Dubai is everything you can’t imagine. From the glitz and glam to the calm mosques and from the vastness of the desert to the water sports in Dubai, the city never ceases to surprise you. What makes it even more indispensable is the fact that it has something on offer to everyone. No matter the interest or the preferences, Dubai is not going to disappoint you. While being a desert city, Dubai is also a coastal city with some of the best beaches and water activities in the world. The sheer volume of Dubai water sports activities will not fail to surprise you. Here are some of the top water activities in Dubai that are sure to make your trip even more enjoyable.
1. Snorkel in Dubai
If you want to see beautiful aquatic animals on the Dubai shoreline, snorkeling is the best option. The chances of spotting marine life are high on Dubai’s shoreline because of the spiky sea trenches. Apart from this, Dubai also offers access to some of the region’s most popular snorkeling spots, such as Dibba Rock, Snoopy Rock (Fujairah), and the Musandam Peninsula that’s near the entrance of the Persian Gulf. After the brief instructions on how to snorkel from the instructors, you can enjoy this sport under the guidance of the trainers.
Duration: 3 hours approx.
Location: Jumeirah, Dubai
2. Jet Skiing in Dubai
Zooming at the speed of 70 km/h, you can feel the adrenaline rush building in you. The view of the blue waters, the feel of perching on a high-powered jet ski, and the splash of water as you zoom around are nothing less than euphoric. Although jet skiing is a restricted sport in Dubai, there are a few beaches that allow this sport.. You will find jet skiing activity at Jumeirah Beach, Al Mamzar Beach, Dubai Marina, etc. A distance of 300 meters must be kept between swimmers and skiers. After a briefing from the experts, you can off your skiing skills on a jet ski.
Duration: 30 to 60 minutes
Location: Al Mamzar Beach, Jumeriah Beach, Dubai Marina, La Mer Beach, and Umm Suqeim Fishing Harbor
3. Scuba Diving in Dubai
Explore the Arabian Gulf with scuba diving in Dubai. The rich underwater biodiversity is going to rejuvenate you. The colorful fishes swimming past you in the blue water are a sight to behold. The ultimate silence of underwater makes you feel as if you are the only one in this world. Scuba diving is one of of the best adventure sports in Dubai, experienced in the presence of world-class professionals. Many agencies and hotels offer scuba diving packages for amateurs and professionals. Home to over 65000 marine animals, the underwater lagoon includes sharks, rays, and shoals of exotic fish.
Duration: 3 hours approx.
Location: Jumeirah, Dubai
Suggested Read: Scuba Diving Dubai – Most Thrilling Underwater Activity
4. Deep-Sea Fishing Dubai
The big coastline of Dubai makes fishing a major part of Dubai’s heritage. Being one of the biggest sailfish destinations in the world, Dubai has played the role of being a host for many renowned sea fishing enthusiasts and mariners in the Middle East. The latest equipment and techniques ensure you get the best catch. A perfect sport for many to relax, deep-sea fishing is enjoyed with family and friends. If you’re lucky, you may catch fishes such as Blue Fin Tuna, Trevally, Sultan Ibrahim, Barracuda Kingfish, and much more.
Duration: 4 hours approx.
Location: The boat will depart from Dubai Marina
5. Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Excursion
If you want to escape from the chaos of city life and enjoy the scenic beauty of the blue waters, then take the Stand-Up Paddle excursion and relax. Our knowledgeable crew provides SUP excursions with safety tips and minimal yet adequate training. Just hop on your SUP board and paddle on the calm waters while enjoying the view of the Dubai shoreline. The prerequisites for this activity are that you should know swimming and must be 16+ years of age. You might think you will not be able to balance over the SUP board, but with a few attempts, you will be able to effortlessly nail the balancing process.
Duration: 60 minutes approx.
Location: Kite Beach
Also Check: Best Water Parks in Dubai for Kids & Family
6. Flyboard in Dubai
An amphibious invention, the Flyboard allows you to swim underwater, surf the sea, and even fly up to 10 meters above the surface of the water. An easy to learn and an adrenaline-pumping activity, the Flyboard is a must-try while in Dubai. A coach and a jet ski will be tailing you throughout, making it extremely easy. The best part of this sport is that it is favorable on all days, so no worries about the climate. The skill of balancing on a flyboard is challenging and at the same time thrilling.
