boat dubai

Best Boat Tours in Dubai

By Dom Bewley

Mammals ventured out of the big drink many millions of years ago, and eventually, some of them became us. But our fascination with the oceans never really disappeared. Since early humans were able to use tools, we've been keen to throw ourselves back onto the waves and sail away. But what are we sailing away from? Our problems? Our past?

Anyway, what about boats? Pretty cool, right? Let's talk about boats and why you should ride them. Firstly, fun. Boats are fun. Facts. Secondly, they let you see another side of a city - the waterside. So, if you're vacationing in Dubai, we hope you're pumped to read about the best boat tours available, because we're pumped to tell you about them!

Including:

  • Ain Dubai boat tour
  • Black Pearl Sightseeing Cruise
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise Dubai Marina
  • Speed Boat Sightseeing Dubai Tour
  • Yas Island Sightseeing Cruise
  • and more!
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Ain Dubai boat tour

Let's kick off our list with a delightful sunset tour of Dubai's opulent marina. After boarding a luxury yacht, you'll pass by the multi-million dollar high-rise flats at Bluewaters Island and the skyscrapers of Jumeirah Beach Residence, as well as the typically stunning views of the city's skyline.

Then, get your cameras ready for the tour's crown jewel - Ain Dubai. The largest observation wheel on the planet dwarfs the London Eye at nearly twice its size. And, at 250m tall, you can imagine how great the views are from up there!

With tours leaving at 6:30PM or 9PM, you can have your tour bathed in twilight, or immerse yourself in the midnight glow of Dubai's neon magnificence. The choice is yours.

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Image courtesy of Mana Photo/Shutterstock

Black Pearl Sightseeing Cruise

If you're bringing the little one along with you, then why not sail away with their favorite drunk pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow? Yes, now, all their pirating dreams - and maybe yours - can come true on this sightseeing cruise atop Sparrow's famous Black Pearl galleon.

With the Captain as your guide, you'll travel through the stunning Ras al Khor (Dubai Creek Harbour) and on to Mohamed Bin Rashid where you'll pause to marvel at the views of the Burj Khalifa.

Make sure to have your camera ready, because you'll want to take photos of the magnificent scenery you pass on your voyage. Oh, and maybe a few pics with the Captain himself, should he be able to stay on his two feet!

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Sunset Dinner Cruise of Dubai Marina

How does a seaside dinner cruise at sunset sound? Good, yeah? If so, this will be one of your best boat tours in Dubai! Enjoy a mouth-watering dinner, live music and entertainment, and stunning views on this tour of Dubai Marina.

Hop aboard, grab a drink, and sit down for a cruise like no other. Thanks to the floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the bottom deck, or the open-air of the top deck, you'll see the Marina, the tallest block of towers in the world, and the Cayan Tower with its impressive architectural twist. As well as skyscraping sights, you'll also take in views of the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and its waterfront.

And the dinner itself? Sublime, thanks to the generous buffet on board. Sample pasta dishes, fill your bowl with noodles, and top it all off with a decadent dessert of crumble or brownies. Delish.

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Speed Boat Sightseeing Dubai Tour

If the thought of cruising across the waves fills your lungs with yawn matter, you'll want something a little faster. Well hold onto your hats, then, because you can also see Dubai's shoreline at a breakneck pace thanks to this speed boat sightseeing tour of the city!

For 90 minutes, you'll be flung around the open ocean as you set your sights on the beautiful Dubai skyline. Speed past the Marina as your guide fills you in on the city's history and lines your brain with sweet, sweet knowledge. You'll even see luxury hotels, the royal sheik's palaces, and high-profile villas. Lovely.

But don't worry, it's not all speed. You'll have the chance to slow down on occasion and put your photo clicking finger to work.

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Creek Sightseeing Cruise by Tour Dubai

Or, if you really want to relax and see some parts of the city you'd otherwise miss, check out this architectural boat tour of Dubai Creek, Deira, and Bur Dubai.

Boarding a traditional, handcrafted dhow boat, the slower pace gives you the chance to soak up Dubai's rich culture, while your commentary track fills you in on the ins and outs of each location.

And, if you're a little parched from the warm weather, do not fear - you'll get a complimentary soft drink or water bottle when you board. They really thought of everything, didn't they?

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Marina Sightseeing Cruise

Explore Dubai's Canal City and Marina with this picturesque hour-long cruise of the harbor!

See the architectural marvel of Dubai up close on this fascinating boat tour of the shore. Take as many pics for your socials as possible, making your followers envious beyond your wildest dreams. And, sip on a refreshing complimentary drink as you sail. Not bad at all.

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Yas Island Sightseeing Cruise

Venture beyond Dubai on a handcrafted boat as you explore the shores of Yas Island.

You'll pass by recognizable landmarks from the United Arab Emirates, such as Al Zaina, Al Bandar, and Al Seef. You'll even get a closer look at the famous Yas Marina F1 Race Circuit. You might not be in a car, but you can pretend you're racing on the circuit yourself, if that floats your boat. Floats your boat? An unintentional pun, we assure you.

