Abu Dhabi: Sunset Corniche Cruise & Qasr Al Watan

The boat leaves AlBateen Marina just before the light starts to turn gold

You board at AlBateen Marina and spend two hours on the water passing Qasr Al Watan palace and Etihad Towers, with a stop at Dolphin Island timed for the sunset. Water and soft drinks are included, and the pace is slow enough to actually see the buildings instead of just pass them. The boat returns before dark.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset cruise with Abu Dhabi sights

• Start from AlBateen Marina
• See Qasr Al Watan and Etihad Towers
• Cruise towards Dolphin Island
• Enjoy sunset from the sea

The experience

The captain was running five minutes behind when we arrived, which meant the whole group stood around the dock watching the sky change instead of sitting on the water watching it change, which sounds like a small thing until you realize that's half the point of a sunset cruise. But once we cast off, it didn't matter. The boat moves slow enough that you can actually see the buildings as you pass them, not just blur past them. Qasr Al Watan comes up first, and from the water it looks different than it does from the road: the palace sits lower, closer, and the light hits the white stone in a way that makes you understand why they call it a testament to something. The architectural detail is real from this angle, not a postcard version of it.

We cruised toward Dolphin Island with Etihad Towers rising up on the left, those five cylinders that have been in enough action films that you recognize them before you know you recognize them. The guide pointed out which one appears in Fast & Furious 7, and yeah, it's the tallest. The water was calm enough that the reflections held, and people stopped taking photos for a minute just to look. The two-hour Abu Dhabi sunset cruise keeps the pace deliberate. You're not rushing between five stops, you're sitting with three or four views and letting the light do the work. The stop at Dolphin Island gave everyone time to stand on deck without the engine noise, which is when you notice the actual quiet of the water at that hour.

Refreshments come around: water, soft drinks, nothing elaborate, but cold and there when you want it. The boat handles families well. We saw a couple with a toddler and a stroller, and the crew didn't make it awkward. If you're traveling with small children, they'll need to sit on your lap during the ride itself, but the open deck means there's room to move around between stops. The whole thing wraps before full dark, so you're back at AlBateen Marina while there's still color in the sky, which is the point. You came for the sunset, not the night.

What’s included

• Two-hour boat ride from AlBateen Marina.
• sightseeing of Qasr Al Watan palace and Etihad Towers from the water.
• stop at Dolphin Island during sunset.
• water and soft drinks throughout the cruise.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 17:00

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Our crew will be waiting for your arrival in the parking lot wearing shirt with our company name/go on it.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sea Safari Cruises

Is this one for you?Right for anyone wanting to see Abu Dhabi's main landmarks from the water without arranging transport or timing multiple stops. The cruise departs at sunset and handles the whole experience in two hours, so you get the light and the views without the logistics.

Traveler reviews

4.73★★★★★★★★★★

44 verified traveler reviews

5 ★38

4 ★3

3 ★1

2 ★1

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How long is the Abu Dhabi sunset cruise?

Two hours total, departing from AlBateen Marina.

What buildings do you see on the Corniche cruise?

Qasr Al Watan palace and Etihad Towers, plus a stop at Dolphin Island.

What's included in the cruise?

Water and soft drinks are provided on board.

Can I bring children on the sunset cruise?

Yes. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the ride. Strollers are allowed on board.

What time does the cruise depart?

The cruise is timed for sunset. Check your booking confirmation for the exact departure time, which changes with the season.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility concerns?

The cruise is suitable for all fitness levels. The boat has open deck space, though you should confirm accessibility details with the operator before booking.