Yas Island Dhow Cruise Abu Dhabi: 1-Hour Waterfront Views

An Hour on the Water: What You Actually See From a Dhow at Yas Island

You board a traditional wooden dhow at Yas Island and spend an hour gliding past Ferrari World, the W Abu Dhabi Hotel, Yas Marina Circuit, and the bay's luxury yachts from the open-air deck. Water and refreshments are included. Optional hotel pickup means you don't arrange transport yourself. The whole thing runs one hour, leaving you the rest of your day free.

Step-by-step itinerary

Yas Island Dhow Cruise Experience

• Board traditional wooden dhow
• Cruise Yas Island waters
• View Ferrari World and Yas Marina Circuit
• See W Abu Dhabi Hotel and Yas Bay Waterfront
• Relax on open-air top deck
• Enjoy panoramic 360-degree views
• Take photos of skyline and yachts

The experience

The wooden dhow rocks slightly as it leaves the dock, and you realize the photos don't quite capture how close you are to everything. Within minutes, the massive red roof of Ferrari World rises to your left, and the W Abu Dhabi Hotel's angular white form cuts across the water ahead. The 1-hour Yas Island dhow cruise doesn't rush you between stops because there's nowhere to stop. You're moving the whole time, which means the landmarks keep rotating into view instead of sitting still for a postcard. The Yas Marina Circuit, where Formula 1 races happen, slides past on the starboard side. Luxury yachts dot the bay. The water itself is calm enough that you can stand on the open-air top deck without gripping anything, though most people do anyway out of habit.

The boat holds enough people that it doesn't feel empty, but not so many that you're shoulder-to-shoulder. Water and refreshments come with the ticket, which matters more than it sounds when you're out on the Arabian Gulf in the middle of the day. The breeze keeps the heat manageable. A lot of the appeal is just the angle. You see Yas Bay Waterfront, the architecture of Yas Island Park, and the whole circuit from the water instead of from a car window or a hotel balcony. If you're the type who travels with a phone full of half-decent photos, this dhow cruise around Abu Dhabi gives you the kind of 360-degree view that actually justifies taking them. The open deck means you're not shooting through glass.

Pickup from your hotel anywhere in Abu Dhabi is optional, which saves you the negotiation of how to get to Yas Island if you're not renting a car. The timing is straightforward: one hour on the water, no hidden stops or extended shopping detours. You're back on land before the afternoon heat really sets in.

What’s included

• 1-hour traditional wooden dhow cruise through Yas Island waters.
• water and refreshments.
• access to open-air top deck with 360-degree views.
• optional hotel pickup from anywhere in Abu Dhabi.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 10:30, the last at 16:30

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “The cruise is conveniently located on Yas Marina Yacht Club Dock on Yas Marina Circuit Road at Yas Island. While at the dock look for TD Staff or TD2 Total cruise.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Dubai Tourism Agency

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Yas Island's landmarks from the water without arranging your own boat or spending a full day on an excursion: the fixed one-hour format fits easily into a morning or afternoon.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

How long is the dhow cruise?

The cruise lasts 1 hour on the water.

What landmarks do you see from the dhow?

You'll see Ferrari World, the W Abu Dhabi Hotel, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Bay Waterfront, luxury yachts, and the architecture of Yas Island Park from the water.

Is the cruise indoors or outdoors?

The dhow has an open-air top deck where you can stand and take photos, so you're exposed to the elements but not enclosed.

What's included in the ticket?

Water and refreshments are included with your 1-hour cruise.

Can you arrange a pickup from your hotel?

Yes, optional hotel pickup is available from anywhere in Abu Dhabi.

What should I bring?

Bring a camera or phone for photos, sunscreen, and sunglasses. The open deck offers no shade.