Kayaking in Dubai

Kayaking tours in Dubai are the perfect contrast to sightseeing in the glittering city center. You can launch straight from the beach and paddle along the coast, admiring famous landmarks from a new angle.

Some excursions head a little further afield and combine land-based tours with a kayak session. Beginners are welcome – all you need is a sense of adventure.

Here’s the low-down on kayaking tours, one of the most exciting and action-packed outdoor adventures in Dubai.

What are the best kayaking tours in Dubai?

Dubai kayaking trips range from hour-long paddles from the beach to full-day excursions that also include some sightseeing on land. Here are the different types of kayak tours on offer:

Beach kayaking session

These small-group kayaking tours in Dubai are perfect for beginners, and those who want to explore the coast by boat. Single and double kayaks are usually available, so you can paddle with a friend if you prefer.

Launching from the beach, you will remain close to land, learning some new skills and enjoying views of the city skyline. Cool off with a dip in the sea after your adventure.

Clear bottom kayak rental

For something a little unusual that comes with some of the best bragging rights in town, try the Dubai Fountain kayak ride. You will paddle across the beautiful Burj Lake in a clear bottom kayak, getting up close to the fountain for photos.

This is a great experience for beginners who want to learn how to kayak in a safe and controlled environment in the heart of Dubai.

Sightseeing kayak tour

These Dubai kayaking trips combine a water adventure with a land excursion giving you a balanced and fun day out. Pick-ups from central hotels are usually offered for these kayaking tours in Dubai and most depart after breakfast.

The kayaking session generally takes place on a reservoir, surrounded by splendid scenery. No paddling experience is required as your instructor will teach you the basics on arrival.

Private kayaking tour

Private kayaking tours in Dubai ensure you have personal attention from your guide so you can get the most out of your day. Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are usually included, making your experience hassle-free.

Both beach trips and day-long sightseeing excursions with kayak sessions are available on private tours.

How much do kayaking tours in Dubai cost?

Beach kayaking tours in Dubai cost between $18 - $47 per person for an hour on the water. This includes boat rental and basic instruction.

For the clear bottom kayak jaunts on Burj Lake, expect to pay between $15 and $22 per person for a half-hour experience.

The day tours that combine kayak excursions and land-based sightseeing start at $69 per person for 6 hours and $85 for 8 hours. Transfers and travel by air-conditioned minivan are included.

A private day tour with kayaking costs $270 for up to 5 people, with hotel transfers and sightseeing excursions included. The exclusive kayaking beach trip is $86 for 3 hours, with hotel pick-ups and drop-offs provided.

What will I see on a Dubai kayaking tour?

Wherever you go kayaking in Dubai, you’ll be treated to unique views of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This is a great way to go sightseeing while having fun splashing around in the water. Here’s what to look out for:

Jumeirah Beach

This beautiful white sand beach is a popular place for kayaking tours in Dubai. With a backdrop of glittering high rises and a view out towards The World Islands, Jumeirah Beach is one of the city’s best spots for water sports. Many visitors like to chill out at the beach after their tour.

Kite Beach

A few Dubai kayaking trips offer the chance for a thrilling paddle along the shore at Kite Beach. This is the ultimate outdoor location, where kite surfers and kayakers come to play in the waves.

The sand is soft and white, and there is plenty of shore-based entertainment to enjoy after your excursion. Views of the Burj al Arab from here are superb too.

Dubai Fountain

On one of the tours, you can paddle a kayak right up to the famous Dubai Fountain in the manmade Burj Lake. Located in Downtown Dubai, the fountain is the tallest performing water feature in the world, shooting 900 feet into the air when in operation.

Dubai landmarks

Some kayak excursions in Dubai include land-based sightseeing as well as a paddling session. During tours that take in the city center, you can expect to see the Dubai Museum, the Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Khalifa, and the Burj al Arab.

Hatta and Khor Fakkan

These popular destinations can be visited on day tours out of Dubai. In Hatta, you will explore the heritage village near the Hajar Mountains and go kayaking at Hatta Dam.

At Khor Fakkan in the Gulf of Oman, you will kayak at Al Rafisah Dam, go hiking, and visit the historic amphitheater.

How long do kayak tours last?

The sightseeing Dubai kayak tours are between three and eight hours long, giving you ample time to see some of the top city landmarks from the water. Most are around the six-hour mark and include a land-based excursion as well as kayaking so you can make the most of your day out.

The shorter beach kayaking trips last an hour, although there are 30-minute kayaking sessions in the Dubai Fountain if you are tight on time.

Is transportation included?

Most of the longer sightseeing kayaking tours in Dubai include return transfers from hotels in the city center. Check with your chosen provider to see if your accommodation is on the list.

For the shorter Dubai kayak experiences, you will need to make your own way to the pre-arranged meeting point. These locations include Burj Lake, the beach by Dukes The Palm Hotel, and La Mer Beach.

When is the best time to go kayaking in Dubai?

You can go on kayaking tours in Dubai all year round, and a day out on the water is always a refreshing change from the heat of the city. The short beach sessions tend to operate between 10 AM and 5 PM so you can choose a time that best suits you.

A lot of visitors prefer to come to Dubai between November and March for a bit of winter sun. Temperatures are ideal and this is a great time for outdoor activities. In the summer things heat up to uncomfortable levels, so most people avoid traveling at this time.

Which other water activities can be done in Dubai?

• Scuba diving
• Snorkeling
• Parasailing
• Boat tours
• Jet ski rides
• Speedboat cruise
• Flyboarding

Travel tips

• For the best deals on your preferred dates, it is advisable to book Dubai kayaking tours online in advance of your trip.
• Don’t forget to bring your swimming gear, some sunscreen, and a towel.
• Take a waterproof bag for your camera to avoid it getting splashed during your excursion.
• Some operators do not take children under the age of 10 years so check the details before booking.