90-Minute Guided Speed Boat Tour in Dubai

The 90-minute guided speed boat tour in Dubai leaves from Dubai Marina and races along the coast to Atlantis The Palm and Burj Al Arab, with a live guide pointing out the landmarks on the way. Run by Xclusive Yachts, it is a fast, open-air way to see the city’s skyline from the water, reaching speeds of 30 to 35 knots between photo stops.

The Speed Boat Tour Route in Dubai

The boat is an open RIB-style speedboat, so every seat has a 360-degree view. From the marina, the tour heads out past the Dubai Marina skyline and the Ain Dubai wheel, then follows the coastline past Jumeirah Beach and The Harbour development. The boat continues to Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis The Palm before reaching Burj Al Arab.

The pace changes as you go. On the open stretches the skipper opens up the throttle, and between them the boat slows or stops so you can take photos and listen to the guide. Depending on the sea, you may get some spray or splashes on the faster sections. The operator notes that the route can change with the weather.

What Is Included

• A 90-minute ride on the speedboat
• Live commentary in English from a guide throughout the trip
• Access to an air-conditioned lounge before boarding
• Chilled bottled water
• Life jackets for every passenger
• Photo and video stops, using your own phone or camera

The guide’s commentary covers the coastline’s hotels and beaches as well as Dubai’s best-known landmarks, so the trip doubles as a quick introduction to how this side of the city fits together.

About Xclusive Yachts and the Boarding Point

Xclusive Yachts is a Dubai Marina charter company that has been operating in the city since 2006, and it now runs private charters, shared cruises and sightseeing trips. The tour starts from its marina base behind Al Majara Towers on Al Hubob Street, where the check-in lounge sits on the Marina Level. Guests are welcomed on a red carpet before a short safety briefing, and the trip ends back at the same point.

Tours run every day. The ticket page lists sailings between 10am and 6pm, while one reseller gives 9am to 5pm, so confirm your departure time when you book. You need to be at the boarding point at least 15 minutes before your cruise with your ticket and an Emirates ID or passport. Latecomers and passengers without documents are not refunded.

Who the Tour Suits and Safety Rules

The speed boat tour is a good fit for first-time visitors who want to tick off the coastal landmarks in one go, for groups of friends who enjoy a bit of speed, and for anyone after skyline photos from the water. It is shorter and livelier than a dinner cruise, which makes it easy to fit into a morning or afternoon.

Because the boat moves fast and can bump over the waves, there are firm health rules. Infants are not allowed, and one reseller sets the minimum age at five. The trip is not suitable for pregnant women or anyone with back problems or medical conditions that sudden boat movement could make worse. Life jackets are mandatory, and anyone who refuses to wear one can be removed without a refund. Everyone stays seated inside the boat for the whole trip; the stops are for photos and commentary, not for getting off.

Wear flat shoes or beach sandals and light, comfortable clothes. Seating is first come, first served.

Getting to Dubai Marina

By car, follow Sheikh Zayed Road to Dubai Marina. The ticket page suggests parking at Marina Mall, which offers three hours of free parking. By public transport, take the Dubai Metro to DMCC station and a short taxi ride to Al Majara Towers. Taxis from anywhere in the city know the marina well.

Best Time of Year to Go

The cooler months are the most comfortable time for an open boat, and one booking platform lists October to April as the main season for this tour.

For more ideas on the water and beyond, see our pick of attractions in Dubai, our guide to things to do in Dubai, plans for things to do this weekend and the latest things to do in November.