From happy customers

Loved by 48 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Margarete Steffi Thiele
DE

Margarete

Germany
Feb 2026

review-image

review-image

review-image

+2 more

Quick admission without waiting. The garden is beautiful and well worth a visit, lovingly laid out and designed.
Fajeeda Naduthra Hassan UmmerKoya

Fajeeda

Feb 2026

review-image

review-image

review-image

+2 more

"Miracle Garden magic! 😊 Strolling through Dubai's blooming paradise, one floral wonder at a time. Heart's full, camera's full, soul's happy... Really made my day❤️
Sami Saleh

Sami

Feb 2026

review-image
The overall experience was good, we loved the Aquarium, the hospitality etc was smooth. The best part complete end to end trip was hassle free.
Tamsin Gibbons
GB

Tamsin

United Kingdom
Feb 2026

review-image
Fantastic experience being able to visit the tallest building in the world. Our whole family enjoyed our trip to the top!
Raviv Yitzhaky
IL

Raviv

Israel
Feb 2026

review-image

review-image
Our visit to Global Village was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip. It was incredible to experience so many cultures in a single location. While all the Main Stage performances were spectacular, the concert conducted by Naoufal Ben Mehrez was truly breathtaking. For my wife, it was deeply personal; since her parents were born in Morocco, the authenticity of the Moroccan pavilion felt just like home. ...As the holy month approaches, we also want to send our warmest wishes for a Ramadan Kareem to all the wonderful people we met.
Marlon Munashe Kakurira
ZW

Marlon

Zimbabwe
Feb 2026

review-image

review-image

review-image

+1 more

Visiting the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo was an enchanting experience! The stunning array of marine life captivated my senses—gliding sharks, vibrant fish, and playful rays swirled in a mesmerizing dance. The highlight was the Penguin Cove, where these adorable creatures waddle and splash joyfully, bringing smiles with every delightful moment. Walking through the immersive tunnels felt like diving into a magical underwater realm, making it an unforgettable adventure in a lavish aquatic paradise!
Madhuri Pawar
AE

Madhuri

United Arab Emirates
Feb 2026

review-image

review-image
It's a lovely cruise ride.Tour started on time. Pick up location suggested was helpful with pictures and it is easy to find. Cruise has limited occupancy not crowded.Tour started with safety briefing and welcome drink. Staff on cruise was very supportive. With light music and pleasant weather the ride made really memorable.
SAIKIRAN Nagaraj
AE

Saikiran

United Arab Emirates
Feb 2026

review-image
It's very nice trip and the crew of xclusive yachts are very professional and helped us to get the photos and very kind enough to travel , we had a dinner outside so we choosed 1hour travel option it's really a worth choosing this option. More love to the whole crew.

Trusted by over 48M guests worldwide

100% booking protection

You are fully protected end-to-end. If anything is off, we'll fix it or refund you.

Know more

Enjoy flexible bookings

Book stress-free with free cancellation and pay-later options.

24/7 trip support

We're always a tap away - before, during and after your trip, in all languages.

Verified reviews from real travellers. Trusted by guests worldwide.

Sail through Dubai’s iconic waterway on the Dubai Canal Cruise

Glide through the heart of Dubai's twinkling cityscape on a scenic Dubai Canal Cruise. As you sail through the Dubai Water Canal, you'll witness the city's architectural marvels from a unique vantage point – from the towering skyscrapers of Business Bay to the elegant bridges that span the waterway like works of modern art.

As you drift along the 3.2-kilometer waterway, you'll witness the city transform from golden sunset to a dazzling display of illuminated architecture, with optional experiences including live entertainment, tannoura dancing, and a range of dining options that cater to different palates and dietary requirements.

Read on to learn all about the Dubai Canal Cruise, the different tickets available, the exciting views, and the dining and entertainment options available.

Your Dubai canal cruise options

Sightseeing cruise

  • Sail on a traditional Abra for an hour and soak in all that Dubai has to offer along the famed canal. 
  • Spot iconic landmarks like Business Bay Bridge, Burj Khalifa, Westin Hotel, and Festival City on your Abra ride.  
  • Since the Abra can seat only 20 people, it is the perfect setting for a peaceful ride along the 3.2 kms canal.
  • The live english commentary onboard ensures that everyone present has a great time

Recommended experience

From Dubai Canal: 1-Hour Sightseeing Abra Ride

Dining cruise

  • Indulge in a luxurious dinner cruise along a Venetian-inspired canal right in the heart of Dubai.
  • Treat your taste buds to a mouthwatering 3-course meal featuring dishes from around the world with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
  • The views of Downton Dubai with an added treat of The IMAGINE fountain show is truly unforgettable experience.
  • Pair your dinner with entertainment options like a live saxophonist that perfectly matches the food and the views. 

