• A diver explores the sunken Boeing 747 at Dive Bahrain. Courtesy Padi
    A diver explores the sunken Boeing 747 at Dive Bahrain. Courtesy Padi
  • Photos show the Boeing 747 plane that has been submerged to create the first underwater theme park in Bahrain. Courtesy Padi
    Photos show the Boeing 747 plane that has been submerged to create the first underwater theme park in Bahrain. Courtesy Padi
  • Dive Bahrain opened to the public on September 7, 2019. Courtesy Padi
    Dive Bahrain opened to the public on September 7, 2019. Courtesy Padi
  • The decommissioned Boeing 747, seen before it was submerged in June 2019, off the coast of Bahrain. Courtesy Padi
    The decommissioned Boeing 747, seen before it was submerged in June 2019, off the coast of Bahrain. Courtesy Padi

Dive Bahrain: The world's largest underwater theme park is about to get even bigger


Sophie Prideaux
  • English
  • Arabic

Dive Bahrain, the world’s largest underwater theme park, is about to get even bigger.

Since opening in September 2019, professional divers from more than 50 countries have explored the submerged attraction, which features a sunken Boeing 747 plane and an artificial reef.

And the next phase of the dive site has now been announced, with a replica of a traditional Bahraini pearl merchant’s house, sunken ships and sail structures all set to be added.

"The enormously positive response Dive Bahrain has received, locally, regionally and internationally, had already accelerated work on the other pre-planned elements of the dive park including a replica of a traditional pearl merchant's house, sunken ships and sail structures," a spokesperson for the attraction said.

Once completed, the park will cover a 100,000-square-metre site located to the north of the Gulf country, which can only be accessed through a licensed dive centre.

The expansion announcement comes just days after it was revealed that parts of Dive Bahrain had been damaged by illegal shrimp trawlers who breached the boundaries of the protected site.

Speaking of the incident, Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed Alzayani said: “While the dive site sustained damage, work continues to build the largest underwater park which will continue to provide a thrilling diving experience for those who visit and, more importantly, a viable habitat for local marine species.”