Things to do in Dubai

Water Sports in Dubai – An Extensive Guide

Last Updated:

Dubai, known around the world for the records it sets (and breaks), is the most vibrant city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Famed for its high-end shopping avenues, a splendid nightlife scene, an unending list of restaurants/bars/cafes, breathtaking tourist attractions (such as the Burj Khalifa, Palm Islands, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Creek), and a variety of activities, Dubai is, without a doubt, one of the top cities to visit all year round. Ask anyone who has visited the city even once, and they’ll be glad to detail you on its man-made wonders. Inquire a litte further and water sports in Dubai is sure to end up on your bucket-list.

The question then arises: Is a Dubai trip considered complete without a visit to its serene beaches and trying out a few water sports? The beaches in Dubai are some of the cleanest in the world and most appropriate for Water Sports such as jet-skiing, fly-boarding, paddle-boarding, kayaking, knee-boarding, parasailing and more. In short, the choices available when it comes to Water Sports in Dubai are aplenty. Here’s our guide to some of the must-try Water Sports in Dubai.

What Makes Water Sports in Dubai A Must-Try?


Watersports in Dubai

If you’re an aquaphile and absolutely love an adrenaline rush, the beaches in Dubai are exactly where you need to be heading to. Featuring nearly 50 km of coastline, make the most of your Dubai trip by stepping out to one of its many pristine beaches that support a variety of water sports. Whether you’re trying to beat the heat during the summers or just looking to tick a few things off your bucket-list, the beaches in Dubai promise a totally riveting and exhilarating experience. Equipped with state-of-the-art paraphernalia and well-informed guides to assist you in having fun, there’s clearly nothing that stops you from partaking in some thrilling water sports when you’re in Dubai.

Wondering where to head to and what all to try? Refer to our below list for detailed information (venue, prices, and more) on some of the top Water Sports in Dubai.

Top 12 Water Sports to Try out in Dubai


With a plethora of water sports to do in Dubai, we have curated the best ones for you to try out while exploring the Dubai waters to make the best out of your time and dime.

1 Kneeboarding

Water Sports in Dubai

Kneeboarding is arguably the best gateway to enter the domain of watersports as it is equally safe and thrilling. The experience mainly features a kneeboard used for kneeling down. This board is hydrodynamic, enabling you to reach an insane speed during the experience. The board is towed by a watercraft. The low center of gravity is what makes this experience safe for beginners. The duration of this experience can be between 15 to 60 minutes, depending on your preference. As you zip through the water, you can see the city of Dubai from a unique perspective.

Inclusions
  • A 15 to 60 minute kneeboarding session
  • Life Jackets
  • Briefing from professional instructors about rules and regulations
Where
Water Adventure Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai
Timings
  • Daily from 9 AM to 6:30 PM.
  • Activity is available every 1 hour.

2 Pedal Boating

Water Sports in Dubai

Pedal boating is possibly the most wholesome family water activity that you can experience in Dubai. You get to pedal your boat out in the vast expanse of water with your family. You can get an amazing view of Dubai as well as the Persian Gulf disappearing into the horizon. Pedaling these light boats also gives you a mild workout. Unlike most other water-based events, Pedal boating represents the leisurely spirit of vacationing and does not require any experience or advanced skills. This is possibly the reason for its popularity. Get Directions

Inclusions
  • A 30 to 60 minute pedal boat session
  • Life Jackets
  • Briefing from professional instructors about rules and regulations
Where
Water Adventure Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai
Timings
  • Daily from 9 AM to 6:30 PM.
  • Activity is available every 1 hour.