Duration: 20-30 minutes
Location: Jumeirah Beach, JBR Beach, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina
7. Wakeboarding Dubai
Wakeboarding is a combination of water skiing, surfing, and snowboarding. You must stand on the wakeboard, which in turn will be towed by a motorboat. There are award-winning instructors offering you wakeboarding sessions. Whether you are a professional or a beginner enthusiast, wakeboarding in Dubai is a must-try. This sport can be experienced on all days of the year, subjected to weather conditions.
Duration: 20 to 30 minutes
Location: Dubai Marina, Jumeirah 1 Fishing Harbor, and Ghantoot Marina
8. Surfing Dubai
Hop on the surfboard for some amazing surfing sessions in the waters of Jumeirah Beach and the Arabian Gulf. Professional surfers from all around the world come to Dubai for some beautiful surfing sessions. Catch the waves while leaving behind the Dubai shoreline. It may be a bit difficult to catch up for beginners, but once you get the hang of the sport, it’s hard to keep yourself away from the waters.
Duration: 60 minutes
Location: Jumeirah beach
9. Sea Kayaking Dubai
A perfect way to soak up the beautiful scenery along Dubai shoreline, kayaking will let you unwind the stress of the chaotic lifestyle. Although prior experience is not required for this sport, it’s vital to make sure that you know swimming. So, after the brief safety session from the expert trainers, simply hit the water. To be able to enjoy this water activity, you need to be 16 years or older, and your weight must fall between 45 kg and 100 kg. As soon as you hit the waters on a kayak, you get unmatched views of Dubai’s modern and beautiful architecture and landmarks. Either go on a solo kayaking trip or join in with your mate to elevate the fun-filled experience. We offer some exceptional Kayaking in Dubai tours which you can book online or over the phone.
Duration: 60 minutes approx.
Location: DJBR Beach
10. Seabreacher Dubai
Ride in a personal submarine that can go underwater and glide on the surface with a mind-boggling speed of 100 km/h. The personal submersible submarine moves like a dolphin. And guess what, this submarine is air-conditioned like most of the things in Dubai. Designed like a shark, you can hire this beast at Rixos The Palm and JBR Beach. Get into one of these and experience the adrenaline rush building up in you. This surely is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Duration: 60 minutes approx.
Location: Jumeirah Beach
11. Sea Tank in Dubai
Want to see sharks and rays up close and personal, but are afraid to do so? Not anymore! You can get up close and personal with sharks, rays, and other tropical fishes safely by entering a transparent tank. After a briefing session with the instructors and learning some hand signals, you put on your wetsuit and helmet. After this, you enter the transparent tank, which is then immersed inside the water filled with beautiful fishes of all sizes. The helmet is a state-of-the-art, which helps you to breathe freely. You are accompanied by the instructor throughout the session. If you want, you can record your session for an additional cost as a souvenir. You can further watch the exotic colorful fishes and sharks that circle you at the depth of 4 feet inside the Dubai Aquarium & underwater zoo.
Duration: 60 minutes approx.
Location: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at the Dubai Mall
12. Jetpack Dubai
Soar at the height of 45 feet above the blue waters with this 30-minutes jetpack flight experience. Propelled by the power of a jet pack, you fly above the turquoise waters while having a beautiful view of the JBR beach. You will get personalized attention while performing stunts. After brief instructions on how to use the jet pack, you will begin flying. You have to wear a helmet and a protective vest even though the jetpack floats on the water. The propulsion is given by the instructor after viewing your skill level before and during the training session.
Duration: 30 minutes approx.
Location: Dubai beach
13. Wonder Bus Dubai
Take a magical tour of Dubai in Wonder Bus, an amphibious vehicle that can go on land and water alike. Manufactured in the US, this bus is the first of its kind introduced in the Middle East. Highly safe, this 44-seater vehicle is completely air-conditioned and has state-of-the-art sound system, washroom, and professional tour guides who can speak English, Arabic, and French fluently. This magical bus trip ensures you get to see the amazing Dubai Courts, Sheikh Khalifa Road, Seef Road, etc. and also splash along the waters of Dubai Creek.
