You have seen Dubai from the top of the Burj Khalifa and from the dunes of the desert. Now, it’s time to see it from the water.
Imagine drifting slowly past the glittering skyline, a cool breeze coming off the water, the smell of grilled BBQ filling the air, and a traditional Tanoura dancer spinning in a kaleidoscope of lights. This is the dhow cruise Dubai experience.
But if you are searching for a dinner cruise right now, you are probably confused by the options. Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina? Why is one cruise 50 AED and another 200 AED? Will the food actually be good?
At Maverick Safari UAE, we know that a bad dinner cruise (cold food, crowded tables) can ruin a night out. We only work with vetted boats that prioritize hygiene, comfort, and safety. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the waters literally to choose the perfect floating restaurant for your evening.
Quick Answer: What You Need to Know (Fast Facts)
- What is a Dhow? A traditional wooden boat historically used for pearl diving and trading, now converted into a floating restaurant.
- The Two Locations:
- Dubai Creek: Historic, charming, budget-friendly, views of Old Dubai.
- Dubai Marina: Modern, luxurious, premium pricing, views of skyscrapers and JBR.
- Duration: Cruising time is typically 2 hours (usually 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM).
- Price Range: 50 AED – 80 AED (Creek) vs. 120 AED – 200 AED (Marina).
- Best For: Couples (Marina) and Families/Groups on a Budget (Creek).
What Exactly Is a Dhow Cruise in Dubai?
A dhow cruise is more than just a boat ride; it is a 2-hour dining experience. The boats are typically double-decker vessels. The lower deck is air-conditioned and enclosed (good for summer), while the upper deck is open-air (perfect for winter evenings).
While the boat glides through the calm waters, you enjoy a buffet dinner and live entertainment. It is one of the most relaxing ways to sightsee, away from the traffic and noise of the city streets.
A Typical Timeline
- 07:00 PM – 07:30 PM: Pickup from your hotel (if transfer is selected).
- 08:00 PM: Boarding begins. You are welcomed with Arabic coffee (Gahwa), dates, and welcome drinks.
- 08:30 PM: The Dhow sets sail.
- 09:00 PM: The international buffet dinner opens.
- 09:45 PM: Live entertainment starts (Tanoura dance, magic show, or puppet show).
- 10:30 PM: The boat returns to the dock.
- 11:00 PM: Drop-off back at your hotel.
Current Packages & Price Range in 2026
The price difference almost always comes down to location and food quality. Here is how Maverick Safari UAE structures the options:
1. Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise (The Classic / Budget)
- Price Range: 50 AED – 90 AED per person.
- The Vibe: Nostalgic and busy. You sail past the souks, the heritage village, and the Rolex Towers. The water is lively with trading ships.
- The Food: Standard 3-star international buffet (Salads, Hummus, Chicken Curry, Fried Fish, Rice, Pasta, Desserts).
- Best For: Large families, budget travelers, and history lovers.
2. Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise (The Premium Experience)
- Price Range: 120 AED – 200 AED per person.
- The Vibe: Upscale and romantic. You sail through the canal of the Marina, passing under illuminated bridges, with views of the Twisted Tower (Cayan Tower), JBR, and the Ain Dubai wheel (from a distance).
- The Food: 4-star to 5-star buffet. Often includes more variety, better cuts of meat, and sometimes live cooking stations.
- Best For: Couples, anniversaries, and those who want the “glamorous” Dubai photo.
3. Private / VIP Charter
- Price: 3,000 AED+ per hour (varies by boat size).
- The Experience: Rent the entire dhow for a private wedding, birthday party, or corporate event. You control the music and the menu.
Maverick Transparency: Be careful with “too good to be true” prices (e.g., 30 AED). These often use very old boats with poor safety standards and cold food. We never book our guests on these vessels.
What’s Included (And What Most Companies Don’t Tell You)
Transport & Pickup Details
- Shared Pickup: Usually by bus or van from specific areas (Deira/Bur Dubai). It can take time as the bus stops at multiple hotels.
- Private Pickup: For a small extra fee, we can send a private car to pick you up from any location (Marina, Palm Jumeirah, etc.) and take you directly to the boat.
