Dhow Cruises in Dubai | Marina or Creek Dinner & Sightseeing

From happy customers

Loved by 44 million+

Dagmawit

United Arab Emirates

Jul 2025

5/5

‌

Excellent Cruise! Had an amazing time! The ship was clean and beautiful, the staff were incredibly friendly, and the food was fantastic. Entertainment was fun and the excursions were well-organized.

Italy

Jul 2025

5/5

‌

I booked this cruise just to spend a different evening, but given the price I did not expect anything exceptional. 14 € in low season, 12.50 € with discounts after other bookings. As soon as we depart, dinner is served buffet style, in small groups so there is no confusion and everyone can help themselves at their leisure. Quite varied and surprisingly good dishes. After several encores of dishes and desserts, a show begins at the end of the evening that entertains until we return. All well organized. Recommended. Only flaw, the location provided on Maps, is incorrect. Better to get to the piers a little earlier and ask.

Agim

Switzerland

Oct 2025

5/5

It was absolutely incredible and surely unforgettable. However, I don't think Indian music or anything other than Arabic music belongs on these boats. We come to the UAE to discover Arab culture and we end up discovering a completely different culture which we have no problem with, but it's not what we want.

Anant

India

Jul 2025

4/5

The experience was good, food was good but since everyone had the access to both upper and lower decks, I felt cheated as I paid extra for upper deck. Headout should know about their partners and the service distinction when they charge separate fees.

Rafid

Iraq

Jul 2025

5/5

The food was great and also the Headout support.. big thanks to Headout I will always book through your great application

Top things to do in Dubai

Experience a dhow cruise Dubai: Quick overview

Sightseeing cruises: 60–75 minutes for a concise city-loop view.
Dinner cruises: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2.5 hours with a buffet and live shows.
Routes: Choose Marina for modern skyline or Creek for historic waterfront scenes.
Boats & seating: Traditional wooden dhows, open-deck and air-conditioned lower decks.
Boarding points: Marina docks (Marina Walk) and Al Seef/Creek docks; some operators offer hotel pickup.
Booking tip: Sunset and weekend slots sell fastest; book early in Nov–Mar.

What to expect on a Dubai dhow cruise?

1/5

Boarding

Step onto the wooden dhow as the crew greets you, checks your ticket, and guides you to your seat: open deck for skyline views or lower deck for comfort.

Dining

Head to the buffet stations for regional and international dishes, including vegetarian picks and desserts, with soft drinks flowing throughout the evening.

Entertainment

Watch a colorful Tanoura spin or catch live music as the boat drifts past the city lights. Performances vary by route and operator.

Skyline views

Cruise past Dubai Marina’s glass towers or along the Creek’s trading houses, two sides of the same city seen from the water.

Safe ride

A quick briefing covers all essentials before departure. Lifejackets and trained crew keep things smooth from cast-off to return.

Things to know before booking a dhow cruise in Dubai

Choose your sailing route: Decide whether you’d rather see the old or the new side of the city.
- Dubai Creek: Traditional wooden dhow, heritage skyline, buffet dinner, and live Tanoura show. Calm waters and shorter routes make it ideal for relaxed evenings. Book a Dubai Creek dhow cruise.
- Dubai Marina: This 2-hour cruise takes you past Dubai's modern skyline, including JBR and Bluewaters. Book a dhow cruise in Dubai Marina.
- Dubai Canal: Choose this canal route for scenic bridges and Downtown skyline views; service focuses on refined dining and a relaxed atmosphere. Book a Dubai Canal luxury dhow cruise
For 5-star menus and unlimited beverages, pick the luxury dhow dinner cruise at Dubai Marina. Premium seating and attentive table service turn a casual dinner into a refined night on the water.
Short on time? Book a 1-hour sightseeing cruise from Marina or Creek includes unlimited soft drinks and live commentary. A quick, no-meal option that still gives you city views from the water.
Pick the Creek dinner dhow with transfers for shared or private round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off. Perfect when you want a door-to-door experience without arranging transport.
The Sunset Alexandra VIP dhow cruise boards before dusk, so you dine as the lights come on. Shared or private transfers are available for a seamless evening.
Choose your deck: Upper decks give fresh air and open views; lower decks are air-conditioned and steadier for dining.
Request your preference while booking to secure your preferred seating area.
Check seasonal policies: During Ramadan, alcohol service and live entertainment may not be available. Confirm inclusions before booking to match your travel dates and expectations.
Travelling with kids: Dhows are safe and family-friendly, with steady routes and protective railings on both decks. Creek cruises tend to be calmer, while Marina routes add livelier views and lights that keep kids engaged.

