I couldn’t see much besides my instructor holding my hand and guiding me. But gradually, things became clearer — I could see the ocean floor, scattered rocks, and strange aquatic species I’d never seen before.
The highlight? We passed a long-abandoned fishing boat, its rusted body now a home for sea life. Nets hung loosely from its sides, and small fish darted around. The visibility wasn’t perfect, so we didn’t see any large schools of fish, but even the random surprises kept my heart racing — in a good way.
All this time, my instructor was capturing photos and videos of me, all while ensuring my safety.
That one-hour underwater journey ended so fast it felt like five minutes. But it left behind something permanent — a memory I’ll never forget.
Final Thoughts
Scuba diving in Dubai felt like more than just an adventure — it was like a healing therapy. As soon as I came out of the water, I felt incredibly calm and refreshed, as if all the mental clutter had been washed away beneath the waves.
Now the big question: Is it worth it?
Absolutely — especially if you're a first-timer. I’d say it’s a solid one-time experience that gives you a real taste of underwater exploration. But it’s important to note that scuba diving Dubai typically happens close to the beach, not deep in the ocean. Because of this, the water clarity isn’t the best, and you’re unlikely to see large schools of fish or vibrant coral life.
If you've already tried scuba diving in Dubai once, I’d definitely recommend planning your next dive in Fujairah, where the experience is mid-ocean, the water is much clearer, and marine life is more abundant.
So, for beginners? 100% go for it. But for a more thrilling underwater adventure, Fujairah should be your next destination.
Tips for First-Timers:
- Price: AED 200–500 depending on location & package (includes photos + gear)
- Best Time: Morning dives have clearer water and better light for photos
- What to Wear: Swimwear
- Swimming Skills: You only need basic swimming ability - the instructors handle the rest
- Relax & Breathe Normally: Don’t panic. Just treat it like slow yoga — underwater.
Watch My Vlog:
And if you have any questions or want to plan your own jump, drop me a message on Instagram: @rahaal_01!