3 Fly Fish Ride

Mount an E-shaped raft that can seat up to 5 people and get ready to have the time of your life! This ride, which lasts for 15 minutes, does not require any prior experience and is totally safe. Deemed ideal for groups of 2 (or more), experience the thrills of flying into the air, swinging sideways, and landing with a sweet splash on the water. Along with the added attraction of getting to view of the stunning Dubai skyline, this ride offers fun like no other! Get Directions

Inclusions
  • A 15-minute Fly Fish session
  • Life Jackets
  • Briefing from professional instructors about rules and regulations
Where
Water Adventure Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai
Timings
10 AM to 5 PM

4 Fly Board

Water Sports in Dubai

This is an experience that combines the thrills of rising into the air like a champion, swinging and somersaulting like a dolphin, and soaring like a bird. Flyboarding is done in Dubai almost all year round thanks to the calm, tranquil nature of its beaches. A certified instructor will let you in on the nuances of how to move the flyboard. For those of you who don’t know, a flyboard is a water-powered jetpack that can heave people into the air without being seated. Do not miss this experience at any cost! Get Directions

Inclusions
  • A 15 to 30 minute Fly Board session
  • Life Jackets
  • Briefing from professional instructors about rules and regulations
Where
Water Adventure Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai
Timings
9 AM to 5 PM

5Stand-Up Paddleboarding

More for the fitness-enthusiast than the thrill-seeker, this 30-60 minute activity requires you to paddle while standing upright. Not requiring any strenuous training or safety equipment, stand-up paddleboarding can double as a super exciting work-out (that too, in the water). The activity lets you relax and relish the views of some of Dubai’s globally-famous attractions. The instructors are more than happy to repeatedly show you how to enjoy this activity to the fullest! Get Directions

Inclusions
  • A 30 to 60 minute stand up paddleboarding session
  • Professional Instructor
Where
Water Adventure Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai
Timings
10 AM to 5 PM

6 Donut Ride

Donut Ride is what one would usually refer to as ‘the ride of a lifetime’. Brace yourselves for a multitude of spins, splashes, and twists as you take this ride. An inflatable tube, which is in the shape of a donut, will be your resting spot as you get pulled by a speed boat. Let the driver know if you need more or lesser turns and twists, based on your liking. Watch the Dubai coastline from a completely different perspective and savour those fleeting moments! This ride lasts approximately 20 minutes. Get Directions

Inclusions
  • Hotel transfers
  • Life jacket
  • Safety instructions by professionals
Where
Hydro Water Sports, Ritz Carlton JBR, Dubai
Timings
9 AM to 5 PM

7 Kayaking

A Kayak Tour is both a learning as an enriching experience. Whether you’re running solo or with a partner, kayaking is an extremely fun activity. This 100% safe activity also allows you to witness the captivating sights along the coast of Dubai. What’s more, kayaking can also provide you with an opportunity to view some of the city’s fauna. The kayak gives you access to offbeat spots which are generally inaccessible by larger boats. However, knowing swimming is mandatory for this activity that lasts between 1 hour and 2.5 hours. Get Directions

Inclusions
  • Hotel transfers
  • Professional English Instructors
  • Single or double Kayak ride (depending on selection)
Where
Hydro Water Sports, Ritz Carlton JBR, Dubai
Timings
10 AM to 5 PM

8 Jet Packing

The major attraction here is that you get to leap to a height of about 30 feet or dive 15 feet beneath the sea surface with the aid of your jetpack. The session lasts 30 minutes and lets you grab a glimpse of the Dubai beaches as you swing up or down. Suitable for ages 10 and above, this activity comes with preset guidelines from instructors in addition to relevant safety equipment. Embrace the stuntman within you as you soar above the surface of the sea (in various styles and postures) only to come splashing down into the water right after. Get Directions

Inclusions
  • A 30-minute Jetpack Ride session
  • Safety gear
  • Professional Instructor
Where
Hydro Water Sports, Ritz Carlton JBR, Dubai
Timings
10 AM to 5 PM

9 Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding is one of Dubai’s best known high-octane watersports. This activity requires the participants to be able to swim as it may take you deep into the Persian Gulf. Wakeboarding is like snowboarding but on water. You will be tethered to a motorboat that will tow you through the water in a serpentine motion. Before the activity, you will be given clear instructions by a professional to enjoy it safely. Wakeboarding combines the adrenaline rush with the element of sightseeing. Nothing better than a fast-paced water adventure on a warm Dubai day. Get Directions

Inclusions
  • Professional English-speaking instructor
  • Life Jackets
  • Speedboat ride
Where
Water Adventure Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai
Timings
  • Daily from 9 AM to 6:30 PM.
  • Activity is available every 1 hour.

