See Dubai from the water on an easygoing cruise along Dubai Creek or through Dubai Marina and Dubai Harbour. Traditional dhow and abra boats glide past the old souks and wind towers, while modern yachts cruise by skyscrapers, Bluewaters Island and the Palm Jumeirah. From the calm creek to open Gulf views, you get an uncluttered look at the citys icons like Burj Al Arab and Ain Dubai, with cool breezes and relaxed seating on board.
Dubai offers two main cruising areas, each with a distinct character. On Dubai Creek, sightseeing runs on traditional wooden dhows or nimble abra boats. Typical departures are from Al Seef, Deira Old Souk, or Al Jaddaf, with loops that trace the historic trading channel between Deira and Bur Dubai. Expect about 45 to 75 minutes for a core sightseeing loop, with frequent slots in the late afternoon and evening when temperatures are milder. Commentary often covers the creeks role in pearling, fishing, and trade, and boats usually have shaded or air conditioned seating.
On Dubai Marina and Dubai Harbour, cruises use modern sightseeing boats or shared yachts and run multiple times daily. Boarding is commonly from Dubai Marina Walk, Marina Mall piers, or Dubai Harbour near the yacht club. Short 60 to 90 minute circuits cover Marina skyline views, JBR beachfront, Bluewaters Island with Ain Dubai, and out to the outer coast for photo angles of Palm Jumeirah and the sail shaped Burj Al Arab on longer routes. Many vessels offer open upper decks for sea breeze and enclosed lounges for comfort. Evening sailings are popular for sunset light and city nightscapes.
A Dubai cruise shows two sides of the city that are hard to combine in one walk or drive. Upstream, Dubai Creek feels intimate and historic, with abras sliding past coral stone buildings, minarets, and the lively Deira waterfront. Downstream, the Marina and Dubai Harbour reveal the citys futuristic edge, where glass towers rise directly from canals and the Gulf horizon opens toward Bluewaters and JBR. From the water, sightlines are cleaner, traffic fades into the background, and the play of reflections on the creek or marina turns routine landmarks into striking pictures. Traditional dhow silhouettes against modern architecture are uniquely Dubai, and the option to choose shaded cabins or open decks makes it comfortable year round with sensible timing. For many visitors, this is the easiest way to connect the old creek story with the modern shoreline in one relaxed outing.
The city river or boat tours in Dubai provide a relaxing way to see its most famous landmarks from a fresh perspective, ideal for travellers who want to enjoy both comfort and authentic local views along the water.
| Jet Ski Tour Dubai: Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, La Mer for 60 minutes | €203.23 |
| Alexandra Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina | €46.47 |
| Dubai Marina Yacht Tour with Breakfast or BBQ | €45.82 |
| Dubai City Half-Day City Tour | €29.28 |
| Dubai City Tour with Evening Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner Combo | €94.34 |
| Dubai City Highlights Private Tour | €95.72 |
| Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner | €17 |
| Deira Creek: Dhow Cruise Dinner | €90 |
| Dubai Creek dhow dinner cruise with Tanoura show | €19 |
| Dubai Marina dhow sightseeing cruise with dinner | €36 |