Dubai is not all sun and sand. The desert may be fascinating to the wide-eyed wanderer, but an equally captivating treasure in Dubai is its rich, sparkling blue seas. Located at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, the waters of Dubai are a true reminder of a resplendent history and culture rooted in the seas. Pearl diving, fishing, and boating were big industries back in the day. The first settlers sailed the oceans to trade their goods with neighboring countries. And while pearl diving literally dipped into the 1940s, fishing continues to thrive to this day, for both business and pleasure.

Amid all the tall buildings and man-made wonders, tourists can still relive the old days of Dubai through different marine leisure activities. Exciting Dubai yacht charters, nostalgic dhow cruises, thrilling deep sea fishing and adrenaline-pumping water sports are available on the city’s beaches.

Dhow cruise

Feel the nostalgia aboard a traditional Arab dhow as you cruise through the breathtaking sights of Dubai. From this wooden sailboat, you can see the perfect fusion of the ancient and contemporary wonders of this Arabian paradise. You can take a dhow cruise down the Dubai Creek, where you can see the wonders of old Dubai, or the Dubai Marina, where towering skyscrapers and luxurious yachts line the canal. On board, you can enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner of international, Arabic and Asian cuisine, refreshing drinks, relaxing music and extraordinary entertainment such as a magic show or a Tanoura dance.

Yacht charter

For a whole new view of the impressive city skyline, look at it from the sea by renting a luxury yacht in Dubai. Several companies offer yacht charter services and take you on a relaxing cruise around the Dubai Marina and the seas of Dubai. You’ll enjoy fantastic views of the iconic Burj Al Arab and Atlantis The Palm as your yacht cruises the Palm Jumeirah. You can take a day cruise and feel the warm sun and the refreshing sea breeze on your face; Or you can take a sunset cruise where you can watch the golden Arabian sun slowly slide across the horizon. Night cruises are also available if you want to see the panorama of Dubai lit up on cool nights.

Deep sea fishing

With seas teeming with marine life, tourists, residents, and locals are sure to enjoy a fun fishing adventure in Dubai. The yachts and fishing boats are equipped with state-of-the-art fish finder SONAR and complimentary fishing gear, so you’re guaranteed a catch that you can cook and eat on board. The captain and crew of the boat are expert fishermen, and they will be happy to assist you and give you tips and tricks on fishing. Kingfish, sailfish, ham, grouper, barracuda, and horse mackerel are among the many different fish that you can catch in Dubai.

Watersports

With all these crystal clear waters and clear blue skies for most of the year, water sports are also popular pastimes in Dubai. Besides swimming and snorkeling, you can also go kayaking, windsurfing, waterskiing, jet skiing, and scuba diving. The beaches and resorts that line the coast of Dubai and the east coast of the United Arab Emirates are perfect locations for these exhilarating water adventures.

Musandam dhow tours

Just a couple of hours from Dubai, spending the whole day on a cruise around Oman’s Musandam Peninsula is a must-see for tourists. You can choose a tour to Dibba or Khasab, equally picturesque and charming natural sites. In Dibba, you can enjoy lunch on an Omani dhow, banana boat rides, line fishing, swimming, and diving in freshwater pools. In Khasab, you can have fun times with playful dolphins and fantastic views of the Hajar Mountains as your dhow cruises through the impressive fjords.

So if you love the seas, a taste of these marine thrills should be on your list when you vacation in Dubai.