Evening Desert Safari Tour with Sand Surfing, BBQ Dinner (Exclusive Car)

Getting ready to leave the city behind and step into the vastness of Dubai’s iconic red sands? This Evening Desert Safari with Sand Surfing and a BBQ dinner promises a blend of adventure, culture, and memorable pictures. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of what travelers can expect from this well-rated experience.

What stands out the most? The luxury of a private vehicle, the variety of activities packed into six hours, and the delicious traditional dinner. There’s also the chance to capture stunning sunset views and enjoy engaging entertainment at the desert camp. One thing to keep in mind: this experience is designed for those who enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation and are comfortable with physical activities like sandboarding or dune bashing.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a customized, intimate experience with plenty of photo opportunities and cultural entertainment. If you’re after a fun, well-organized desert adventure that balances thrill and comfort, this could be a perfect choice. However, if you’re not keen on physical exertion or long drives, it might be worth considering other options.

Key Points

• Private, comfortable transport in a 4×4 ensures a seamless start and finish.
• Sandboarding and dune bashing offer adrenaline-pumping highlights.
• The authentic BBQ dinner with Arabic coffee and sweets adds cultural flavor.
• Professional guides and entertainers make the experience engaging.
• Perfect for small groups with up to six people, ensuring personalized attention.
• The six-hour duration balances adventure with relaxation.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Early Drive

The adventure kicks off around 2:30 pm when you’re picked up from your Dubai hotel or residence in a private 4×4 vehicle. The private car ensures a smooth, personalized journey — no crowded buses or shared rides here. We love the way this setup allows for flexibility, making the experience feel tailored to your schedule and comfort.

Opting for Quad Biking (Extra Cost)

Before reaching the dunes, there’s an opportunity to release tyre pressure at a designated meeting point. Here, some travelers opt for an optional quad bike ride, a self-driven adventure on the desert sands. While this isn’t included in the base price, it’s a popular add-on, giving you a taste of solo desert exploration.

Dune Bashing and Sandboarding

The core thrill begins with dune bashing, a 45-minute rollercoaster ride over the red sand dunes in a skilled driver’s hands. Reviewers consistently praise guides like Akram and Mohammed for their expertise, with Akram described as a “true dune bashing pro” who makes the ride both safe and exhilarating.

Sandboarding is a delightful addition, especially since it’s accessible to all ages and skill levels. Reviewers mention sliding down the dunes and capturing fantastic photos amid the sunset glow, which makes for some memorable moments.

Photo Stops and Sunset Views

Throughout the bashing and sandboarding, you’ll find opportunities for self-photography and enjoying breathtaking views. Multiple reviews highlight how guides often assist with capturing pictures, making sure everyone gets a good shot against the spectacular backdrop of the sunset over the dunes.

Desert Camp and Entertainment

Arriving at the desert camp, the scene turns lively. There’s camel riding for a traditional touch, and the camp hosts entertainment shows such as Tanura dance, fire shows, and belly dancing. Reviewers have especially enjoyed the live performances, which add a vibrant, cultural dimension to the evening.

Culinary Delights

The highlight for many is the BBQ buffet dinner featuring chicken shawarma, falafel, and other Arabic appetizers. The dinner is served in a relaxed setting, with Arabic coffee and sweets offered upon arrival. Multiple reviews mention the delicious food, with some noting it’s a good value considering the variety and quality.

Additional Activities and Amenities

Guests can also indulge in henna designs, especially popular among women and children. The shisha pipe area offers a relaxed spot for those who enjoy smoking, though it’s not included in the main package. Soft drinks and mineral water are available to keep everyone refreshed during the activities.

