Abu Dhabi Islands: Sea Safari Cruise & Dolphin Swim Tour

Summary

Island hopping by boat abu dhabi dolphins etihad towers beach stop

You’ll drift past Etihad Towers and Qasr Al Watan before jumping into clear Gulf waters near Dolphin Island—maybe even spot dolphins if luck’s with you—then stretch out on Bahrani Island’s beach setup with cold drinks and sun-warmed sand underfoot. It’s four hours that feel like an escape from city pace, but you’re never really far from Abu Dhabi’s skyline.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this hush right before the boat engine kicks in — just the slap of water against the hull and that distant shimmer of Etihad Towers. I remember our guide, Ahmed, waving us over for a quick group photo with Qasr Al Watan behind us. He joked about how every angle in Abu Dhabi looks like a postcard (he wasn’t wrong). The city felt close but already far away as we pulled out into open water, sunlight flickering off glass and sea at once.

I didn’t expect Dolphin Island to actually live up to its name, but there they were — two dolphins arcing through the waves like it was nothing special. Everyone just went quiet for a second, except for one kid who squealed so loud even Ahmed laughed. The water was warm when we jumped in for a swim — salty, soft somehow. I could taste it on my lips after. There’s something about swimming in the Gulf that makes you feel lighter than you are.

Bahrani Island had this setup waiting — umbrellas jammed into sand, coolers full of bottled water and those neon-colored drinks I only ever see on holiday. We sprawled out under the sun, some folks snoozed while others kicked a ball around or just floated in the shallows. Time got kind of blurry here; I lost track until Ahmed called us back to the boat. On the ride home, skin tight with salt and hair tangled from wind, I watched Abu Dhabi’s skyline reappear and thought: yeah, I’d do this again tomorrow if I could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Island hopping and beach activities

• Pass by Etihad Towers
• Photo stop at Qasr Al Watan
• Sail to Dolphin Island
• Swim and spot dolphins
• Sail to Bahrani Island
• Enjoy beach setup and relax

Top questions

How long is the island hopping trip in Abu Dhabi?

The sea safari cruise lasts approximately 4 hours.

Does the tour include swimming with dolphins?

You may spot dolphins near Dolphin Island and can swim there, but swimming directly with dolphins isn’t guaranteed.

What landmarks do you see during the cruise?

You’ll pass by Etihad Towers and Qasr Al Watan for photo stops during the trip.

Are refreshments included on this Abu Dhabi island tour?

Yes, bottled water and other refreshments are provided during your cruise.

Is this sea safari suitable for children or families?

Yes, all ages are welcome including infants (who must sit on an adult's lap), and strollers are allowed onboard.

Is pickup included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the departure point.

Can people with limited mobility join this trip?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; service animals are allowed too.

What’s included

Your day includes a four-hour sea safari cruise around Abu Dhabi’s islands with photo stops at Etihad Towers and Qasr Al Watan, time to swim near Dolphin Island (with a chance to spot dolphins), plus a full beach setup at Bahrani Island complete with bottled water and refreshments along the way.