Recommended experiences 

  • Luxury Dubai Canal Cruise with La Perle Silver Pass & Transfers
  • From Dubai Canal: Luxury Dhow Cruise with Dinner & IMAGINE Show Views

Your booking gude for a smooth Dubai Canal Cruise 

  • The sightseeing cruise generally lasts for an hour and is a good option if you are looking for an affordable cruise option. For gorgeous sunset views, book the Sunset Canal Abra Tour. While it is slightly more expensive, the views are worth it. You can also add Emirati high tea and transfers to your Abra ride for AED 140. This is one of the best prices found online. 
  • Dinner cruises are slightly more expensive [starting from AED 240] and last 2 to 5 hours. However, this cruise is perfect for special occasions, a business dinner, or a romantic evening—worth the splurge for a memorable night.
  • On the Dubai Canal Cruise, you can enjoy close-up views of landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Opera House, and sail beneath the Sheikh Zayed Bridge. The highlight is the IMAGINE show—the world’s largest waterscreen projection. 
  • Upgrade your Luxury Dubai Canal Cruise with the La Perle experience for an added touch of magic to your evening. You can upgrade your luxury Dhow cruise experience with house beverages. 
  • Cruises like the Dhow Cruise provide an optional upgrade for hotel transfers for just AED 30-40. This is a good option for those who are unfamiliar with the city or if you are looking to avoid the hassle of planning a commute. 
  • If time and budget are not a constraint, Dinner cruises are the best option for you. The cruises take you past past Dubai’s landmarks at a leisurely pace, featuring delicious cuisine, stunning views of Downtown Dubai, the Burj Khalifa, along with live entertainment.

Plan your Dubai Canal Cruise

Dubai Canal Cruise

Sightseeing cruise

  • Starts at 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm
  • Duration: 1 hour

Dinner cruise

  • Starts from 7pm onwards
  • Duration: 2-5 hours
Dubai Canal Cruise
  • Weekday vs. weekend: Generally, weekdays are less crowded, offering a quieter experience. You'll have a better chance of securing a good spot on the boat and enjoying the views without the hustle and bustle. While weekends can be more crowded, they offer a more vibrant atmosphere, especially during peak season. If you prefer a lively ambiance, consider a weekend cruise.
  • Peak season vs. low season: The peak season (November to March) is the ideal time to go on the canal cruises are quite popular. While you might encounter larger crowds, the pleasant weather makes it a fantastic time to enjoy the cruise. The low season (April to October) can be extremely hot and humid. However, evening cruises during this period can be a great way to escape the heat and enjoy the city's illuminated skyline.
Dubai Canal Cruise
  • Wheelchair and stroller accessible
  • Buggy (available upon request)
  • Unlimited mineral water and soft drinks on dinner cruises. 
  • Restrooms 
  • Life jackets
  • First-aid kit
  • Buffet area (for buffet cruises)
  • Seating arrangements
  • Bar(s)
  • Open decks
  • Live music and entertainment (on some cruises)
Dubai Canal Cruise
  • By car: To reach the Dubai Canal by car, follow Sheikh Zayed Road towards the Trade Centre. If you're taking a taxi, you can be dropped off directly at the Canal. For personal cars, parking spaces are available under the Sheikh Zayed Road Bridge.
  • By metro: Take the Red Line metro towards UAE Exchange and get off at Business Bay station. From there, cross the bridge towards Sheikh Zayed Road, which will lead you directly to the Dubai Canal.
  • By bus: The closest bus stops to the Dubai Canal are Business Bay Metro Bus Stop Landside, Business Bay Seaside Metro Bus Stop – 1, Safa, Lufthansa – 01, and Safa, Interchange – 1.

Transfers 

If you are new to the city, opt for transfers if your cruise ticket provides it. It is a convenient way to reach the boarding point without the hassle of planning the commute.

Dubai Canal Cruise
  • Abra Ride Emirati high tea: Local favorites like chebab, khan faroush, veg samboosa, and duqan legemat.
  • Dubai Canal: Luxury Dhow Cruise with Dinner & IMAGINE Show Views: International buffet
Dubai Canal Cruise
  • Dress Code: A smart casual attire is suitable for Dubai Canal cruises.
  • Arrive on time: Arrive at the dock at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure smooth boarding.
  • Alcohol policy: Alcoholic beverages will not be served to childrenbelow the age 21. 
  • Bring the essentials: While most cruises offer food and beverages, consider bringing extra cash or cards for souvenirs or additional purchases. If you're embarking on a daytime cruise, remember to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
  • Adhere to safety instructions: Always follow the safety guidelines provided by the crew. Familiarize yourself with the location of life jackets on board.
  • Custom requests: Additional charges apply for any requests beyond the standard offerings, based on specific requirements.

Views during your Dubai Canal Cruise

Dubai Canal Cruise

The Burj Khalifa

The world's tallest building, illuminated against the night sky, is a breathtaking sight.

Dubai Canal Cruise
Dubai Canal Cruise
Downtown DubaiDubai Canal Cruise
Dubai Canal Cruise

Frequently asked questions about the Dubai Canal Cruise

There are different cruises, including sightseeing, dinner, and sunset cruises. Each cruise offers a unique way to see Dubai from the water, with options for romantic dinners, family outings, or simply enjoying the cityscape.