Dubai Desert Safari With Camel Ride and Sand Boarding

If you’re heading to Dubai and craving an adventure that combines adrenaline, culture, and stunning landscapes, a desert safari is practically a must-do. The tour we’re reviewing offers a comprehensive experience, from dune bashing to traditional entertainment, all within a roughly 7-hour window. While we haven’t personally been on this exact trip, the consistent 4.5-star rating and enthusiastic reviews suggest it hits the sweet spot for many travelers.

What we love about this safari? First, the dune bashing sounds exhilarating, with the chance to feel your heart race as you climb and slide down massive sand dunes. Second, the camel ride offers a taste of Bedouin life, adding that authentic touch many travelers seek. Lastly, the evening entertainment — including belly dancing and fire shows — adds a lively cultural vibe. A potential consideration is the tour’s tendency to include upselling, which some guests might find a bit overwhelming or wasteful of time. Overall, it’s best suited for those looking for a fun, all-in-one desert adventure that balances thrill with cultural flavor.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just over $26 per person, this safari offers good value—especially considering the variety of activities included.
• Timing: Starting at 2:30 pm, it’s scheduled for the cooler, more comfortable evening hours.
• Group Size: Limited to 14 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Booking in Advance: Most travelers book around 96 days ahead, indicating high demand.
• Activities: Dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and cultural shows.
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, offering flexibility.

This tour manages to combine adventure, culture, and entertainment into a single package. For those who want to make the most of a desert excursion without spending a fortune, it provides a well-rounded experience that ticks most boxes.

The Itinerary in Detail

The adventure kicks off with pickup from your location, a convenience that saves you from figuring out transport. The journey to the desert is smooth, and with a maximum group size of 14, it feels relatively personal and less overwhelming than larger tours.

Dune Bashing: The Heart of the Experience

The highlight for many, dune bashing involves a skilled driver (likely a guide with local expertise) taking you over the rolling sand dunes. Expect a mix of steep climbs and thrilling descents that give you that rollercoaster feeling on sand. One review enthusiastically called it “the best Dubai desert safari ever,” highlighting the excitement and scenic views from the top of dunes, where you can pause to admire the vast, untouched desert landscape. The experience is intense but safe, usually lasting around 30-40 minutes.

Camel Ride and Sandboarding: A Mix of Tradition and Adventure

After the adrenaline rush, you’ll hop onto a camel, the iconic ship of the desert. Many find this peaceful ride a perfect counterbalance to the high-energy dune bashing. You’ll be able to see the desert from a different perspective, which is especially lovely at sunset. The sandboarding aspect, if included, promises some youthful fun as you slide down the dunes—though it’s worth noting that not all reviews mention sandboarding explicitly, so availability might vary.

Bedouin Camp and Entertainment

The tour culminates in a Bedouin-style camp, where you’ll experience traditional entertainment like belly dancing, live fire shows, and Tanura dancers. These performances add a lively, festive atmosphere, though some reviews suggest that the focus can shift toward upselling various optional activities or souvenirs. The camp setting offers a great photo op and a chance to relax after the day’s adventures.

Dinner and Final Moments

To round off the experience, a buffet dinner is served, featuring local and international flavors. The quality is generally good for the price, making it a satisfying end to the day. While some guests felt the free dinner was a bit of a “trap” due to upselling, most agree it’s a decent meal amid a fun atmosphere.

Practical Details

The tour departs at 2:30 pm, aligning well with cooler late afternoon hours for dune bashing. Pickup is offered from various locations, making it convenient for most travelers. The seven-hour duration allows enough time to enjoy each activity without feeling rushed. Price-wise, at $26.51 per person, it’s quite budget-friendly considering the inclusions—especially if you value having multiple experiences rolled into one.

The tour is operated by Pacific Adventures, a company with solid reviews. They offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before, providing some peace of mind should your plans change unexpectedly.

What Reviewers Say

Of the 29 reviews, most are highly positive—90% recommend the safari. HectorNoel_T praised it as an “exceeded expectations” experience, emphasizing dune bashing and the camp. Conversely, Monique_I experienced frustration with what she called a “tourist trap,” citing excessive upselling and long waits, which highlights that some guests should be prepared for a busy, sales-oriented environment.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want a comprehensive desert adventure with a mix of thrills and culture. It’s suitable for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere and don’t mind the occasional upsell. Families, couples, or solo travelers alike will find plenty to enjoy, especially if you’re looking for a fun day out rather than a quiet, meditative experience.

This Dubai desert safari offers excellent value for a seven-hour excursion full of action, tradition, and entertainment. The dune bashing is a definite highlight, delivering an adrenaline rush that many travelers crave. The camel ride and cultural shows add authentic touches that elevate the experience beyond just a sightseeing tour. While some may find the upselling a bit much, most reviews indicate it doesn’t detract significantly from the overall fun.

If you’re after a cost-effective way to enjoy Dubai’s desert scenery with plenty of activities, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially well-suited for first-timers eager to tick off the classic desert safari experience.

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs at 2:30 pm, allowing you to enjoy the sunset and cooler desert conditions.

Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered from your location, making the experience more convenient.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, providing ample time for each activity without feeling rushed.

What activities are included?
Dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding (if available), and entertainment at the Bedouin camp.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 14 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

How much does it cost?
The tour is priced at around $26.51 per person, offering good value considering the activities included.

Are there any hidden costs?
Most reviews mention upselling at the camp, so be prepared for optional extras or souvenirs.

Who is this tour suitable for?
Ideal for adventure lovers, first-time visitors, and those on a budget looking for a full desert experience.

This safari offers a lively, scenic, and affordable peek into Dubai’s iconic desert landscape. Whether you’re after thrills, cultural insights, or a memorable sunset, it’s a solid choice that balances fun with value.