Those are our picks for the best boat tours in Dubai! Looking for other memorable adventures to experience while in Dubai? Why not check out Go City? With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. There's so much to do, see, and experience that no matter what you decide to do, you'll love your time in the city!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Dubai in Winter

When we think of winter, certain images may spring to mind; runny noses, driveways caked in snow, and the desire to wear all your clothes at once. Winter time isn't without its charms. After all, snow is pretty, and for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas takes place in the midst of the cold. But sometimes, the run-up to winter can be a bit disheartening. Vacation season is in the distant past, and if the roads aren't salted, you may be in for a bad time. But what if we told you there's a magical place where none of that is true? What if we told you this magical place is temperate all year round and the perfect winter vacation destination? Well, that's what we're telling you. That place is Dubai, and during peak winter, temperatures only drop as low as 70°F. With temperatures like that, you could do any number of things in Dubai in winter. So, in the spirit of winter, let's explore the fun things you'll find indoors, where even the sun won't harm your withered frame. Including: Ski Dubai IMG Worlds of Adventure Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Wavehouse VR Park Dubai and more! Snow, but not as you know it If, for some reason, you miss the winter chill, why not carve some sick powder at Ski Dubai? As the world's biggest indoor ski center, you'll find slopes aplenty and even a ski lift to take you all the way to the top. Yes, it's that big. Whether your poison is skiing, snowboarding, or sledding, you'll find plenty to do at Ski Dubai. Even newcomers are welcome, with instructors on hand to show you the ropes. And all your equipment is included, so you needn't stuff your suitcase with appropriate attire. Oh, and every few hours, everything grinds to a halt. Why, you ask? Well, because that's then the freaking penguins turn up to tour the premises. Penguins? In Dubai? What sorcery is this? Theme park life From inside ski resorts to inside theme parks, Dubai has it all. Yes, even their theme parks are under-roof. Well, not all of them, but certainly IMG Worlds of Adventure. Oh, and it's also the biggest indoor theme park on the planet, because of course it is. Across 5 unique zones, you'll find rides of all shapes and sizes and featuring characters from the likes of Marvel. Now you, of all people, can join the mighty Avengers and help them stop the newest world-ending threat. To them, it's just a Tuesday. But to you, it's the chance to finally be that hero you tell yourself you can be. There are also spooky mansions to escape from, dinosaurs to outrun, and plenty of other mischief to be had. Glorious, and easily one of the best things to do in Dubai in winter. Another Dimension If the reality-bending winter weather in Dubai isn't mind-blowing enough for you, why not enter another reality entirely and see how you get on? Thanks to VR Park Dubai, you can do just that. Over the course of four wonderful hours, you'll enter seven worlds full of weirdness and whimsy. Well, some of them are less whimsical and more deadly, but you get the idea. If you have friends, they can join you as you enter virtual reality and dual it out with zombies, robots, or each other in a number of sports-related games. Do you have the brains, brawn, and other 'b' words to grind them to dust? Or will you lose, again, and never hear the end of it? There's only one way to find out, and that way is to go here and do the thing. Escape mediocrity A harsh winter can leave us feeling trapped in our homes. Snowed in with an empty fridge and no delivery drivers nearby is enough to bring tears to the eyes. If you miss that feeling while on your warm winter getaway, why not head to No Way Out escape rooms and get trapped all over again? With 10 spooky rooms on offer, including authentic offerings from the IT and Ring universes, you and up to 8 prisoners - sorry, friends - will battle the clock, devious traps, puzzles, and contend with creepy actors playing their parts as they try and scare you senseless. And if that wasn't enough, you can even stay after your game and sit down for a bit of interactive horror cinema. Each show features wind, water, and other special effects that will assault your senses as you watch. But, be careful. You never know when one of the actors will be creeping right behind your seat. If you have the stomach for it, No Way Out is definitely one of the best things to do in Dubai in winter! Surf's up Ever time traveled? We'd bet on no, but if you ever want to relive the glorious nostalgia of the 80s arcade scene, give Wavehouse in the Atlantis Hotel and good go. On top of the myriad arcade cabinets with old-school games and pinball machines, you'll find bowling alleys, a surf simulator, and even a stacked menu of American delights like burgers, pizzas, and hotdogs. You can even take your food and drink outside, if you dare face the unbearable 70°F sunshine. You brave soul, you. Beneath the surface In a place where water doesn't freeze, you may enjoy exploring the depths of the sea and making some new friends. Well, what are you waiting for? Go check out Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and meet some underwater buddies! You'll explore a massive underwater tunnel, where you'll be immersed in sea life all around you. Make sure to snap some pics for your social media - if you dare to go nose-to-nose with a shark, imagine the flood of likes and dopamine that will come your way! Validation is the sweetest medicine, after all. Then, you'll enter the Underwater Zoo, stacked with tanks showing off specific species of exotic underwater critters. Water's never been so fun unless you're thirsty, in which case, drinking it is pretty awesome. And those were our picks for the best things to do in Dubai in winter! Looking for some sunny activities when the weather finally clears up? Check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley
A solo woman with a map in Dubai
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Things to do alone in Dubai

