What age can my child start at Octopus Swimming Academy?

From 6 months, in the Baby Octopus parent-and-baby classes (6 months to 3 years). Little Tentacles is for ages 3 to 7 and Octopus Swim Stars for ages 7 to 12. Ask which programmes run at the Festival City venue.

How much are the lessons?

On the booking page, monthly Learn to Swim plans are AED 345 for one class a week (4 sessions), AED 645 for two (8), AED 900 for three (12) and AED 1,120 for four (16), including VAT. Squad monthly plans run from AED 645 (two a week) to AED 1,310 (five a week), including VAT.

Is there a free trial?

Yes. The website offers a free trial class. Message the academy on WhatsApp to book it.

Where are the classes?

This Google listing is in El Badia, Al Kheeran, Dubai Festival City. The booking page lists Learn to Swim and Development Squad classes at Universal American School, and a Development Squad at Hamdan Sports Complex.

What are the class times?

Class times are not shown on the booking page. Google gives the venue's opening hours as Monday to Thursday 5-9PM, Friday 3-7PM, and Saturday and Sunday 9AM-5PM, but these are not class times, so ask the academy.

How do I contact Octopus Swimming Academy?

Call or WhatsApp 055 438 1154, or email octopus.swimming24@gmail.com.

Octopus Swimming Academy, Dubai Festival City

Water SportsSwimming

Checked Oct 2026Details checked October 2026

Dubai Festival City

Free trial

AgesAll ages
PriceAED 345a month, lowest price
OpenAskNot published yet
WhereDubai Festival CityOpen in Maps

Book online See timetable

Octopus Swimming Academy teaches children to swim, from first water confidence to competitive squad training. Its website lists four programmes: Baby Octopus parent-and-baby classes (6 months to 3 years), Little Tentacles learn-to-swim (ages 3 to 7), Octopus Swim Stars stroke development (ages 7 to 12) and a Competitive Swim Squad for all ages. On its booking page, Learn to Swim stage classes and a Development Squad are listed at Universal American School, and a Development Squad also runs at Hamdan Sports Complex. This Google listing sits in El Badia, Al Kheeran, Dubai Festival City. Learn to Swim sessions are 60 minutes and squad sessions 90 minutes. Monthly Learn to Swim plans start at AED 345 including VAT for one class a week. The academy offers a free trial class, sends progress reports and keeps a low student-to-teacher ratio. It has a 4.9 rating on Google from 34 reviews.

octopusdubaiswimmingacademy.com

The activity

Swimming, explained

Swimming lessons usually start with water confidence and safety: floating, blowing bubbles, putting the face in and getting in and out of the pool safely. Once a child is comfortable, teachers build the four main strokes - front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly - along with kicking drills, breathing technique and treading water. Classes are normally grouped by age and ability, and stronger swimmers can move on to squad training and galas. Many schools take children from around three or four, though some run parent-and-baby sessions earlier. Beyond safety, regular lessons build fitness, coordination and the confidence to enjoy the pool on holiday.

Who it's for

Children from 6 months: Baby Octopus (6 months to 3 years, with a parent in the water), Little Tentacles (ages 3 to 7), Octopus Swim Stars (ages 7 to 12) and the Competitive Swim Squad (all ages). Nervous swimmers are welcome: the FAQ says instructors help children overcome water anxiety. Adult classes are also offered. Ask which programmes run at the Festival City venue.

What to expect

Start with the free trial class. The academy's WhatsApp asks for the swimmer's full name, date of birth, what they want (learning to swim, improving, or squad level) and the area you are coming from. Bring a swimsuit, towel, goggles (optional but recommended), a swim cap for long hair and a change of clothes. For Baby Octopus, a parent or guardian must be in the water with the child. Learn to Swim sessions last 60 minutes and squad sessions 90 minutes. Parents can watch from a viewing lounge, and the academy sends progress reports. Give 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule.

Highlights

Programmes from 6 months (parent-and-baby) to a competitive squad (octopusdubaiswimmingacademy.com)
Free trial class offered (octopusdubaiswimmingacademy.com)
Learn to Swim monthly plans from AED 345 incl. VAT for one class a week (classcard.app)
Progress reports, and a viewing lounge for parents (octopusdubaiswimmingacademy.com)
4.9 on Google from 34 reviews, 33 of them five-star (Google listing)

Why parents rate it

What parents say on Google

Octopus Swimming Academy has a 4.9 rating on Google from 34 reviews: 33 are five-star and one is one-star. Google reviews shown on the academy's website mention patient, professional coaches, a small number of children per session and flexible timings.

The facts

Ages: From 6 months
Baby Octopus: 6 months-3 years
Little Tentacles: 3-7
Octopus Swim Stars: 7-12
Competitive Swim Squad: all ages
Prices: Learn to Swim monthly (incl. VAT): AED 345 (1x a week, 4 sessions)AED 645 (2x)AED 900 (3x)AED 1,120 (4x)
Squad monthly (incl. VAT): AED 645 (2x a week)AED 900 (3x)AED 1,120 (4x)AED 1,310 (5x)
Quarterly and six-month plans also sold
Schedule: Learn to Swim sessions 60 minutes; squad sessions 90 minutes; class times: ask the provider
Trial: Free trial class
Where: El Badia - Al Kheeran - Dubai Festival City - Dubai
How to book: octopusswimmingtrainingservicesllc.classcard.app · +971 55 438 1154 · wa.me/971554381154 · [email protected]
Opening hours: Mon–Thu5–9pm
Fri3–7pm
Sat–Sun9am–5pm

Guide · 7 min readRead: How to choose a swim school in Dubai: what to look for and what to ask

Questions parents ask

Good to know

Bring a swimsuit, towel, goggles, a swim cap for long hair and a change of clothes (octopusdubaiswimmingacademy.com)
A parent must be in the water for Baby Octopus classes (octopusdubaiswimmingacademy.com)
Give 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule (octopusdubaiswimmingacademy.com)
Quarterly and six-month plans are also sold on the booking page (classcard.app)
On-site parking, a wheelchair-accessible car park and toilets (Google listing)