If you are a lover of breathtaking scenery and don’t mind a dip in the water, then kayaking in Dubai is an excellent activity for you. The warm Arabic waters make for a pleasant experience, whether that’s on the sea or on some of Dubai’s incredible lakes. This is a fun activity for beginners, experts, and everyone in between!
This guide will help you figure out the ideal locations for you to kayak in during your stay in Dubai. We will also help you get a rough idea on prices for kayaking excursions.
Places to go Kayaking in Dubai
Hatta Kayak
Hatta Kayak is probably the most popular location for kayaking in Dubai. The wide open lake was formed by the Hatta Dam, which has since become a hotspot for tourists seeking to relax and kayak against the stunning mountainous backdrop.
If you would rather just free roam when kayaking and don’t necessarily want a full excursion, Hatta Kayak allows you to rent equipment for the day. There are other water activities you can also take part in, such as pedal boats and water bikes. The lake makes for a great day out where you can marvel at the surrounding natural beauty.
Kayaking on the Palm
Kayaking on the Palm offers a different type of kayaking experience. If you’d prefer the convenience of kayaking right by the beach with the seascape backdrop, this is a great option!
There are generally excursions for kayaking on the Palm Jumeirah so this is a good choice if you are a beginner or want to do some sightseeing along the way. By kayaking out close to the city, you can see a lot of the local attractions so it’s great if you want to look at Dubai from a different angle.
The location means kayaking on the Palm Jumeirah is close to your stay and can make for a relaxed and fun afternoon out.
Kayaking in Dubai Marina
The Dubai Marina is another great option if you are a beginner or would prefer some guidance all whilst being located near the city.
There are a range of tour options for the Marina which often overlap with Jumeirah Beach Residence so you can enjoy the lush warm waters. Kayaking at the Dubai Marina is a great way to get up close to the dazzling city skyscrapers as well as the waterfront.
This location is great for those who would like to indulge in the city glamour whilst enjoying the peaceful kayak trip.
Kayaking in Ras Al Khaimah
If you don’t mind venturing further afield, Ras Al Khaimah is home to some incredible lush scenery which is beautiful to kayak beside!
Much like Hatta Kayak, Ras Al Khaimah is a perfect spot to kayak in if you want a more natural view. There is a lot of wildlife in the area including Flamingos with the route being complete with fresh mangroves for a tropical flavour. Kayaking here will provide a memorable and tranquil experience with exciting sights along the way.
There are also some excursions for the area if you would prefer to be alongside an instructor.
Eastern Mangroves Kayaking
Like our previous entry, if you don’t mind a visit outside of the city of Dubai, Eastern Mangroves Kayaking is a good choice!
Located by Abu Dhabi, you can kayak amidst the beautiful scenery of the Mangrove National Park. This is another fantastic opportunity to get close to nature and observe wildlife. There are over 60 species of birds at the National Park so it is a great spot to kayak in if you are passionate about wildlife. You can have the chance to see flamingos, foxes, turtles, sea snakes, and herons about this park.
This is an undoubtedly peaceful location which is perfect in order for you to meander around the mangrove forest. There are also tour options if you are a beginner, so do not feel like you will miss out if you are not a pro.
When is the Best Time to Go Kayaking in Dubai?
The best time of year for kayaking in Dubai is between October and April when the temperatures are not as intense.
You will also tend to find that most excursions will operate in the morning and afternoon when the temperatures are not at their peak. This way you can avoid the side effects of being in the sun.
However, you should always bring sun protection and water to keep hydrated throughout the day.
The Cost of Kayaking in Dubai
Now that we have covered where you can go kayaking, you may be wondering how much it will cost to do so. We have a handy comparison below so that you can see what kayaking options there are in and around Dubai.
Name | Location | Price | Time | Link |
Guided Kayak Tour | Palm Jumeirah | From 230 AED | 2hrs 30 min | seayou.ae |
Full-Day Hatta Mountain Tour & Kayaking | Wadi Showka & Hatta | From £82.41 | 7hrs | www.viator.com/ |
Hatta Kayak | Hatta Lake | From 60 AED | Unlimited for day | hattakayak.com/ |
Kayaking in Dubai | Dubai Coastline | From 99 AED | 1hr | raynatours.com |
Tripxtours Kayaking | JBR | From 99AED | 1hr | tripxtours.com/ |
Kayaking Tour In The Mangroves | Eastern Mangrove National Park | From 168AED | 2hrs | sea-hawk.ae/ |
Al Ras Kayak | Ras Al Khaimah | From 20AED | From 30min | alraskayak.com/ |
Abu Dhabi Mangrove Kayaking Tour | Eastern Mangrove National Park | From £45.16 | 1hr 30min | tripadvisor.co.uk/ |
Is Kayaking in Dubai safe?
The majority of the time, kayaking is safe especially if you are on a tour or excursion where there are health and safety measures in place.
The only times you should become concerned when you are kayaking is if the water current is particularly fast, if there are rocks, or if the water is especially cold.
Aside from this, just come prepared for protecting yourself against the desert sun’s rays by using SPF and drinking plenty of water so you don’t become dehydrated.
Conclusion
Overall, there are a lot of different places to kayak in and around Dubai. Each of these locations bring something different to the table whether you want to gaze upon the dazzling city or immerse yourself in nature, there is something for everyone. There are also various trips suited to different levels of skill, so you can rest assured knowing you can have an instructor if you are a beginner!
Thank you for taking the time to read our post on kayaking in Dubai. We hope that you have found it useful.
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