Dubai Marina Cruises

Taking a boat ride in the Dubai Marina is one of the most fun experiences you can do during your vacation. Are you up for it? I'll tell you all the options?

Isabel Catalán

Isabel Catalán

7 min read

Dubai Marina Cruises

Dubai Marina | ©Sergio Boscaino

Spending 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 will be spoilt for choice!

However, one of the things you can't miss is a cruise around the Dubai Marina, a district built around an artificial canal with access to the sea, characterized by a lively atmosphere and full of modern skyscrapers, luxury hotels and shopping malls.

Seeing Dubai from the waters of the Persian Gulf will give you a completely new perspective of the city and allow you to get a very complete view of the city - it will be the highlight of your vacation! Check out the coolest possibilities, below.

1. Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeira Cruise by speedboat

Sunset at Dubai Marina| ©Oiva Eskola
Sunset at Dubai Marina| ©Oiva Eskola

Dubai Marina is one of the best areas for strolling in the city but also for enjoying the beach and the warm waters of the Persian Gulf.

A fun way to explore the Dubai Marina is to take a boat cruise that will show you this district from a different perspective, i.e. from the water, on a 60 or 90 minutes boat tour.

The boat is designed so that the skipper can maneuver on the water quickly and you can experience the speed and adrenaline on board. It's super exciting! In addition, during the Dubai Marina tour you can enjoy spectacular and 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 and the Dubai Lagoon.

There are options that also include buffet dinner on board to enjoy a unique evening on a luxurious boat. You have to try it.

Book a dinner cruise in Dubai Marina

2. Dubai Marina yacht cruise with picnic on board

Waiting to board the Yacht at Dubai Marina| ©LafullPicture
Waiting to board the Yacht at Dubai Marina| ©LafullPicture

This Dubai Marina cruise is similar to the previous one but instead of taking a boat cruise, you will do it on a beautiful yacht to enjoy the city's maritime landscape in a more leisurely and quiet way.

Besides being able to contemplate from the deck several of the most important tourist attractions of Dubai (for example Burj Al Arab and Atlantis The Palm, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Lagoon, Ain Wheel, Bluewaters Island and several royal palaces, among others) you will also have the opportunity to take a delicious picnic on board for breakfast, lunch or dinner, depending on the schedule you choose.

These types of cruises usually last from 2 to 3 hours approximately and have a tourist focus with a formal etiquette. That is, these are not activities where travelers are given time to take a dip in the water or sunbathe in their swimsuits. In fact, a casual-elegant dress code is requested to participate.

It does not take place in too large groups and is an excellent opportunity to meet people who are also on vacation in Dubai for a few days, don't you think?

Book a yacht tour in the Dubai Marina

3. Traditional dhow cruise with buffet dinner and show

Dinner cruise at Dubai Marina| ©Raja1847
Dinner cruise at Dubai Marina| ©Raja1847

If you are planning to visit Dubai as a couple and you want to experience a romantic and different evening during your stay, do not hesitate to take a dhow dinner cruise in the Dubai Marina. Contemplating the illuminated city at dusk from the water is one of the best experiences you will take away from your trip.

During the tour you will see some of Dubai' s most famous tourist attractions (Cayenne Tower, Bluewater Island, Jumeirah Beach, Ain Wheel and many more) under the stars and you will do it on a dhow, a traditional Arabian boat of the most curious.

Enjoy the sea breeze on your face as you sip a cold drink (you'll appreciate it after a hot day) and then take a seat to enjoy the fabulous buffet of international cuisine. Later you will be entertained by the music and dance show that is prepared. This is usually a concert or a tanoura dance exhibition.

This type of dhow cruise in the Dubai Marina usually lasts around 2 hours.

Book a traditional sailboat ride in Dubai

4. Go parasailing on a dhow cruise in the Dubai Marina

Parasailing| ©Maria D
Parasailing| ©Maria D

If you're looking for a bit of adventure on your Dubai vacation, in addition to planning a trip to the Dubai desert for sandboarding or quad biking in the Dubai desert, you must also set aside some time to go parasailing over the waters of the Persian Gulf. It's a blast!

You'll soar with a kind of parachute 150 meters in the air as the boat speeds over the waves. From the sky you will enjoy amazing views of the Dubai Marina with iconic sites such as Jumeirah Beach, Burj al Arab, Atlantis The Palm or Ain Wheel in the background, for about 15 minutes, which is how long the parasailing lasts.

