Dhow Cruise vs Yacht in Dubai: Which Should You Choose?
Choose a dhow dinner cruise for a classic, good-value evening with a buffet and live entertainment. Choose a larger dinner cruise ship for more space and a longer 3-hour cruise. Choose a shared yacht for a smaller, relaxed group at sunset with a BBQ.
- Best value
- Dhow dinner cruise in Dubai Marina
- Most space
- Lotus Royale dinner cruise (220-foot ship)
- Relaxed and small
- Shared yacht at sunset with BBQ
- Through the city
- Dubai Water Canal dhow cruise
Four ways to see Dubai from the water
| Boat | Time | Food and drinks | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra dhow, Dubai Marina | 1 h 45 min, 9:00–10:45pm | Buffet dinner, soft drinks; alcohol extra | AED 180 |
| Dubai Water Canal dhow | 2 h 30 min, 7:00–9:30pm | International buffet, soft drinks | AED 360 |
| Lotus Royale dinner cruise | 3 hours from 7:30pm | Buffet dinner; drinks packages available | AED 299 |
| Shared luxury yacht | 2–3 hours, sunset or dinner | BBQ and water; no alcohol on board | AED 210 |
All prices are per person from live supplier rates. Hotel transfers can be added on some options.
Dhow dinner cruise: the classic evening
A dhow is the traditional wooden boat of the Gulf. Dinner cruises in Dubai Marina pass the towers of the Marina and JBR with views of Ain Dubai, while the Water Canal cruise runs through the city past Business Bay, the Sheikh Zayed Bridge waterfall and the Burj Khalifa. Both include a buffet dinner and suit families, couples and first-time visitors.
Dinner cruise ship: more space, longer cruise
The Lotus Royale is a 220-foot vessel with large decks, a buffet dinner and live entertainment over 3 hours, sailing past Burj Al Arab, Atlantis and JBR. It suits groups and anyone who wants a longer evening, with optional drinks packages.
Shared yacht: small and relaxed
On a shared yacht you join a small group on a 70-foot-plus yacht for a 2- or 3-hour sunset or dinner cruise with a BBQ. It is calmer and more personal than a dinner cruise, but there is no alcohol and no swimming.
Which one should you choose?
- First evening in Dubai or with children: a dhow dinner cruise.
- A long dinner with a show: the Lotus Royale.
- Sunset photos with a small group: the shared yacht.
- Something different from the Marina: the Dubai Water Canal dhow.
Compare every boat on our Dubai cruises and yachts pages.
Book Alexandra Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina
Compare every option and current price, then send your request on WhatsApp. From AED 180 per person.
Questions
Is a dhow cruise or yacht better in Dubai?
A dhow dinner cruise is better value and includes a buffet and entertainment. A shared yacht is smaller and more relaxed, usually at sunset with a BBQ. Choose by the kind of evening you want.
What should I wear on a Dubai cruise?
Smart casual on all cruises. On yachts, shoes are not worn on board and bikinis are not allowed on the shared tour.
Are children allowed on dinner cruises?
Yes. Most dhow and dinner cruises welcome children, with free entry for the youngest. Some party yacht cruises do not allow children.
Is alcohol available on cruises?
On dhow and dinner cruises, alcohol is sold on board or in drinks packages. Alcohol is not permitted on the shared yacht tour.
Experiences in this guide
Alexandra Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina
From AED 180 / person
View experience →
Shared Luxury Yacht Tour with Breakfast or BBQ
From AED 210 / person
View experience →