Traveling solo to Dubai? Looking for some alone time when traveling with family and friends? You’re not the only one to seek out things to do alone in Dubai. Thankfully, there’s a great range of options out there if you know where to look. Here’s our guide to the fun things you can do alone in Dubai. Experience the pizzazz of downtown Dubai With so many record breaking structures on the cards in downtown Dubai, this portion of the city deserves more than a quick glimpse from a metro train window as it wizzes past. Safe – like all of central Dubai – to explore even without travel companions, it’s an area that glitters by day and glows by night. Its biggest attraction is the Burj Khalifa. Rising to a height of almost half a kilometer, the tallest building in the world is even more impressive in real life than in images of it, especially when seen from the dancing jets of Dubai Fountain. The only way to get a sense of just how tall it is would be to head to the At The Top observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors. They boast panoramic views from the Persian Gulf to the desert – and beyond. Slip through one of the entrances of the neighboring Dubai Mall and as well as a decent day’s shopping – visit each one of its 1200 retail stores for 5 minutes and you’ll need to have almost two weeks spare – you’ve got the opportunity to clip on a pair of skis or lock into a snowboard at Ski Dubai. Beginners are just as welcome to its slopes, rides and penguin encounters as those who’ve had years on the world’s pistes. Get lost in the deserts of Dubai If the views from the Burj Khalifa – and maybe your time at Ski Dubai too – leave you yearning for time in the desert, the good news is that you can go to Dubai’s desert alone, although we’d certainly recommend using a trustworthy tour operator if hiring a car sounds too much like hard work. A morning safari allows those on solo trips to Dubai to take in the dunes on the outskirts of its built up areas by 4WD before turning your attention to the traditional means of traversing its sands with a ride on a camel. You’ll also get the chance to give sandboarding a go before returning to the bright lights of central Dubai. Alternatively, you could opt to spend the sunset in the desert with a safari and BBQ dinner, watching how the shadows shift and colors change as the sun sinks beneath the horizon. But the fun doesn’t stop there, with a meal at a Bedouin camp incorporating henna painting, shisha pipes and belly dancing. Hit the beach In other destinations visiting the beach on your own can feel out of place. However, Dubai’s beaches are such that you’ll have no fears of this kind here. Some, including Marina Beach, even have lockers to shut up your stuff should you be worried about leaving it unattended as you hit the waves for a swim or a turn on a jet ski. Hotel pool terraces are another good option if your main aim is to relax with some sun followed by a quick dip, although you’ll then miss the chance of taking a dhow sightseeing tour of Dubai Marina. In addition to providing ample photographic opportunities of this area of Dubai’s waterfront, including views towards the Ain Dubai observation wheel, you’ll discover a little of its history with the onboard commentary. But to really relax, look no further than Dubai’s spas. Even the toughest of muscle knots will be smoothed out beneath the expert hands of their masseurs and masseuses. And what with the presence of wellness centers containing saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs you’ll soon forget your flying solo. The list of spas to choose between is almost endless, so you’re sure to find one that matches your exact needs. Make a day of it in Abu Dhabi Just a couple of hours from the hotels of downtown Dubai, Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Sharing a friendly rivalry with Dubai, the state’s biggest city, solo travelers should consider making a stop here too, although it won’t lead to any more stamps in your passport. If you’re coming just for the day, the Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus tour takes all the stress out of sightseeing. Its two routes – red and green – link up top attractions including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, whose prayer hall has enough space for over 40,000 devotees. Other stops include one at the Abu Dhabi branch of the Louvre, with works spanning the centuries from 1000 year old works of Islamic art to the modern abstract paintings of Piet Mondrian. Nor do the delights stop there, with the Qasr Al Watan or Palace of the Nation providing a home for both the President of the United Arab Emirates and exhibitions celebrating the history of the country. Take a stroll around Al Fahidi One of the oldest parts of Dubai, the Al Fahidi neighborhood has an atmosphere that’s perfect for a solitary stroll. Its shady alleys give a good impression of what Dubai must have been like before the construction of attractions such as the Burj Khalifa. Its coral stone and gypsum buildings date back to the late 1800s, and now comprise a selection of heritage museums, tea houses and contemporary art galleries. If you’re concerned about getting lost between the high walls of its buildings, stick to the waterfront on Dubai Creek, where many of its most historic structures stand. You’ll also find yourself just a block or two away from Dubai’s only Hindu temple and Dubai Museum. Located within Al Fahidi Fort, it has a wide ranging collection, including prehistoric pottery shards and full-sized dhows. Traveling solo in Dubai doesn’t have to be a no-go There are a huge number of reasons why you might find yourself going solo. Take the opportunity to head out and you’ll discover there are also a huge number of things to do alone in Dubai. Whilst a partner in crime is entirely optional, you won’t want to forget your phone. That way, you can travel with Go City and save incredible sums on admission prices to many of Dubai’s top attractions!
Ian Packham
Dubai
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