So put on your safety gear and get ready for one of the coolest experiences of your trip.

Book a speedboat ride in Dubai

5. Private cruise in Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina Cruise| ©Krzysztof Skóra
Dubai Marina Cruise| ©Krzysztof Skóra

If you want to enjoy an exclusive experience during your getaway and you have a comfortable budget, I recommend you to take a private cruise through the Dubai Marina where you can enjoy the wonderful views of the coast on a relaxing journey through the water aboard a luxury boat.

During the tour you will see iconic sites such as Jumeirah Beach, Burj Al Arab, Atlantis The Palm, Ain Wheel, several royal palaces, Bluewaters Island and the Dubai Lagoon, among other sites.

Private cruises usually last between 1 and 2 hours. In that time you will have plenty of time to take pictures of the seascape and soak up the sun. Some of these tours also include music for a little party on board.

6. 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 the Dubai Marina you might be interested in the one that takes you on a luxury megayacht cruise around the marina for about three hours.

With the breathtaking views of Dubai at night in the background you will enjoy a cruise for the most demanding tourists and without spending a lot of money. From about 60 euros you can enjoy the yacht ride with buffet dinner and refreshments, but if you prefer you can add unlimited drinks for about 30 euros more or VIP dinner (with reserved and champagne) for about 130 euros approximately per person.

Book a mega yacht cruise in Dubai

What is the best time of the day to take a Dubai Marina cruise?

Dubai Marina| ©Enrico Strocchi
Dubai Marina| ©Enrico Strocchi

Any time is a good time to cruise the Dubai Marina but sailing in the afternoon is a great way to enjoy the sea, the views of the coast and the sunset, and when you return to land you can take a pleasant stroll through this beautiful district and stay for dinner in one of its fantastic restaurants.

In addition, at dusk the landscape of the Dubai Marina illuminated with thousands of colored lights looks spectacular and you can take some wonderful pictures as a souvenir.

How much does it cost to take a Dubai Marina cruise?

Money in Euros| ©Pixabay
Money in Euros| ©Pixabay

From 32 € you can take a cruise in the Dubai Marina. In pages like Hellotickets you can find many 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, if it includes lunch or dinner on board, if there are activities during the tour or if it is a private cruise or not, to name a few examples.

How long are the Dubai Marina cruises?

Dubai Cruise| ©Marianna S.
Dubai Cruise| ©Marianna S.

Depending on the option you choose, the duration of Dubai Marina cruises can be from 15 minutes to 3 hours.

Is it advisable to take a Dubai Marina cruise with children?

Dubai Cruises| ©Michael Beyer
Dubai Cruises| ©Michael Beyer

Of course it is! Besides being a very fun plan with which children will feel like real sailors it is also a very comfortable way for them to sightsee without getting too tired.

And, of course, they will love riding on a boat if they haven't had the opportunity to do it before, it will be a memory they won't forget!

Tips for cruising the Dubai Marina

View from the Dubai Marina cruise| ©Yogibaer2001
View from the Dubai Marina cruise| ©Yogibaer2001

There is no doubt that one of the experiences you must live during a trip to Dubai is to take a cruise on its Marina but before embarking on this adventure, take a look at these tips to enjoy the activity to the fullest.

Before you buy tickets, remember to check what kind of activities take place during the cruise and what their itinerary is to make sure they suit your plans.

Dubai Marina cruises are very popular. To make sure you have a place on the day and time you want, it's best to reserve your spot in advance.

Be on time for boarding. Arrive on time at the pier and take the opportunity to walk around the Dubai Marina beforehand. Plan your day well because the ship waits for no one. To arrive on time take a look at the post How to get around Dubai that will help you to plan your trip there.

If you are going to participate in a special cruise in the Dubai Marina (with dinner and live entertainment) pay attention to the etiquette of the event. They usually require smart casual attire, so avoid the "tourist look" as much as possible.

Frequently asked questions

  • What will I see from a Dhow cruise?

    You'll pass Dubai landmarks like the clock tower and Al Maktoum Bridge, while relaxing and taking a breather with the sunset over the city skyline in the background.

  • Is dinner included in the Dhow cruises?

    Most cruises include lunch or dinner, in the form of buffets or 4 or 5-course menus.

  • What is the etiquette of a Dhow cruise?

    Men are required to wear long pants or Bermuda shorts and closed-toe shoes, and sportswear is not allowed. You will look good in casual but elegant attire.