Water Sports in Dubai – An Extensive Guide

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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