Food & Drinks
- Included: Unlimited water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee are standard on Maverick cruises. The buffet caters to both Veg and Non-Veg preferences.
- Alcohol: Most standard dhow cruises are dry (no alcohol served). However, there are specific licensed boats in the Marina ask us if you require this!
Entertainment & Activities
- Tanoura Dance: An Egyptian folk dance where a performer spins continuously in a lit-up skirt. It is dizzying and beautiful to watch.
- Music: Background music plays throughout (English, Arabic, Hindi). On Creek cruises, it can get quite loud and festive; Marina cruises tend to be mellower.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
- Professional Photos: Photographers on board will take your picture and try to sell you the print for 50-100 AED. This is optional; you can politely say no.
- Fresh Juice: While soft drinks are free, fresh juices or mocktails might be charged extra on the menu.
How to Choose the Best Dhow Cruise Package
Stuck between the Creek and the Marina? Use this comparison to decide.
| Feature | Dubai Creek (Old Dubai) | Dubai Marina (New Dubai) |
| Scenery | Historical, Souks, Heritage Village | Skyscrapers, Yachts, JBR, Blue Waters |
| Atmosphere | Traditional, busy, cultural | Modern, luxurious, romantic |
| Water | Can be slightly choppy (rarely) | Very calm canal water |
| Price | $ (Budget Friendly) | $$ (Premium) |
| Best For | Families with kids, Groups | Couples, Business guests |
Why Maverick Recommends the Marina for Couples: The lighting in the Marina at night is spectacular. The reflection of the skyscrapers on the water creates a magical backdrop for romantic dinners that the Creek just can’t match.
Real Experience: What a Typical Guest Night Looks Like
You arrive at the dock around 8:00 PM. The wooden dhow is lit up with hundreds of LED lights. You are ushered onboard by friendly staff who sprinkle rose water on your hands a traditional welcome.
You choose a table on the upper deck to enjoy the open air. As the boat engines hum to life and you push away from the pier, the city starts to move past you. On the Marina cruise, you look up way up at the residential towers that twist and turn into the sky.
By 9:00 PM, the buffet opens. You fill your plate with grilled chicken, salad, and fresh bread. The boat moves so slowly you barely feel the motion. It’s peaceful.
Suddenly, the music tempo picks up. The Tanoura dancer enters the center stage. He spins for 10 minutes straight, his skirt lighting up in neon colors. The kids on the boat are mesmerized.
By the time you dock at 10:30 PM, you feel full, relaxed, and your camera roll is full of photos of the illuminated skyline.
Practical Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
1. The Weather Factor
- Winter (Nov – Mar): The upper deck is amazing, but it gets chilly on the water. Bring a light jacket or shawl.
- Summer (May – Sep): It is hot and humid. We highly recommend booking a table on the lower deck (air-conditioned) with glass windows.
2. Table Selection
- Early Arrival: Seating is often on a “first-come, first-served” basis or pre-allocated. Arriving at 7:45 PM gives you a better chance of snagging a rail-side table for the best views.
3. Motion Sickness?
- Generally, the Dhows are large and the water in the Creek and Marina is flat. Motion sickness is very rare. However, if you are extremely sensitive, sit on the lower deck near the center of the boat for maximum stability.
4. Dress Code
- Smart Casual: You don’t need a tuxedo, but please avoid swimwear or sleeveless tank tops. A polo shirt and jeans or a casual dress is perfect.
Why Choose Maverick Safari UAE?
- Hygiene First: We inspect the boats we partner with. We ensure the food is fresh and the kitchen is clean.
- Transparent Transfers: If you book with transfer, we tell you exactly when and how. No waiting on a street corner for a bus that never comes.
- Family Friendly: We ensure the entertainment and environment are suitable for children.
- Instant Booking: You don’t need to print tickets. A mobile voucher is all you need.
Ready for Dinner on the Water?
Whether you want the historic charm of the Creek or the modern glitter of the Marina, we have a table waiting for you.
Tables on the upper deck sell out fast on weekends (Friday/Saturday/Sunday).
- View Our Dhow Cruise Packages & Menus
- WhatsApp Us to Reserve: [+971552525075]
- Call Us: [+971552525075]
Book now and eat under the stars.