Dubai Desert Safari and Dhow Cruise: What to Expect, Prices and Tips

Two experiences appear on almost every Dubai holiday, and for good reason: the desert safari, with its thrilling dune drive, camel rides and dinner under the stars, and the dhow cruise, a relaxed dinner on a traditional wooden boat with the city lights gliding past. Both are included in our Dubai packages.

This guide explains what happens on each, the different types to choose from, typical prices, what to wear and tips for families, seniors and vegetarians.

The classic Dubai desert safari begins with a hotel pickup in a 4x4 in the mid-afternoon. After about 45 minutes, you reach the desert conservation area, where the driver lets some air out of the tyres and the fun begins:

• Dune bashing: 20 to 30 minutes of driving up and down the red dunes, like a roller coaster on sand.
• Sunset photo stop on top of the dunes.
• Desert camp: short camel rides, sandboarding, henna painting, traditional dress for photos and Arabic coffee.
• Shows: a Tanoura (whirling) dance, fire show and often a belly dance performance.
• Barbecue dinner: a buffet with grilled meats, salads, rice and plenty of vegetarian dishes.

You return to your hotel at around 9 pm. Some safaris add quad biking or dune buggies at extra cost.

• Morning safari: dune bashing, sandboarding and camel rides in the cooler morning, without dinner; good for a quick experience.
• Overnight safari: sleep in a desert camp under the stars after dinner, with breakfast in the morning.
• Premium and private safaris: smaller groups, vintage Land Rovers, falconry and gourmet dinners.
• Hot air balloon: a sunrise flight over the dunes, often combined with breakfast.

Prices depend on the type of safari, shared or private transfers, the camp, and extras such as quad bikes. Shared evening safaris are the most affordable; private, premium and overnight safaris cost more. Check what is included: transfers, dune bashing time, camel ride, dinner, drinks and shows. On our packages, the evening desert safari with barbecue dinner and entertainment is included.

Licensed operators use experienced drivers, roll cages and seat belts. However, dune bashing is not recommended for pregnant women, people with back or neck problems or heart conditions, or infants. If anyone in your group prefers a gentle ride, ask for a camp-only transfer or a soft dune drive. Motion sickness can occur, so avoid eating just before the drive.

• Light, comfortable clothes; a jacket or shawl in winter, as the desert gets cold after sunset.
• Closed shoes or sandals you can empty of sand.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and a scarf against sand.
• A small bag for your phone and wallet.

A dhow is a traditional wooden sailing boat used for centuries in the Gulf. Today, dinner cruises run each evening for about two hours, with a buffet dinner, soft drinks and usually a Tanoura dance show.

• Dubai Creek cruise: the original, passing the old souks, wind-tower houses and the illuminated Creek; more traditional and usually more affordable.
• Dubai Marina cruise: sails past the Marina's glittering skyscrapers and sometimes out towards Ain Dubai; more glamorous and modern.
• Canal cruise: along the Dubai Water Canal, with views of Downtown and the Burj Khalifa.

Upper decks are open-air for the best views; lower decks are air-conditioned. Vegetarian food is always available on the buffet.

• Do the safari on a day when you have not done a lot of walking, as the day is long.
• Choose the Marina dhow cruise for skyline photos, the Creek cruise for old Dubai atmosphere.
• Tell us about vegetarian, Jain or other dietary needs in advance.
• In summer, the desert is very hot in the afternoon; morning safaris or evening-only camps can be more comfortable.

Most safaris take place in protected desert conservation areas, where only licensed operators may drive. Stay with your group, do not litter, and respect the animals at the camp. Camel rides are short, and you can opt out if you prefer. Choose operators that follow conservation rules and keep group sizes reasonable.

Because the evening safari starts in mid-afternoon, it pairs well with a relaxed morning: a late breakfast, the pool or a short visit to a mall. Avoid scheduling the safari on the same day as a theme park or long walking tour. The dhow cruise is lighter and works well on an arrival or departure evening.

Our Dubai Delight package includes a dhow cruise with dinner on the first evening and the evening desert safari with barbecue dinner and entertainment. See all Dubai tour packages and our guide to places to visit in Dubai.