Dhow Cruise Dubai
DHOW CRUISE PACKAGES
Set sail on a serene evening with Desert Leap Safari’s Dhow Cruise Dubai Packages, where the twinkling lights of Dubai’s skyline form a captivating backdrop. Drift gently on the Arabian Gulf’s waters aboard a traditionally decorated dhow, embracing the harmony of Dubai’s historic charm and its contemporary architecture. Delight in a rich buffet under the starlit sky, and enjoy lively cultural performances, crafting a perfect balance of relaxation and cultural richness. This cruise, a blend of gentle waves and Dubai’s alluring beauty, offers an enchanting evening that’s both sophisticated and memorable.
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Food was also a highlight 👍🏽
FAQs
A. The Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina is a two-hour evening cruise that includes a sumptuous dinner and live entertainment as you sail through the Marina. You’ll board a traditional wooden dhow boat that’s been beautifully decorated with lights, and once the cruise begins, you can enjoy stunning views of Dubai’s skyline by night – the skyscrapers around the Marina and attractions like the Ain Dubai ferris wheel on Bluewaters Island are all illuminated. During the cruise, you are treated to an international buffet dinner with a variety of dishes (both vegetarian and non-veg options are available). There are also live cultural performances, the most popular being the Tanoura dance, where a dancer in illuminated costume spins to traditional music. Many cruises also have gentle background music, and some may offer additional entertainment like a puppet show or henna painting. You’ll have access to both the open-air upper deck and the air-conditioned lower deck to dine and enjoy the sights. Complimentary soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee are usually provided, and welcome drinks (like juices or Arabic coffee and dates) are served when you board. In summary, the Dubai Marina dhow cruise is a relaxing dinner cruise experience with great food, mesmerizing views, and a taste of Emirati culture through its entertainment.
A. The dhow dinner cruise typically lasts for about 2 hours on the water. Most Dubai Marina dhow cruises operate in the evening. A common schedule is:
- Boarding time: around 7:30 PM to 7:45 PM (guests arrive and get settled on the boat).
- Cruise departure: around 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM, once all guests are on board.
- Duration: ~2 hours of cruising along Dubai Marina, so from roughly 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM on average.
- Return to dock: around 10:00 PM – 10:30 PM, and guests disembark.
It’s recommended to arrive at the boarding point on time (about 30 minutes before departure) since the boats leave promptly. Some operators even have two slots in busy seasons (an earlier sunset cruise and a later dinner cruise), but Desert Leap Safari’s Marina cruise is usually the prime dinner slot in the evening when the skyline is fully lit up. Always check your booking confirmation for exact timing – occasionally, timing can shift slightly with the season (for instance, they might start a bit later in summer when sunset is later). Overall, plan your evening from roughly 7:30 to 10:30 PM for the full dhow cruise experience.
A: The boarding location is in Dubai Marina, typically at a designated pier along the Marina Promenade. Desert Leap Safari’s dhow usually departs from a convenient spot near the heart of the Marina – often near the Dubai Marina Mall or Pier 7 area on the waterfront. The exact meeting point will be provided in your confirmation (for example, a specific dock number or a restaurant as a landmark). Popular boarding points in the Marina include the Dubai Marina Yacht Club pier or Marina Promenade behind Marina Mall. Some dhows also board near the West Bay side (close to the Dubai Marina Bridge). In any case, the location is easy to reach by taxi, and it’s well-connected (you can also come via the Dubai Metro to DMCC station or the Dubai Tram to Marina Mall station and walk a few minutes). Tip: Plan to be at the Marina at least 20-30 minutes early to find the exact dhow boat – there are many cruises, and crew members will guide you to the right one if you ask. Desert Leap Safari will typically have a representative or signs at the boarding point. If you’ve opted for a package with hotel transfer, then you’ll be dropped off right at the pier. Rest assured, the boarding location is central and picturesque – you’ll see the twinkling lights of the high-rises as you step onto your dhow for the night.
A: There is no strict dress code for the dhow cruise, but smart-casual attire is recommended. Guests usually dress comfortably yet presentably – think of what you might wear to a nice dinner restaurant. You do not need formal wear like suits or gowns; casual dresses for ladies or trousers and a polo or shirt for men are quite common. Since it’s an evening cruise, some people opt for slightly dressier casual outfits (to take beautiful photos with the Dubai skyline). We suggest avoiding beachwear, swimwear, or ultra-short outfits, out of respect for the local culture and the dining ambiance. Comfortable footwear is fine (flats or sandals for women, loafers or clean sneakers for men – no need for heels unless you want them). Remember that evenings, especially from November to March, can be breezy by the water, so you might bring a light jacket or shawl. Bottom line: wear something comfortable and modest that makes you feel good – for example, linen pants or jeans with a nice top, or a casual dress – and you’ll be set. The dhow cruise atmosphere is relaxed; you’ll see people in everything from tourist casual to smart casual. Most importantly, dress for the weather (light fabrics in summer, an extra layer in winter) so you can enjoy the open-air deck comfortably.
