Dubai is known for its warmth and its skyscrapers, so why not take to the water and enjoy both at the same time? A spin on a jet boat in Dubai is one of the most thrilling ways to experience the city, and the refreshing spray will keep you cool on hot days.

Speedboat tours in Dubai are perfect for snapping iconic vacation photos and seeing the famous landmarks in a new light.

What are the most popular speedboat tours in Dubai?

Most Dubai jet boat tours follow a similar format, giving you a thrilling ride against a scenic backdrop. Choose from shared excursions or private experiences depending on your requirements and budget.

Sightseeing speedboat tour in Dubai: Marina, Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah & Burj Al Arab

These public small-group tours are the most popular and cost-effective Dubai jet boat trips. After making your way to the embarkation point, you will receive a short safety briefing and a life jacket. Then it’s all aboard for a rip-roaring ride.

You will zoom through the waves, stopping to pose for photos in front of some of Dubai’s major landmarks along the way, such as the Burj Al Arab or Palm Jumeirah. Your guide will provide live commentary about the sights in front of you.

The boat returns to the same place it departed from, leaving you free to continue exploring with the rest of your day.

Scenic speedboat tour with private transfers

For a hassle-free day, you can enjoy a ride on a jet boat in Dubai with hotel transfers included. The excursion itself will be shared with like-minded travelers, but the car journey in an air-conditioned vehicle will be exclusively yours.

Private Dubai jet boat tour

If you fancy a luxury ride on a speedboat in Dubai, opt for a private excursion. These tours give you your own exclusive vessel and free photos beside all the top shorefront landmarks.

Jet boat ride with tubing in Dubai

Up the action on your Dubai speedboat  adventure with a tubing session against the city skyline backdrop. Two people can go tubing at once, while the other group members enjoy a ride in the speed boat.

Self-drive speedboat tour in Dubai

Want to have a go at driving yourself? Then hire a jet boat in Dubai and visit the iconic landmarks by sea under your own steam. The two-seater boats are easy to manage, and you don’t need a license.

An experienced local guide will accompany you in a separate vessel to help you make the most of your time.

How much do speedboat tours in Dubai cost?

Dubai jet boat excursions generally include live commentary, photo opportunities, life jackets, and bottled water. Hotel transfers are not usually provided.

Sightseeing speedboat tours in Dubai start at $41 per person for 45 minutes, rising to $82 for 1 hour 40 minutes.

The 3-hour cruises cost $130 and include soft drinks, hotel pick-ups, and a maximum of six passengers on board. You will have 2 hours on the water.

The scenic jet boat tour with private transfers costs $203 for a 1-hour excursion.

Private Dubai speedboat  tours are priced from $299 for 1.5 hours (with up to 14 passengers) and $308 for 2 hours (and up to 8 participants).

Tubing jet boat tours in Dubai are $183 for 30-minute rides and $299 for hour-long excursions. Pictures and videos are included.

Expect to pay $165 for an hour-long self-drive speedboat  tour, with two people on board.

Which places are seen on a speed boat tour in Dubai?

Dubai speed boat rides are one of the best ways to take in the city’s top landmarks, giving you a unique perspective from the water. Here are the highlights:

Dubai Marina

The Dubai Marina neighborhood is known for its affluent residences, al fresco dining, and elegant waterside promenade. It’s also where you will find most Dubai jet boat rentals. There are a couple of great beaches here too, with cabanas for relaxing, and camels for riding!

Enjoy a scenic stroll after your speedboat  ride and check out the snazzy superyachts at the Marine Club.

Burj Al Arab

Shaped like a colossal sail, the magnificent Burj Al Arab hotel is a favorite city landmark and looks like a ship heading out to sea. Built on an artificial island, the Burj Al Arab is one of Dubai’s most exclusive addresses.

Known as a global icon of Arabian luxury, the hotel has taken glamor to a whole new level. You can stay the night or book dinner in one of the restaurants for a slice of the high life during your Dubai vacation.

Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is one of the most recognizable sights in Dubai. The iconic man-made archipelago is shaped like a tree, with sandy beaches and luxury residential complexes making it a hugely desirable area.

This is where you’ll find opulent hotels like Atlantis The Palm, as well as beach clubs and world-renowned restaurants. The best views of the Palm Jumeirah are from the sea, which is good news if you’re on a speedboat tour in Dubai.

Dubai Eye

The Dubai Eye is the largest and tallest observation wheel in the world. You’ll find it on Bluewaters Island, not far from the Dubai Marina, so it’s a popular sight on many speed boat trips.

Also known as Ain Dubai, the giant wheel offers visitors a thrilling ride with unrivaled 360-degree views.

How long does a speedboat tour in Dubai last?

Rides on a jet boat in Dubai give you between 45 minutes and 2 hours out on the water. The most popular tours are around the 1.5-hour mark, which allows you plenty of time to take in some of the best sights along the city shores.

Since these excursions don’t take up a whole day, you can easily book another tour in the city to pack in as much fun as you can!

Remember, the boats are fast, so even the shortest trips are bursting with landmark views and enough thrills to keep you buzzing for hours.

Where do jet boat tours in Dubai leave from?

Although hotel transfers are sometimes offered, most speed boat tours in Dubai depart from various points along the marina, depending on where the company offices are located.

If you are traveling by metro, alight at the DMCC station and take exit three. Taxi drop-offs can take place in front of the Al Majara Tower, or if you are arriving by car, there is convenient parking at the Marina Mall.

Some private speedboat cruises in Dubai depart from the Fishing Harbour beside the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

You should aim to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure for a safety briefing.

When is the best time for a speedboat cruise in Dubai?

Speed boat tours in Dubai operate all year round, but the most popular time to visit the city is over winter, between November and March. This is when the weather is beautiful, and temperatures are ideal for water sports and beach days.

During summer, Dubai is hot and humid, with days regularly exceeding 109˚F. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are a good time to avoid the crowds and take advantage of cheaper room rates.

Ramadan is a quiet time to visit but be aware that public eating and drinking are prohibited during the day, and some activities are restricted.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Dubai?

• Boat tours
• Jet ski rides
• Flyboarding
• Camel treks
• Dune bashing
• ATV adventures
• Jeep tours
• Helicopter flights

Travel tips

• We recommend booking your tour online to bag the best deals and avoid missing out on your chosen time and date. These trips are super popular!
• For safety reasons, Dubai speedboat tours are not suitable for children under 5 years or anyone who is pregnant.
• Wear flat, comfortable shoes and light clothing suitable for being out at sea. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
• Remember to pack your camera as there will be photo stops. Keep it in a waterproof bag to protect it from the spray.