More about: 7 Best Cruises and Boat Tours in Dubai
Are you going to spend a few days in Dubai? It is one of the most amazing cities in the Middle East and there is so much to see during a trip to Dubai. You'll be spoilt for choice!
However, one thing you can't miss is a cruise around Dubai Marina, a district built around an artificial canal with access to the sea, characterised by its lively atmosphere and full of modern skyscrapers, luxury hotels and shopping centres.
Seeing Dubai from the waters of the Persian Gulf will give you a whole new perspective on the city and allow you to get a complete view of it. It will be the perfect end to your holiday! Take a look at the coolest options below.
1. Cruise through Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah by speedboat
Dubai Marina is one of the best areas for strolling in the city, but it's also a great place to enjoy the beach and the warm waters of the Persian Gulf.
A really fun way to explore Dubai Marina is by taking a boat cruise that shows you this district from a different perspective: from the water, on a 60- or 90-minute speedboat tour.
The boat is designed so that the skipper can manoeuvre quickly on the water, allowing you to experience speed and adrenaline on board. It's super exciting!
In addition, during the tour of Dubai Marina you can enjoy spectacular, uninterrupted views of many of the city's main tourist attractions, such as:
- Burj Al Arab and Atlantis The Palm (two luxury hotels)
- Bluewaters Island
- Jumeirah Beach
- Several royal palaces
- Dubai Lagoon
There are also options that include a buffet dinner on board, so you can enjoy a unique evening on a luxurious boat under the city lights. You have to try it.
More information
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Price: £36
- Ideal for: seeing Dubai from a different perspective and enjoying an exciting experience on the water
2. Dubai Marina cruise on a yacht with picnic on board
This yacht cruise around Dubai Marina is similar to the previous one, but instead of travelling by speedboat, you will sail aboard a beautiful yacht, ideal for enjoying the city's seascape at a more leisurely pace.
From the deck, you can see some of Dubai's most important tourist attractions, such as:
- Burj Al Arab and Atlantis The Palm
- Jumeirah Beach and Dubai Lagoon
- The Ain Wheel and Bluewaters Island
- Royal palaces and much more
You will also enjoy a delicious picnic on board, which can be breakfast, lunch or dinner, depending on the schedule you choose. All this in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere.
This type of cruise usually lasts between 2 and 3 hours and is designed with an exclusive tourist focus. It is not intended for swimming or sunbathing, but for contemplating the skyline from the sea in complete comfort. Therefore, a smart-casual dress code is recommended.
The groups are not very large, making it an excellent opportunity to meet new people who are also enjoying their holiday in Dubai.
More information
- Duration: from 1 to 3 hours
- Price: £19
- Ideal for: those looking for a more relaxed experience with a touch of luxury to see Dubai from the sea
3. Traditional dhow cruise with buffet dinner and show
If you are planning to visit Dubai as a couple and want to enjoy a romantic and unique evening, don't hesitate to book a dhow cruise with dinner in Dubai Marina. Seeing the city lit up at night from the water is one of the best experiences you'll have on your trip.
During the tour, you'll see some of Dubai's most famous tourist attractions (such as Cayenne Tower, Bluewater Island, Jumeirah Beach and Ain Wheel) under the stars, aboard a dhow, a traditional Arab boat that adds a very special touch to this experience.
Enjoy the sea breeze while sipping a cold drink (you'll appreciate it after a hot day) and then sit back and enjoy a delicious buffet of international cuisine. Later, the atmosphere will liven up with music and dance performances, such as live concerts or tanoura dance shows.
These types of dhow cruises around Dubai Marina usually last around 2 hours, which is more than enough time to savour a magical night on the water.
More information
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: £45
- Perfect for: couples looking to enjoy a romantic evening in a unique setting
4. Go parasailing on a cruise around Dubai Marina
If you're looking for a little adventure on your Dubai holiday, as well as planning a trip to the Dubai desert for sandboarding or quad biking in the Dubai desert, you should also set aside some time for parasailing over the waters of the Persian Gulf. It's amazing!
You'll be lifted up by a kind of parachute to a height of 150 metres while the boat speeds across the waves. From the sky, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Dubai Marina with iconic sites such as Jumeirah Beach, Burj al Arab, Atlantis The Palm and Ain Wheel in the background for approximately 15 minutes, which is how long parasailing lasts.
So put on your safety gear and get ready for one of the coolest experiences of your trip. You'll board a speedboat specially designed for this type of activity, from which you'll be launched into the air while feeling the thrill of the wind, water and adrenaline.