A: Seating on the dhow is generally on a first-come, first-served basis when it comes to choosing your table and deck, so early arrival helps if you have a preference. Most dhow cruises have two levels:
- The upper deck (open-air) – This is under the sky, open on the sides, offering the best views of the surrounding Marina skyline. Many guests prefer this for the ambiance. Tables are arranged banquet style, and you can enjoy the breeze.
- The lower deck (air-conditioned) – This is enclosed with large windows. It’s cooler (important in hot summer months) and protected from any wind. It’s a good option if you prefer indoor dining comfort or if the weather is too warm.
You are free to move around during the cruise. For example, you might dine at your table on the lower deck and then go upstairs to the open deck for viewing and photos, or vice versa. Desert Leap Safari’s dhow allows access to both decks for all guests. Typically, there aren’t assigned seats by name, but the crew will guide you to available tables. If the cruise is fully booked, every table will be occupied; if it’s less crowded, you may have a wider choice. Groups will be seated together. If having a top-deck view is very important to you, try to arrive early when boarding starts so you can pick a table on the upper deck. Also, note that the entertainment (Tanoura dance) usually takes place on the lower deck stage or sometimes in the center of the upper deck, depending on the boat layout – but wherever it is, both decks can view it (people can stand around the dance area or watch from their seats). In summary, seating is flexible – upper deck gives a better outdoor experience, lower deck offers comfort – and you can enjoy both during the cruise.
A: The dhow cruises run year-round, but the best time to enjoy one is during the cooler months from November through March. In these winter months, Dubai’s weather is pleasant (around 20-25°C in the evenings), allowing you to comfortably sit on the upper deck and relish the open-air experience. The sky is usually clear, and the city lights are brilliant – perfect for photos and sightseeing as you dine. From May to September (summer), the weather is quite hot and humid, especially in the evening. Dhow cruises still operate (the lower deck is air-conditioned), but you might not spend as much time outdoors on the deck due to the heat. If you do go in summer, it’s advisable to stay on the air-conditioned level and step out briefly for snaps, or choose a cruise a bit later in the evening when it’s slightly cooler. As for time of day, most people prefer the evening dinner cruises for the dazzling city lights. However, there are also sunset dhow cruises – if you go right at sunset (around 5:30-6:00 PM depending on season), you can catch daylight, sunset, and night views all in one cruise. The Marina route is especially beautiful at night, whereas a Creek dhow cruise might show more heritage views (Desert Leap Safari currently offers Marina only). Overall, for the ideal experience: a clear, mild-weather evening in winter is the top choice. During this period, try to book in advance as it’s high season and dhow cruises can fill up quickly.
A: Yes, you can arrange a private dhow cruise. Desert Leap Safari can facilitate private bookings for those who want the entire dhow boat exclusively for their group. This is a popular option for occasions like birthday parties, corporate events, anniversaries, or even intimate wedding celebrations. With a private charter, you have flexibility in customizing the experience – you can often choose the menu (or have it catered specially), bring your own entertainment or decorations, and decide the timing (some people may want a shorter cruise or a different time slot). The dhow can typically accommodate large groups (some dhows hold 50-100 people, depending on the vessel). If your group is smaller but you still want privacy, they might offer a smaller dhow or simply reserve a section for you on a larger boat (depending on what’s available). To book a private cruise, it’s best to contact Desert Leap Safari well in advance with your preferred date, group size, and any special requests. They will provide you with options and pricing for a full boat rental. Private cruises usually have a higher cost (it’s essentially a boat rental fee), but if you have a big group, it can be cost-effective per person and gives a very memorable, personalized experience. Whether it’s a family gathering or a company dinner, enjoying the Dubai Marina exclusively with your crew on a dhow is certainly a unique way to celebrate – complete with the Dubai skyline as your backdrop and no other guests on board.
A: Fortunately, Dubai has very predictable weather and rain is rare. However, in case of bad weather – such as heavy rain, strong winds, or sea conditions that are not safe – dhow cruise operators will sometimes cancel or postpone the cruise for safety reasons. If Desert Leap Safari (or their cruise partner) cancels the cruise due to weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund. They usually inform customers as early as possible if a cancellation is expected (for example, if the weather forecast shows a rare storm). If it starts raining unexpectedly while you’re already on the cruise, most dhows have the lower deck where guests can move to stay dry, and the cruise might continue if it’s still safe. In cases of very severe weather (which is quite uncommon in Dubai), the cruise might return to dock early, and again, refunds or rescheduling would be arranged. It’s good to know that the Marina is a sheltered waterway (not the open sea), so it’s less prone to choppy waters – cruises can still operate in light rain or breeze, and the lower deck is enclosed to keep everyone comfortable. Desert Leap Safari prioritizes guest safety, so they will make the call if conditions aren’t suitable. Rest assured, if your cruise gets canceled due to weather, you won’t lose your money – you can choose another night or get your payment refunded. It’s always a good idea to keep your phone reachable on the day of the cruise in case any last-minute weather updates are sent out.