Find your best Dubai Dhow cruise match here

Cruise	Route	Duration	Inclusions & Transfers	Best for	Price
Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise with Dinner & Live Entertainment	Dubai Creek: Al Seef & Old Souks	1.5–2 hrs	Buffet dinner, soft drinks, Tanoura show; optional shared or private transfers	Guests seeking a calm, heritage route	From AED 60
Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise with Dinner & Live Entertainment	Dubai Marina: JBR & Bluewaters Island	2 hrs	International buffet, soft drinks, live music; optional transfers	First-time visitors wanting modern skyline views	From AED 120
Luxury Dhow Dinner Cruise – Dubai Marina	Dubai Marina: Ain Dubai & Pier 7	2–2.5 hrs	5-star buffet, unlimited drinks, entertainment; shared or private transfers	Couples and premium diners	From AED 316
Luxury Dhow Dinner Cruise – Dubai Water Canal	Dubai Water Canal: Sheikh Zayed Bridge & Downtown	2 hrs	Buffet dinner, unlimited drinks, onboard music; shared or private transfers	Guests who prefer a quieter luxury route	From AED 228
1-Hour Sightseeing Dhow Cruise	Marina or Creek: City skyline & waterfront	1 hr	Unlimited soft drinks, live commentary; no transfers	Travelers short on time	From AED 85
Dhow Dinner Cruise on Dubai Creek with Transfers	Dubai Creek: Al Seef & Bur Dubai	1.5–2 hrs	Buffet dinner, soft drinks, Tanoura show; includes hotel transfers	Families and visitors who prefer convenience	From AED 130
Alexandra VIP Dhow Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment	Dubai Marina: JBR & Marina Towers	2 hrs	Buffet dinner, live shows, reserved tables; optional transfers	Small groups and special occasions	From AED 220
Sunset Alexandra VIP Dhow Cruise with Dinner & Transfers	Dubai Marina: Ain Dubai & Bluewaters	2 hrs	Buffet dinner, entertainment, reserved seating; includes shared or private transfers	Evening diners wanting sunset views	From AED 180

All Dubai dhow cruise routes explained

Dubai Creek dhow cruises

Route followed: Glides along Dubai Creek between Al Seef, Deira, and Bur Dubai.
Sites covered: Old souks, Al Fahidi District, Heritage Village, and traditional abras.
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Ideal for: Visitors who want to see the city’s trading roots and calmer waters.

Dubai Marina dhow cruises

Route followed: Sails through Dubai Marina canal past JBR and Bluewaters Island.
Sites covered: Ain Dubai, Marina Towers, Pier 7, and the city’s modern skyline.
Duration: Around 2 hours
Ideal for: Travelers drawn to Dubai’s glittering architecture and vibrant waterfront.

Dubai Water Canal dhow cruises

Route followed: Drifts along the Water Canal from Jaddaf to Sheikh Zayed Bridge.
Sites covered: Business Bay skyline, Tolerance Bridge, and glimpses of Downtown Dubai.
Duration: 2–3 hours
Ideal for: Guests seeking a quieter evening route with scenic night views.

Your Dubai dhow cruise boarding points explained

Address: Al Seef Heritage Dock, Al Seef Street, Bur Dubai | Find on map

Getting there:

🚇 By metro*:* Green Line to Al Fahidi, 10-min walk.

🚌 By bus*:* Routes 29, 55, C7, and X23 stop near Al Seef.

🚕 By car/taxi*:* 15–20 min from Downtown; parking at Al Seef Mall.

Famous for: Old Dubai charm, heritage souks, and calm evening ambience, perfect for Creek dinner cruises.

Address: Marina Promenade, next to Pier 7, Dubai Marina | Find on map

Getting there:

🚇 By metro*:* Red Line to DMCC Station, 8-min walk via Marina Walk.

🚌 By bus*:* Routes 8, 84, and F55A stop at Marina Promenade.

🚕 By car/taxi*:* ~25 min drive from Downtown via Sheikh Zayed Road.

Famous for: Central hub for Marina cruises with skyline views, waterfront dining, and JBR nightlife.

Address: Al Faris Floating Restaurant Pier, near Dubai Festival City Mall, Al Jaddaf | Find on map

Getting there:

🚇 By metro*:* Green Line to Creek Station, then a 5-min taxi ride.

🚌 By bus*:* Routes 44, 61, and C18 serve Al Jaddaf Marine area.

🚕 By car/taxi*:* Accessible via Al Khail Road; parking available at Festival City Mall.

