Abu Dhabi Yas Island: Dhow cruise with guide & soft drink

Summary

Glide past Ferrari World & F1 circuit on a Yas Island dhow ride

You’ll board a traditional dhow at Yas Marina for a one-hour cruise around Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, gliding past Ferrari World and the F1 circuit with a local guide. Enjoy a cold drink as you watch daily life unfold along new developments and resorts—moments you’ll remember long after stepping back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the way the air changed as we stepped onto the wooden dhow at Yas Marina — a little salty, but not sharp, and there was this faint scent of engine oil from the nearby yachts. Our guide waved us aboard with a grin and handed out cold cans of Sprite (I picked water, but honestly, the soda felt right for the heat). The city looked different from here — all those glassy buildings and that wild round Al Dar headquarters just sort of floating above the water. I didn’t expect to feel so small next to it.

We drifted past Ferrari World — you can’t miss that red roof, even if you tried. The guide pointed out where the Formula 1 cars scream by during race season; it was quiet now except for some gulls and a couple of kids giggling on another boat. There’s something about seeing Abu Dhabi from this angle that makes you realize how much is still being built — cranes everywhere, half-finished towers near Al Zaina and Al Bandar. Some people might find that ugly, but I thought it was kind of honest. The sun bounced off the water in these weird patterns that made me squint, and I kept thinking about how different this must look at night.

We passed families waving from balconies at Al Raha Resort (one kid did this dramatic salute — cracked me up), then looped back toward Yas Marina. It’s only an hour, but you get these flashes of daily life mixed with all the showy stuff like malls and resorts. Our guide told us a story about how his uncle used to fish here before any of these buildings existed — he laughed when I tried to repeat “shukran” back to him (probably butchered it). I still think about that view of the city skyline behind all those boats bobbing in the sun.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Yas Island Marina Visit

• Visit Yas Marina

Top questions

How long does the Abu Dhabi Yas Island dhow cruise last?

The cruise lasts one hour in total.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs daily from Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi.

Is there a guide on board during the cruise?

Yes, a local guide is present during the cruise.

Are drinks included on this sightseeing dhow cruise?

You can choose between one bottle of mineral water or one can of soft drink included in your ticket.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available.

Is wheelchair access provided on this Abu Dhabi dhow cruise?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What sights will I see during this Yas Island cruise?

You’ll pass by Ferrari World, Yas Marina F1 Race Circuit, Al Zaina, Al Bandar, Al Seef & Al Dana residential areas (some under construction), Al Dar Headquarters (the round building), Al Raha Mall & Resort.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to Yas Marina.

What’s included

Your hour-long experience includes boarding at Yas Marina with guidance from a local expert, plus your choice of bottled water or soft drink as you pass highlights like Ferrari World and Al Raha Resort before returning to your starting point.