Booking a dhow cruise in Dubai takes about five minutes. You choose a route, pick a package and date, add your guests, then pay online or by phone. Your confirmation arrives straight away.

This guide walks through each step in detail. It also covers the ways you can book, what to have ready, and the mistakes that cost guests their seats in peak season.

How to book a dhow cruise in Dubai in 6 steps

1. Choose your cruise route

   Your first decision is where you want to sail. Dubai has three main dhow cruise routes, and each gives you a very different evening.

   Dubai Marina

   Modern skyline, Ain Dubai and Atlantis The Palm views. Best for couples and first-time visitors.

   Dubai Creek

   Old Dubai, Deira, Bur Dubai and Al Seef. Best for culture and families.

   Dubai Canal

   A calm, scenic sail through the heart of the city. Best for a quiet evening.

   Still undecided? Read our comparison of the Dubai Creek vs Dubai Marina dhow cruise.

2. Pick a package and check what is included

   Open a cruise package and read the inclusions before you book. Our packages start from AED 120 per adult and include an international buffet dinner, a welcome drink, unlimited soft drinks, tea and coffee, and a live Tanoura dance show. Marina cruises also include a live cooking station.

   Two things are not included in any package: alcohol and hotel pick-up and drop-off. You can request a transfer when you book.

   Popular packages: Premium Dhow Cruise Marina, Premium Dhow Cruise Creek and Premium Dhow Cruise Al Seef.

3. Select your date

   Pick your cruise date in the booking form, and check that the boarding time works for your evening. Creek cruises board at 8:30 PM and sail from 9:00 to 10:30 PM. Marina cruises sail from 8:30 to 10:30 PM.

   Weekdays are quieter and give you more choice of seating. Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays fill up first.

4. Add your guests

   Enter the number of adults and children. Children aged 4 to 10 pay the child rate, which is AED 100 on our premium packages. Infants under 3 sail free, but still include them when you book so the crew knows how many guests to expect.

5. Pay and get your confirmation

   Click Book Now and complete checkout. Your booking confirmation is sent by email as soon as payment goes through. Prefer to talk to someone? Call us on +971 4 295 9948 or use live chat. Both are open 24/7.

   Before you pay, read our terms and conditions so you know the cancellation rules.

6. Arrive and board

   Reach the boarding point at least 30 minutes before departure. Show your confirmation on your phone, and the crew will guide you to your seat. Dress is smart casual, and a light jacket helps on the open deck in winter.

Ways to book a dhow cruise

You can book online, by phone or through live chat. Each method suits a different kind of guest.

Booking directly with the cruise operator, rather than through a third-party site, means you deal with the people running the boat. Changes, special requests and dietary needs are easier to arrange.

What to have ready before you book

• Your preferred date and a backup date for busy weekends.
• Guest numbers and children's ages, so the right rates apply.
• Dietary needs, such as vegetarian meals or allergies.
• Your hotel name, if you want a pick-up and drop-off added.
• The occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary, so our team can plan any extras for you.

Booking a private dhow or a special occasion

For birthdays, anniversaries, engagements and corporate events, you can book a private dhow for your group. Private bookings let you choose the menu, decorations and music. Send your date, group size and budget through the contact page, and we reply with a tailored quote. Planning an anniversary? See how couples plan a romantic evening in our guide to the top reasons to choose a Marina dhow cruise.

How far in advance should you book?

For a regular weeknight, booking one to two days ahead is usually enough. From November to March, Dubai's peak season, book at least a week ahead, especially for weekends. For New Year's Eve, book several weeks in advance, because fireworks cruises sell out early. See our New Year's Eve dhow cruise for details.

Common booking mistakes to avoid

• Mixing up boarding points. Creek and Marina cruises board in different parts of the city. Check the location on your confirmation.
• Arriving at departure time. Boarding closes before the cruise sails, so arrive 30 minutes early.
• Forgetting children's ages. Child rates apply only to ages 4 to 10.
• Assuming transfers are included. Add pick-up when you book if you need it.

Dhow cruise booking FAQs

Have another question? Visit our dhow cruise FAQ page.