Famous for: Boarding point for Dubai Water Canal luxury cruises, offering views of illuminated bridges and the Downtown skyline.

Plan your Dubai dhow cruise

Arrival: Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure for check-in and boarding. Late arrivals may forfeit their seats. Show your mobile voucher and valid photo ID at the dock.
Dress code: Smart casual for dinner cruises; light clothing for day or sightseeing routes.
Children & pets: Children under 3 usually travel free; pets aren’t permitted.
Luggage: Only small handbags or backpacks allowed. Large suitcases or strollers must stay at the pier. imple bag checks; follow crew instructions at the pier.
Seating: Seating is either reserved or first-come, depending on your ticket. Choose open-air upper decks for views or air-conditioned lower decks for comfort. Request your preference while booking.

Sightseeing cruises: 10am–5pm, hourly departures from Creek and Marina.
Sunset cruises: 5:30–6:30pm (summer) or 5–6pm (winter).
Dinner cruises: 8–10pm across all routes.
Best time of day: Sunset departures capture the city’s transition from daylight to skyline lights, ideal for photography.
Best months: November to March offers cooler evenings and calmer waters.

Onboard: Air-conditioned lower decks, open upper decks, onboard restrooms, dining tables, and life jackets.
Extras: Welcome drinks, live entertainment (Tanoura, local music), and buffet stations on most dinner cruises.
Pier-side: Ticket counters, shaded waiting areas, and nearby restrooms at all major docks.
Comfort: Lower decks are fully climate-controlled; upper decks provide fresh air and skyline views.
Accessibility: Large dhows and luxury boats (e.g., Marina and Canal routes) feature ramp access and wide aisles. Creek dhows may have narrow steps; assistance is available from the crew.
Wheelchairs and strollers can be accommodated on lower decks with prior notice.
Elderly guests are advised to board early for steady seating and minimal movement.

Lifejackets and emergency exits are available on all vessels.
Smoking permitted only in designated areas on the open deck.
Alcohol is served only on select cruises and not during Ramadan.
Outside food and large bags are not allowed onboard.
Photography welcome, but drones and tripods are prohibited.

Parking fills fast at Marina and Creek; taxis or the Metro (Red or Green Line) are quicker, especially on weekends.
Sit on the left deck (port side) leaving the pier for skyline views; switch sides on the return for mirrored night reflections.
Sunset light hits Ain Dubai and Bluewaters around 6pm in winter, ideal for golden-hour photos.
Bring a light jacket; canal winds pick up after 8pm, especially on upper decks.
Sensitive to motion? Choose mid-ship seats on the lower deck for less sway, smoother dining.
Most cruises don’t offer Wi-Fi; download offline maps or playlists before boarding.
Dinner cruises lean smart casual; sightseeing routes are fine with relaxed attire.
Strollers fold easily for lower-deck storage; crew provide lifejackets for kids on request.

Frequently asked questions about Dubai dhow cruises

How long does a standard Dubai dhow cruise last?

Sightseeing cruises usually last 1 hour, while dinner dhow cruises take 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the route.

Can I book last-minute?

Yes, you can, but sunset and dinner slots fill up quickly. Book at least a few hours ahead, especially during weekends or the winter high season.

What’s the difference between sightseeing and dining cruises?

Sightseeing cruises are shorter, with soft drinks and views. Dinner cruises add a buffet, live shows, and a slower pace, ideal for evenings.

Are dhow cruises worth it in Dubai?

Yes, they give unmatched skyline views from the water. Creek shows historic Dubai, while Marina and Canal highlight its modern side under city lights.

Is seating assigned or first-come-first-served?

Dinner cruises often have reserved tables. Sightseeing cruises use open seating. Arrive early for the upper deck or your preferred view.

How helpful is the onboard commentary or audio guide?

Most sightseeing cruises offer multilingual audio guides or crew commentary, explaining landmarks like Al Fahidi or Ain Dubai as you sail past.

Which dhow cruise route should I choose?

Creek is heritage-focused, Marina features skyline views, and Canal combines modern Dubai with calmer waters. Pick based on your interests and hotel location.

Are children allowed on dhow cruises?

Yes. Kids are welcome on all routes. Dinner cruises provide high chairs, and infants under three usually sail free with an adult ticket.

What should I wear on a dhow cruise?

Smart casual is best for dinner cruises; light, comfortable clothing for sightseeing. Avoid beachwear. Bring a light layer for open decks after sunset.

Can I bring luggage or strollers onboard?

Only small bags are allowed. Foldable strollers can be stored on the lower deck. Large luggage must remain at the pier before boarding.