Top Dubai Cruise Tours

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.

How City River Cruise Tours in Dubai Work

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.

Top Stops and Attractions

  • Al Seef on Dubai Creek - Board near the heritage style waterfront and watch abras criss cross between Deira and Bur Dubai by the old souks.
  • Deira Old Souk - Glide past the Gold and Spice Souk area, wind towers, and traditional warehouses that recall Dubais trading past.
  • Dubai Marina Promenade - Skyscrapers line the channel, with cafes and boardwalks creating classic skyline photos from the deck.
  • Bluewaters Island and Ain Dubai - Circle the giant observation wheel and modern island development for wide angle harbour shots.
  • Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab views - On select coastal routes, capture the palm shaped archipelago and the iconic sail shaped hotel offshore.

Why River Cruises in Dubai Are Worth Taking

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.

Planning Tips for Visitors

  • Timing and weather: Aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. Sunset and early evening bring softer light on the Marina skyline and cooler conditions on the Creek.
  • Tickets and formats: Choose a simple 60 to 90 minute sightseeing loop, an abra hop across the Creek for quick photos, or a dhow dinner cruise if you prefer a seated meal with city lights.
  • Photo spots: On the Creek, be ready near the Al Seef and Deira Old Souk stretches for heritage views and moving abra traffic. On Marina routes, position yourself on the open deck for Bluewaters, Ain Dubai, JBR beach, and the approach to Palm Jumeirah.
  • Connections and boarding: Metro links run close to Al Seef and Deira, while taxis and the metro serve Dubai Marina and Dubai Harbour. For a quieter experience, consider Al Jaddaf on the Creek or Dubai Harbour piers rather than the busiest Marina Walk jetties.
  • Accessibility and comfort: Many larger boats have indoor seating, level boarding, and restrooms. If heat is a concern, pick air conditioned lower decks, bring water, and use sun protection on open decks.

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.

Compare Dubai Boat Tours & Marina Yachts Price

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
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Jet Ski Tour Dubai: Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, La Mer for 60 minutes

1. Jet Ski Tour Dubai: Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, La Mer for 60 minutes

clock Duration: 1 hour
  • A thrilling ride in the Persian Gulf with the view of Dubai's skyline.
  • Jet-ski riders get to some of the most recognizable structures and landmarks of the city.
  • Photo stops are deployed along the route for taking exceptional photos of the cityscape.
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Alexandra Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina

2. Alexandra Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina

clock Duration: 1 hour 45
  • This 2 - hours package is an exploration of the waterways of Dubai Marina coupled with breathtaking sightseeing experience of Dubai highlights and a dinner cruise.
  • An exclusive tour that comes with a buffet dinner with five salads, seven main- course dishes, a sea food soup as well as four dessert option.
  • A cruise on the
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Dubai Marina Yacht Tour with Breakfast or BBQ

3. Dubai Marina Yacht Tour with Breakfast or BBQ

clock Duration: 2 to 3 hou
  • Cruising along Dubai's extraordinary shore.
  • Enjoying a high-end service and amenities on board the luxury yacht.
  • Travellers choose whether to sunbathe on the upper deck or stay in a climatized lower deck.
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Dubai City Half-Day City Tour

4. Dubai City Half-Day City Tour

clock Duration: 4 hours 30
  • A sightseeing tour covering the old and new parts of Dubai.
  • A walking tour and coach/minibus tour with multilingual guide.
  • Cross Dubai Creek by 'Abra " (water taxi).
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Dubai City Tour with Evening Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner Combo

5. Dubai City Tour with Evening Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner Combo

clock Duration: 7 hours
  • An exploration into the major highlights and famous attraction of Dubai city spread across the streets, neighborhoods, specific districts and regions.
  • This is an awesome sightseeing tour of important world record buildings like the sail - shaped Burj Al Arab which is one of the tallest standing building on the planet.
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Dubai City Highlights Private Tour

6. Dubai City Highlights Private Tour

clock Duration: 4 hours 30
  • A private 4.5 hours oriented tour into the famous highlights and city's dazzling attractions in an Air - conditioned minivan for easy transportation.
  • It is an exploration of famous landmarks like Jumeirah Mosque, the Burj Al - Arab hotel, Old Al Bastakiya neighborhood which is known for its traditional wind - tower houses.
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Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner

7. Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner

clock Duration: 2 hours
  • Common Package Inclusions of Dhow Cruise Dubai:
    Enjoy the brilliant view of Dubai Marina at dhow cruise that is extra brilliant at night. This beautiful cruising is first-class for these who get enjoy the generosity of nature. As you enter the boat, we will welcome you with the tasty welcome drinks. There is unlimited availability of gentle...
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Deira Creek: Dhow Cruise Dinner

8. Deira Creek: Dhow Cruise Dinner

clock Duration: 2 hours
  • Spend a memorable evening on a traditional wooden dhow. Cruise along Dubai Creek, while taking in the stunning views of the city illuminated by night and enjoying a buffet of local and international cuisine along with Arabic, Indian, and English...
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Dubai Creek dhow dinner cruise with Tanoura show

9. Dubai Creek dhow dinner cruise with Tanoura show

clock Duration: 2 hours
  • Enjoy your night at the Dubai Creek with a dinner and cruise. Your magical evening begins with a direct Dubai hotel pick-up service and you will be driven to the traditional dhow boat for boarding. You will have the red carpet experience as you board with a warm welcome and Arabic cofee and dates and escorted to your seats. Once on board you will...
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Dubai Marina dhow sightseeing cruise with dinner

10. Dubai Marina dhow sightseeing cruise with dinner

clock Duration: 2 hours
  • Climb aboard a traditional dhow for a two-hour cruise and view the fascinating skyline and scenery of Dubai. This marina dinner cruise starts at 8.30pm and ends at 10.30pm. During the two hours, guests can savor the luxurious 5-star international buffet dinner accompanied by a selection of soft beverages, while cruising in the artificial canal...
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Dubai Marina Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner

11. Dubai Marina Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner

clock Duration: 2 hours
  • Dubai Marina Dhow Dinner Cruise offers the most prominent sights of lit-up skyscrapers and surrounding residences around the Marina a conglomerate of five-star hotels, and other fascinating...
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Marina Dhow Dinner Cruise with Transfers

12. Marina Dhow Dinner Cruise with Transfers

clock Duration: 2 hours
  • Aside from the its modern urban facade and cutting-edge skyscrapers, Dubai is also known to uphold its traditional ways. Dhow, being the oldest mode of transport in the gulf, is one of the best way to get around town.

    Be mesmerized as our enchanting tanoura artist spins his well-lit costume to liven up your evening. Enjoy Lavish...
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Dubai: 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner

13. Dubai: 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner

clock Duration: 2 hours
  • Enjoy an evening tour of Dubai Creek on board a traditional Arabian dhow. Sample a sumptuous feast of Arabic and international cuisine while gliding past illuminated souks and palaces.
    • Experience a romantic cruise of Dubai Creek on a traditional dhow
    • Enjoy Arabic treats and international cuisine
    • Glide past the...
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Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Marina

14. Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Marina

clock Duration: 2 hours
  • Dubai Marina

    Dhow Dinner Cruise offers the most prominent sights of lit-up skyscrapers and

    surrounding residences around the Marina, this includes the Dubai Marina Y

    acht Club, the

    Dubai Marina Mall, a conglomerate of

    five-star hotels, and other fascinating...
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