10 Water-Skiing

You could call this the ultimate water adventure sport in Dubai. Water skiing is exactly like it sounds. You will be standing upright on convex-bottomed skis and tethered to a motorboat. The boat will tow you through the bay at high speed. You will be able to feel the sea breeze on your face as you skim the glistening water of the Persian Gulf. You will be given detailed directions by your professional instructor before you set out. All you need to do as the boat picks up speed is to keep applying equal and opposite pull on the boat. Get Directions

Inclusions
  • Life Jackets
  • Briefing from professional instructors about rules and regulations
Where
Water Adventure Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai
Timings
  • Daily from 9 AM to 6:30 PM.
  • Activity is available every 1 hour.

11 Catamaran Ride

There is something about majestic yachts that make every marine voyage seem grand. While in Dubai, you can hop onto a 70 feet Catamaran and witness this grandeur for yourself. The Catamaran tour takes the water route to many of Dubai’s major landmarks like the Dubai Marina, JBR, Bluewaters Island, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Canal, Deira, Dubai Eye, Burj Khalifa, and Port Rashid and makes for a memorable experience. The FD3 motor yacht used for the tour is itself quite photogenic when coupled with the stunning views of Dubai. Get Directions

Inclusions
  • Access to the FD3 Catamaran motor yacht
  • Softdrinks and water
Where
Water Adventure Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai
Timings
  • Daily from 9 AM to 10 PM.
  • Activity is available every 1 hour.

12 Deep-Sea Fishing

Dubai is not just about the high-society and ultra-modern experiences. There are some water activities that are capable of taking you back to simple days. Deep fishing is one of them. You can get away from the urban mess that we are all used to and spend leisure time on a boat fishing. The bay has several species of fish for you to catch, including Cobia, King Fish, small shark, Sultan Ibrahim, and Barracuda. Listen closely to your captain to secure a larger haul. You may also be able to spot a few exotic species of birds when you are out in the sea. You can remain out on the sea for up to 5 hours. Get Directions

Inclusions
  • Life Jackets
  • Briefing from instructors on rules and regulations
  • Softdrinks and water
Where
Water Adventure Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai
Timings
  • Morning departure time is 6 AM or 7 AM.
  • Evening departure time is 4 PM or 5 PM

We hope this list of water sports in Dubai gets you sufficiently excited about visiting this wonderful city and its outstanding beaches.

With Headout, you've always got more to do! Make sure to check out our Dubai Water Sports collection for more to do. You may also use the coupon code given below for your first-time discounts!

FAQs


Which beach is best for water sports in Dubai?

Jumeirah Beach in Dubai is best for water sports. 

Are water sports in Dubai safe?

Yes, water sports in Dubai are very safe. In fact, they are thrilling and adventurous! 

Which is the best time to visit Dubai for water sports?

March and April is perfect for water sports in Dubai.

How much does it cost to Jet Ski in Dubai?

Jet Skiing in Dubai starts from AED 350.

How much does paragliding cost in Dubai?

25 minutes of paragliding in UAE costs about AED 300

Is Dubai good for Snorkeling?

Unfortunately, Dubai is not that great for snorkeling or scuba diving. However, the world's deepest indoor dive pool is in Dubai and worth a shot! 

How much does scuba diving cost in Dubai?

Scuba Diving in Dubai ranges anywhere from AED 400 to AED 1800, depending on the location and duration of scuba diving.

Ready to Explore Dubai?


Fancy heading out to some other must-visit Dubai attractions? Take inspiration from our list of the best things to do in Dubai here. Use our comprehensive Dubai Travel Guide to explore the rest of Emirate in a hassle-free fashion with all the need-to-know information in hand.

Best Museums in Paris