Return and Drop-off

The tour wraps up around 9:30-10 pm, with a comfortable drop-off back at your hotel or residence. The timings are well-organized, giving enough time to enjoy the activities without feeling rushed. Reviewers love the punctuality and the smooth transfer, often mentioning guides like Mohammed who make the journey memorable.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

Included in the package:

• Private pickup and drop-off in a 4×4 vehicle
• Dune bashing and sandboarding
• Traditional Emirati coffee and sweets
• Snacks like chicken shawarma and falafel
• Henna design for ladies and children
• Entrance to desert entertainment shows
• Soft drinks and mineral water
• BBQ buffet dinner

Extras worth considering:

• Quad biking (self-driven)
• Dune buggy rides (self-driven)
• Alcoholic beverages (not included)

The price of $385 per group (up to six people) appears to offer good value, considering the private transfer, personalized guides, and a full evening of activities and food. For travelers seeking a luxurious, less crowded experience, this package is appealing, especially given the high praise from reviewers who describe the guides, like Mohammed and Nasir, as attentive and friendly.

The Experience from the Reviewers’ Perspective

Many guests have shared that Mohammed and Nasir made their trips exceptional with their professionalism and attention to detail. One reviewer even called Mohammed “an absolute professional” who took great photos and made everyone feel safe and cared for.

The dune bashing is consistently rated as a highlight, with several reviewers describing it as “spectacular” and “exhilarating,” thanks to guides who know how to navigate the dunes expertly. Sandboarding, often called “fun,” is a hit across all ages, with some noting their kids’ wonder and amazement afterward.

The cultural entertainment — especially the Tanura dance and fire shows — is appreciated for adding authentic flavor to the evening. Meanwhile, the dinner is generally rated as satisfying, with many mentioning the quality and variety of food, especially the Arabic coffee and sweets, which lend a traditional touch.

Reviewers frequently mention the timing as impeccable, with pickups around 2:30 pm and drop-offs close to 10 pm, ensuring a full but not exhausting day.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying

• Book early: The tour is popular and has a 5-star rating, which means it can fill up fast.
• Bring comfortable clothes and closed shoes, especially if you plan to sandboard or dune bash.
• Photographers will love the sunset moments — bring a camera or smartphone with good battery life.
• Consider the optional extras like quad biking if you crave more adrenaline.
• Arrive with an open mind: The entertainment and cultural activities provide a true taste of Arabian hospitality.
• Physical readiness: Reviewers note that strong physical fitness helps, especially for activities like dune bashing and sandboarding.

FAQs

Is pickup from my hotel included? Yes, the tour includes private pickup from your Dubai hotel or residence.

What is the duration of the tour? The whole experience lasts approximately 6 hours, from around 2:30 pm to 10 pm.

Can I do sandboarding or dune bashing? Yes, dune bashing is part of the package for 45 minutes, and sandboarding slides are included as well.

Are there options for additional activities? Quad biking and dune buggy rides are available as extras at additional costs.

Is there entertainment at the desert camp? Yes, you’ll enjoy Tanura dance shows, fire shows, and belly dancing (except during Ramadan).

What food is included? The BBQ buffet features chicken shawarma, falafel, Arabic sweets, and coffee. Soft drinks and mineral water are also provided.

Is alcohol available? No, alcoholic beverages are not included or served as part of this experience.

Is this suitable for children? Yes, especially since there’s henna and camel rides; however, physical activities like dune bashing require a certain level of fitness.

Final Thoughts

This Evening Desert Safari offers a well-rounded taste of Dubai’s iconic sands, blending adventure, culture, and comfort. The private transfer ensures a relaxed start and finish, while the wide array of activities caters to different interests — from adrenaline junkies to cultural enthusiasts. The delicious food and lively entertainment make it a feast for all senses, and the consistent praise from past guests speaks volumes about the professionalism of guides like Mohammed and Nasir.

It’s a fantastic choice if you’re after a personalized, memorable experience in the desert that balances thrill and relaxation. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a fun evening out, this tour delivers a lot of value for your money, especially considering its high satisfaction ratings.

The Sum Up

If you’re looking for an adventure-packed yet comfortable way to explore Dubai’s desert, this Evening Safari with Sand Surfing and BBQ ticks many boxes. The chance to enjoy dune bashing, sandboarding, traditional entertainment, and a tasty dinner in a private setting makes it stand out. It’s particularly suited for small groups or families who appreciate personalized service and authentic cultural experiences.

While it’s a physically engaging tour, the friendly guides, stunning scenery, and lively atmosphere make it worth every minute. For travelers wanting a hassle-free, high-quality desert adventure, this tour offers excellent value and a truly memorable experience.

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