Dubai's dhow cruises are about two hours long and run on the Creek and in the Marina. The Creek gives you the older city; the Marina gives you the towers. Expect a buffet dinner, shared tables and music, and choose a cruise for the view rather than the food.
Creek or Marina
A Creek cruise passes the old trading houses, the souks and Al Seef and ends near the Business Bay canal, so you see the older Dubai lit at night. A Marina cruise, usually on a modern boat with an air-conditioned lower deck, passes the glass towers and the beach at JBR. If you have been to Dubai before, the Creek is the more distinctive; if you want the skyline, choose the Marina.
What to expect
These are mass-market evenings: boarding around sunset or 8pm, a buffet, shared tables, taped or live music and a loop of the water. The food is functional. A private charter is the way to control the menu, the music and the pace, and is better value for a group of eight or more than a table for two.
Pick the deck: the open upper deck has the better view and the breeze in winter, and the lower deck is air-conditioned and fills first in the warmer months. Book a specific time and a seat on the deck you prefer.
Is it worth it?
Yes, as a way to see the city from the water on one evening, particularly for a first visit or a family group. If you are looking for a quiet or romantic dinner, a table on land or a private evening in the desert will be better. Our desert dinner guide compares them.
Questions people ask
How long is a Dubai dhow cruise?+
About two hours.
Creek or Marina dhow cruise: which is better?+
The Creek shows older Dubai and is more distinctive. The Marina shows the modern skyline and often runs on air-conditioned modern boats.
Photo: Rod Waddington from Kergunyah, Australia, CC BY-SA 2.0
