Dubai Marina: 2-Hour Yacht Cruise, Swim & City Views

Summary

Dubai Marina cruise with swimming sun decks and skyline views

You’ll board a yacht at Dubai Marina for two hours of relaxed cruising past Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab, with plenty of time to swim or tan on deck. Enjoy chilled drinks, music via Bluetooth, and both sunny and shaded spaces to unwind as Dubai’s skyline drifts by. The city feels different from the water—quieter, almost softer—leaving you with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed stepping onto the boat at Dubai Marina was the weird mix of sunscreen and sea air — not bad, just kind of sharp. There was this quiet hum from the engines and a couple of kids already running to claim the best tanning beds on the upper deck (I let them win, honestly). Our captain, Khalid, grinned and handed out juice boxes like we were all old friends. He said we’d circle Palm Jumeirah and get close to Burj Al Arab — I didn’t really believe how close until we actually did it.

The water looked almost too blue to be real. We drifted past Princess Island while someone played music through Bluetooth — not my playlist, but it fit the mood. At one point I just sat on the cool rail, feet dangling over the side, watching skyscrapers slide by. The sun felt heavy but there was always a breeze up top. Downstairs you could duck into air conditioning if you got too hot (which I did after about twenty minutes — no shame). There’s free Wi-Fi but honestly, I forgot about my phone for most of it.

I tried swimming off the back for a bit; salt stung my nose but it woke me up in a good way. Khalid kept an eye out and joked that I’d turn into a fish if I stayed in too long. Someone else tried to say “thank you” in Arabic — got it wrong but everyone laughed anyway. It’s funny how quickly strangers start talking when you’re bobbing around together like that. The city looks different from out here; quieter somehow. Still thinking about that view as we cruised back toward the marina — can’t really explain why it stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai sea cruise and sightseeing

• Welcome with complimentary refreshments
• Choose tanning bed or upper deck
• Relax inside air-conditioned lower deck
• Cruise Dubai Marina and Princess Island
• View Burj Al Arab and take photos

Top questions

How long is the Dubai Marina yacht cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours from departure to return.

Does this tour include swimming time?

Yes, guests can swim off the back of the yacht during the cruise.

Are refreshments provided on board?

Complimentary juice and bottled water are included for all guests.

Is there shade or air conditioning available?

The lower deck is air-conditioned; upper deck offers open sunbathing areas.

Which landmarks will I see during this Dubai sea escape?

You’ll pass by Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Princess Island, and Burj Al Arab.

Is Wi-Fi available on the yacht?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is included throughout your cruise.

Can children or infants join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on board.

What’s included

Your two-hour day trip includes complimentary juice and bottled water as soon as you step aboard, full access to both sunny tanning beds upstairs and cool air-conditioned seating below deck, free Wi-Fi throughout the cruise so you can share photos instantly (or ignore your phone entirely), plus music via Bluetooth or AUX cable while you drift past some of Dubai’s most famous sights before returning to shore.