Top picks · UAE KAYAKING TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend who paddles: 13 uae kayaking tours worth the money, each with its price, its time afloat and the one thing to know before you commit.
Choose a 6 to 7-hour Dubai outing: a Lahbab desert safari with dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, BBQ, and live shows, or a Hatta trip with kayaking, heritage stops, and mountain views. English-speaking guides such as Yasir, Rehan, Ali, and Umair have led well-rated trips, while hotel pickup keeps the day simple.
“Great way to visit Hatta. Kayaking was good fun, beautiful place.”
Join Husaak Adventures for a two-hour guided kayak tour through Reem Central Park’s waterways and mangroves. Guides such as Joshua and Arnand provide safety advice, paddling help, and local wildlife facts. Expect skyline views, calm water, and the chance to see birds, fish, crabs, or enjoy a swim on some departures.
“Very cool activity to do in Abu Dhabi, closest thing to a walk in a forest. Being in the Mangroves really made us forget we were in one of the biggest cities in the world. We went with the last tour, which ended towards the sunset, it was pretty magical!”
Spend about an hour in a transparent kayak at Dubai’s Crystal Clear Watersports. Guides including Prasad, Chamara, and Ibrahim provide safety help, photos, and paddling tips. You’ll see Jumeirah Bay Island, the Dubai skyline, and sometimes fish through the clear hull. Double-seat kayaks are assigned when two people book together.
“Donatus is really really Nice, my expérience is so perfect !!! do the activity without hesitation it is really great”
Meet a marine mammal specialist, paddle through Dolphin Bay Lagoon, and learn about Atlantis’s resident dolphins from your instructor. The experience suits all swimming abilities, includes equipment, lockers, showers, juice, and same-day entry to Aquaventure’s 105 rides and attractions. Children must be at least 8.
“the instructor was very helpful, he gave us a full inside into the dolphins habits etc. it's well worth the money”
Paddle for 1.5 hours from Palm Jumeirah toward Atlantis, with views of Royal Atlantis, villas, the marina, Burj Al Arab, and Burj Khalifa. SeaYou Watersports guides, including Pasindu, Pasida, Marvin, and Isuru, teach first-timers, take photos, and keep the route relaxed. You can also stop for a short swim.
“The Activity was great, guide was super patient, very helpful. Exactly as we hoped.. the instructions however were terrible.. it said join at the Sofitel Hotel and the activity provider has moved from there 2-3 months ago... no one seemed to know where to go so the instructions do need to be changed, anyone in Dubai heading here be warned its not at the sofitel hotel any more.”
Travel from Dubai to Hatta for kayaking on the mountain-framed dam, Heritage Village, Hatta Hill Park, a traditional lunch, and a short walk to Al Khattem Dam. Guides such as Wael, Saleem, and Khalid are praised for safe driving, clear communication, and local insight. Choose a private or small-group option.
“what an incredible day spent with Wael. I highly recommend this tour. Full of knowledge, laughs and good times. I can't thank you enough for such a beautiful last day spent with you and others in Hatta. we shared an incredible authentic lunch, Chicken hundi, saw animals, old town, hatta sign, description as described. laughed played songs and sang till our heart was content. Thank you again. I wish you all the best for your future.”
You’ll spend one hour on Dubai’s water with an English-speaking host or greeter, choosing a single kayak, double kayak, or stand-up paddle option. Launch from Dukes The Palm or another major waterway, then set your own pace toward harbor views and beachside picnic areas. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and dry clothes.
You’ll paddle a one or two-seat illuminated kayak for about an hour from Jumeirah Fishing Harbor, with views toward the Burj Khalifa and Jumeirah Bay skyline. English-speaking guides provide the safety briefing, life jackets, helmets, and photos on request. Guides Faruq, Jamer, and Paru have been praised for being helpful and friendly.
“it was a very nice experience..the two guide guys were very helpful. Jamer and Paru.”
You’ll travel from Dubai in a private, air-conditioned car with an English-speaking guide such as Sufyan. Visit Masfut Museum, Al Boma Fort, Leem Lake, Hatta Hill Park, Hatta Dam, and a honey bee garden. Kayaking and the honey tour are included, with hotel pickup, drop-off, and drinking water provided.
“Excellent. No queues. Very informative. Nice walk round leen lake, good coffee shop. Kayaking at hatta was fabulous. This lasted about an hour. Lots of fish to see. Hatta Bee honey garden was amazing. Got to see the bees and the hives. All equipment was provided. It was 100 dirhams for two people. Got to taste 5 local honeys. Lasted about 45mins. Would highly recommend. Comfortable drive. It was an early start but the roads were very quiet and we were picked up from our hotel. Driver very nice and helpful. Water was provided. Thank you!”
Paddle along Palm Jumeirah’s east crescent with an English, Singhalese, or Tagalog-speaking guide. You’ll hear how the island was built, stop on a beach facing Dubai Marina, and photograph Atlantis, Burj Al Arab, and Burj Khalifa. The advertised visit lasts 2.5 hours, though recent bookings report only about 60 to 80 minutes on the water.
“Enjoyable paddling around the palm and the 4pm slot allows you to see the sunset. It was a shame we could only go a short distance as we were restricted in where we could go”
After a 10-minute safety briefing, you’ll paddle for one hour near Jumeirah Fishing Harbor, facing Dubai’s modern skyline and Burj Khalifa. Crystal Clear Watersports provides the board, life vest, beach entry, and launch guidance. The activity is self-guided with English instruction and limited to two participants.
“The most amazing experience, they all were really helpful and the guide was the best we could ask for Thank you for the amazing experience”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Dubai Creek Marina, receive your safety briefing and equipment, then paddle toward Old Dubai and the city skyline. This 1.5-hour outing combines Burj Khalifa views, sunset colors, and calm water from a kayak. Bring a reusable bottle and wear comfortable clothes.
“This was not a good experience. The original booking did not happen. I was told that it was too windy. I am not even sure if that was the actual reason. Maybe there simply were not enough reservation. I was then asked to meet at Rixos the Palm instead. Later I was informed that I have to be there early, because it is not allowed to be on the water after sunset. Finally, there was no single kayak available so I had to go on a double on my own. And there was no guide whatsoever. All over all this was absolutely not the experience I was looking for. I…”
You will spend 30 minutes at Atlas Village, including a safety briefing with an English-speaking Marine Mammal Specialist and 20 minutes paddling in Dolphin Bay beside resident dolphins. Life jackets are required, wetsuits or neoprene vests are available, and your ticket also includes same-day Aquaventure Waterpark access.
Pick a coast, a river or a dark bay.
