Abu Dhabi: Corniche Boat Tour & Yas Island Sights

Summary

See Abu Dhabi’s skyline from the water with stories and city sounds

You’ll ride out from Emirates Palace Marina with a local skipper, watching Abu Dhabi’s Corniche skyline slide by while hearing stories you won’t find in guidebooks. There’s bottled water, easy laughs, and space to just watch sunlight flicker on glass towers or spot quiet corners of Yas Island. It’s not just sightseeing — it feels like getting let in on something locals know.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the slap of the water against the hull — sharper than I expected, like someone clapping in a tiled room. We’d just left Emirates Palace Marina, and already the city looked different, glassy towers glinting in the late morning haze. Our skipper, Ahmed, grinned when I tried to pronounce “Corniche” properly (I think I got closer by the end). He pointed out where old fishing boats used to dock before all this steel and glass. The air smelled faintly salty, mixed with engine oil and something floral drifting from shore — maybe jasmine?

I kept thinking how fast the city shifts as you move along the Corniche. One minute it’s quiet — a lone jogger waving at us from the promenade — then suddenly you’re flanked by skyscrapers that look like they’ve been dropped there overnight. Ahmed told us stories about Yas Island too, how it’s become this magnet for families and thrill-seekers. He had a way of slipping facts into conversation without sounding like a textbook; more like he was sharing things he’d overheard at his uncle’s shisha café.

Bottled water tasted colder out there, maybe because of the sun reflecting off everything. There was a moment when we slowed down near Al Maya Island and all I could hear was gulls and our own laughter — honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so far from city noise so quickly. The lifejackets felt stiff but reassuring (my nephew insisted on wearing his before we even left the dock). It’s funny how a simple boat ride can make you see a place sideways; I still think about that view back toward Abu Dhabi Island as we turned for home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Abu Dhabi Corniche by boat

• Board The Yellow Boats
• Cruise along Abu Dhabi Corniche
• Watch city come to life
• Capture photos of skyline

Top questions

How long is the Abu Dhabi sightseeing boat tour?

The Corniche tour lasts 60 minutes; other routes may vary.

Where does the boat tour start in Abu Dhabi?

Tours depart from Emirates Palace Marina.

Is live commentary included during the boat ride?

Yes, your skipper provides live commentary throughout.

Are children allowed on this Abu Dhabi boat tour?

Yes, but children must be at least 5 years old and accompanied by an adult.

What do I need to bring for this sightseeing cruise?

You must bring valid ID as required by Abu Dhabi Coast Guard.

Is bottled water provided on board?

Yes, bottled water is included for all guests.

Are lifejackets supplied for everyone?

Yes, lifejackets are provided and required to be worn during the tour.

Can infants join this boat trip?

Infants can join if in a pram or stroller but check age requirements first.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your experience includes live commentary from your local skipper, use of lifejackets for everyone on board, complimentary bottled water to keep cool under the sun, and all safety gear needed for cruising along Abu Dhabi’s Corniche and coastline.