Duration: 60 minutes approx.
Location: the bus will depart from Mercato mall, Jumeirah road
14. Banana Boat Ride Dubai
This is considered to be one of the most exciting water rides in Dubai. In this Banana boat ride, you sit on a banana-shaped boat that is attached to a motorboat. As the motorboat drags the banana boat to the middle of Dubai’s turquoise drenches, you splash through the water against the cool wind blowing on your face. The ride will leave you filled with the adrenaline rush. With a capacity of up to 6 people, this ride will ensure you cling on to the boat with your family and friends while having wild fun. Take along your loved ones and enjoy this wild water ride with us.
Duration: 15 minutes approx
Location: Jumeirah Beach and Palm Jumeirah
15. Parasailing in Dubai
Afraid of skydiving? Yet, want to fly like a bird? Go for parasailing in Dubai. Our team organizes the safest and the most unforgettable parasailing sessions in Dubai. Your ride starts after you board the purpose-built speed boat that takes you to the middle of the sea waters. Then you are seated in a harness that’s hooked to the parasail yoke. When the speed boat zooms on the water, the air slowly fills your parachute and the rope stretches out. At the height of 150 meters above the water, you get to see the visual treat of beautiful waters and the iconic marvels of Dubai. After this beautiful glide through the air, you are slowly pulled back safely into the boat in the sitting position itself.
Duration: 15 minutes approx.
Location: Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach
16. Wipeout FlowRider in Wild Wadi Waterpark
Go to the Wild Wadi waterpark to enjoy the best bodyboarding activities of all time. After a brief training session by the instructors, you lie on a surfing body board and enjoy splashing waves in the torrent of seven tons of water every second, creating a sheet for you to surf upon. The adventure is to see how long you last on the board before being pushed out of the board and into the water.
Duration: 1 hour approx.
Location: Wild Wadi Waterpark
17. Kite Surfing Dubai
Although it’s an irresistible water adventure activity, you need a tutorial session of at least eight to ten hours before you will actually be able to get a hang of this interesting sport. But no matter the time, the experience of kite surfing on the calm ocean of Dubai is worth cherishing for a lifetime. This is a sport where wind conditions may not always be on your side. Moreover, to know the art of balancing is what makes the sport really gripping. There are special kite schools that offer learning sessions on this increasingly popular sport of Kite Surfing.
Duration: 2-10 hours
Location: Kite Beach
Read More: 51 Best Things to Do in Dubai
18. Donut Ride Dubai
Shaped like donuts (with some interesting variations in designs), these inflatables are comfortable and come with strong handle grips to help you stay afloat when the motorboat drags you at the back at high speed. The donut ride is everything you can think of when it comes to an adventurous excursion. However, you must know swimming, as there’s always a risk of losing your balance and falling off in the water. All in all, it is one of the most preferred activities of families and friends in Dubai.
Duration: 15 minutes
Location: Jumeirah 4, Umm Suqeim 1, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Harbor
19. Love Boat Ride
Enjoy Dubai sightseeing in an incredible way. Starting from the Dubai Marina, the love boat ride takes you past the glittering skyline of Dubai and Palm Jumeirah buildings in an exciting and enthralling ride. Experience the best blend of sightseeing with an adrenaline rush of water splashes, jumps that take you ahead of the slow cruising yachts. We promise you’d love every minute of this adventure.
Duration: 90-120 mins
Location: Dubai Marina
20. Yellow Boat Dubai
Hop on aboard to Rayna’s yellow boat and cruise through the Palm Jumeirah, enjoying the best ever views of the Dubai skyline, from the majestic views of the seven-star Burj Al Arab to the captivating Atlantis, The Palm Hotel. Don’t forget to take your camera to capture some great moments along the waterway.
Duration: 60-90-120 mins
Location: Dubai Marina
Suggested Read: World’s Most Dangerous Hikes
Conclusion
Get up and pack your bags for an incredible Dubai water excursion. There’s nothing that should now hold you back from enjoying these amazing water adventure sports. Come on board, see you soon.