Top 10 Water Sports And Activities In Dubai, UAE - Updated 2024

Jovannie
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 5 min read

A modern city in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is famous for its modernized and luxury shopping, avant-garde architecture, and thriving night scene. One of the most-visited attraction here is the Burj Khalifa, which is the third tallest structure in Dubai and one the skyscrapers that dominate the city skyline. You’ll also find at its foot the well-known Dubai Fountain, which features lights that dance with choreographed music. Apart from the attractions and structures, the city also boasts many activities centred around water sports, and you’ll surely enjoy them. In case you need help in choosing what to do, check out our list of the top watersports and activities in Dubai, UAE.

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From transportation tips to medical essentials and everything in between, the Dubai local guides share all the must-know information to help you plan your trip.

1. Jet ski tour of Dubai

One of the best things to do in Dubai apart from the usual sightseeing tours is to engage in water sports. The city offers numerous activities that involve adventures like this. But the best part is Viator offering you a sightseeing tour of Dubai in a jet ski. Here, you will be riding a jet ski for an hour and glides through Dubai’s waterfront. You will be following an expert guide and see a spectacular view of the city skyline and other famous attractions like the Burj Al Arab, which is the third tallest structure and a symbol of the modern city. Don’t forget to bring a camera with you and take lots of photographs to remember. As for your safety, you don’t have to worry, for the experts will brief you with the do(s) and don’t(s) as well as provide you with the safety equipment.

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2. Discover scuba diving in Dubai

Are you a fan of underwater scenic views? Or you dream of going deep and marvelling at the beauty of the marine life but afraid of drowning and not being able to breathe? If so, worry no more for Viator has a special offering for first-timers and beginners alike. The activity is exclusive to four people and one dive instructor for a group, to ensure that personal attention on each member. For two hours, you will be exploring the underwater of Jumeirah Beach, meet sea creatures, and marvel at colourful corals. There is no need for a diving certificate for you to join this tour. The tour also includes a souvenir photo for you to post on your social media.

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3. minute private speed boat hire

There are plenty of water activities to do in Dubai, and one of them is riding a private speed boat. You’ll love it for the adrenaline rush and the places you’ll visit, which include the beautiful Palm Island. This tour is exclusive for up to 10 members and will last you about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The tour will start from the Marina and will zoom into the waterfront, Giving you spectacular views of the Dubai Marina, the city skyline, Burj al Arab, Palm Island, and the Atlantis hotel from the waters. You’ll surely have lots of amazing photos afterwards that you can share with your friends back home.

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4. Standup paddling in La Mer

This activity is one of the new water activities you can enjoy in La Mer, which is a top destination in Dubai for people looking for water activities. It is like surfing where you use a surfboard, but in this water activity, you wouldn’t need to ride the waves. You will only need the paddle the board and propel yourself. Of course, you’ll need to balance yourself for it is a stand-up paddleboard activity after all. It is also a good exercise for your core and this fun activity will be greatly enjoyed by the whole family.

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Dubai Tour Guide

Dubai Local Tour Guide

Dubai Local Tour Guide

Welcome, Hello, bonjour, Hola, Namasty, Salam! It brings me great joy to extend a warm welcome as you embark on your journey to explore our vibrant city during your visit to the United Arab Emirates. Here, in this land of hospitality, you are not just a guest; you are welcomed as a member of our extended family. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Rafiq, a seasoned professional in the realm of t... Read more

Tours by Dubai local tour guide

5. Flyboard experience

If you want an adrenaline-pumping kind of water activity, then the Flyboard experience is the best for you. It is a 20-minute Flyboard ride that is water-powered and can get as high as 10 meters (32 feet) above the waters, giving you a spectacular view of Dubai’s skyline. During the activity, you will have an experienced instructor to guide you through the process, the life vest, and other safety equipment. He/She is also there to teach you to move and tips to manoeuvre the ride that you will greatly enjoy. The activity is safe and fun and perfect for beginners and experienced Flyboarders.

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Book Tours : Flyboard Experience

6. Deep sea fishing tour for four hours

Another great water adventure awaits you in Dubai, the Deep Sea Fishing Tour by Viator. It is a perfect activity for the fishing enthusiast. The tour will last you about four hours, and all gears and equipment are provided for. All you have to bring is yourself, a hat, sun block, camera, and lots of patience. Apart from fishing, you’ll also love the views surrounding the Arabian Gulf, so make sure you bring a camera with you. The tour’s goal is for you to catch a certain species of fish, including kingfish, tuna, trevally, snapper, queenfish, barracuda, cobia, and grouper.

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7. Dubai luxury yacht charter with a water slide

dubai luxury yacht charter with a water slide
Source: www.viator.com

If you’re in Dubai and want to party in style with your group, then you have to check out this offering from Viator, which is a yacht charter service with a water slide. The yacht is 52 feet (15.85 metres), spacious, and can accommodate up to 20 people, perfect for company events or intimate birthday parties. It features a private skipper, loud sound system, barbecue facilities, and onboard fully equipped kitchen, which will come in handy if you throw a party or the like. For the tour, you will be navigating the city coastline with a private captain, and also you will be offered with light refreshments for your snacking needs; strictly non-alcoholic beverages.

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8. Dubai Atlantis shark safari experience

dubai atlantis shark safari experience
Source: www.viator.com

Do you want to experience being in a large aquarium with several species of marine life? If so, you have to try the underwater world of the Shark Lagoon, which is in Dubai’s Aquaventure Waterpark. Here you will experience what it is like to breathe and walk underwater and play with the fishes. You’ll be able to do so by using an underwater helmet. First, you will be briefed and given instructions and safety precautions as well as facts about marine life. Then, you will walk up to the bottom of the filled fish lagoon, where you will encounter reef sharks, parrot-fish, black spotted snapper fish, porcupine rays, and more.

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9. Crab hunting in the mangroves

If you want an experience like no other, then you have to try this crab hunting expedition being led by an experienced crab fisherman. Here, you will be in search of the juiciest and biggest crabs. You will be given hunting equipment such as a spear and flashlights and instructions on how to successfully catch one. Afterwards, you will sit down for a buffet dinner of everything delicious, including your catch of the day. This activity will take you about seven hours and will let you explore mangrove areas, in search of that elusive crab.

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10. Full-day East Coast tour including snorkelling and lunch

This tour is both a land and water activity that you will surely enjoy and love. You will be exploring the UAE East Coast, away from the modern life of Dubai, which will make you see a different perspective of the place. Here, you will be visiting the Arabian wildlife at a Sharjah zoological park as well as Fujairah, where you’ll see the hilltop Fujairah Fort and experience the Friday market, where you will learn about the local’s culture and heritage. After these activities, you will head down to the beach and have a chance to snorkel and swim at Snoopy Island, where you’ll encounter colourful fishes and some species of marine life.

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Splash Dubai

Aside from being one of the top shopping destinations in the world, Dubai also has lots of water sports and activities you can engage in, which will surely be enjoyed by all types of travellers. In case you don’t have any plan yet, check out our list of the best water activities in Dubai for a fun-filled trip ahead.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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