More information
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Price: £38
- Ideal for: those who want to add a dose of excitement and spectacular views to their trip
5. Luxury mega yacht cruise with dinner
If glamour is your thing and you're coming to Dubai to treat yourself, of all the cruises available in Dubai Marina, you might be tempted by the one that takes you on a luxury mega yacht to tour the marina for around three hours.
With stunning views of Dubai at night as a backdrop, you'll enjoy a cruise designed for the most discerning tourists, without having to spend a fortune. From around £60, you can enjoy the yacht trip with a buffet dinner and soft drinks, but if you prefer, you can add unlimited drinks for around £30 more or a VIP dinner (with reserved seating and champagne) for around £130 per person.
More information
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price: £51
- Recommended if... you are looking for a premium, hassle-free experience with all the amenities on board.
6. Pirate boat trip in Dubai
Looking for a fun and different experience in the city? Hop aboard this pirate ship on the Dubai Canal and enjoy a one-hour tour among skyscrapers, nature and iconic architecture. This tour combines spectacular views of the city with the themed atmosphere of a pirate ship, ideal for those who want to experience Dubai from the water with a more original touch.
During the trip, you can admire monuments such as the Burj Khalifa, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library and the Burj Al Arab hotel. All this while you leisurely cruise along the Dubai Canal, one of the country's most modern urban projects. You will also see more natural areas such as the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, home to flamingos and other migratory birds.
More information
- Duration: 1 hour
- Price: £98
- Recommended if... you are looking for an original activity for the whole family, with hotel pick-up included.
7. Private cruise around Dubai Marina
If you want to enjoy an exclusive experience during your getaway and have a generous budget, I recommend taking a private cruise around Dubai Marina, where you can admire the wonderful views of the coast on a relaxing trip on the water aboard a luxury boat.
During the tour, you will see such iconic sites as Jumeirah Beach, Burj Al Arab, Atlantis The Palm, Ain Wheel, several royal palaces, Bluewaters Island and Dubai Lagoon, among other impressive landmarks. On board, you'll enjoy all the comfort and privacy that only a private tour can offer, with the option of tailoring the experience to your tastes.
Private cruises usually last between 1 and 2 hours. During this time, you'll have the opportunity to take lots of photos of the seascape, relax in the sun on the deck and, in some cases, even enjoy a small party on board thanks to the music included in the tour.
More information
- Duration: between 1 and 2 hours
- Price: varies depending on the boat and extra services
- Recommended for: those seeking privacy, comfort and unforgettable views as a couple, with family or friends
When is the best time of day to take a cruise around Dubai Marina?
Any time is a good time for a cruise around Dubai Marina, but sailing in the afternoon is particularly enjoyable because, as well as enjoying the sea, the views of the coast and the sunset, when you return to shore you can take a pleasant stroll around this beautiful district and stay for dinner at one of its fantastic restaurants.
What's more, at dusk, the Dubai Marina is lit up with thousands of coloured lights, creating a spectacular scene that will make for some wonderful souvenir photos.
How much does a cruise around Dubai Marina cost?
You can take a cruise around Dubai Marinafrom £32. On websites such as Hellotickets, you can find a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
The price of these tours varies depending on factors such as the type of boat, the size of the group, whether lunch or dinner is included on board, whether activities are included during the tour, and whether it is a private cruise or not, to name a few examples.
How long do cruises around Dubai Marina last?
Depending on the option you choose, cruises around Dubai Marina can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours.
Is it advisable to take a cruise around Dubai Marina with children?
Of course! Not only is it a really fun activity that will make the kids feel like real sailors, it's also a very comfortable way for them to see the sights without getting too tired.
And, of course, they'll love riding on a boat if they've never had the chance to do so before. It'll be a memory they'll never forget!
Tips for taking a cruise around Dubai Marina
One of the experiences you should definitely enjoy during your trip to Dubai is a cruise around the Marina, but before you embark on this adventure, check out these tips to make the most of the activity.
Before buying your tickets, remember to check what activities are included in the cruise and what the itinerary is to make sure it fits in with your plans.
Cruises around Dubai Marina are very popular. To make sure you get a place on the day and at the time you want, it's best to book in advance.
Be punctual when boarding. Arrive at the pier in good time and take the opportunity to stroll around Dubai Marina beforehand. Plan your day well because the boat won't wait for anyone. To arrive on time, take a look at the post How to get around Dubai, which will help you plan your journey there.
If you are going on a special cruise around Dubai Marina (with dinner and live entertainment) , pay attention to the dress code for the event. These usually require smart casual attire, so avoid the 'tourist look' as much as possible.