If you’re eyeing an adventure-packed start to your Dubai or Sharjah trip, the Morning Desert Safari with Quad Bike offers a mix of adrenaline, stunning scenery, and authentic desert experiences. This tour, rated 4.5 out of 5 based on six reviews, promises a well-rounded taste of desert adventures without a full-day commitment.
What we love about this experience is its accessibility—it’s reasonably priced at $60 per person, includes a variety of activities, and offers convenient hotel pickup. We also appreciate the expert guides who clearly know their way around the dunes, making the whole trip safe and informative. Plus, the mix of activities like sandboarding, camel riding, and dune bashing ensures you’re not just sitting in a car but actively engaging with the desert environment.
One potential drawback to keep in mind is that the reviews reveal some inconsistency in communication, with one traveler mentioning a missed pickup due to delayed responses. This is something to consider when planning your early morning adventure. The tour suits travelers looking for authentic desert fun with a good balance of excitement and cultural touches, ideal for those on a tight schedule or seeking a shorter yet memorable experience.
Key Points
- Value for Money: At $60, it packs in multiple activities, making it a cost-effective way to experience Dubai’s desert.
- Comprehensive Activities: Quad biking, dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding combine to create a full desert adventure.
- Professional Guides: Guides like Hussain and Rashid are praised for their friendliness and expertise, enhancing the overall experience.
- Convenient Pickup: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics easier, especially for those unfamiliar with the area.
- Authentic Experiences: You’ll get a genuine desert environment with high dunes and lots of photo opportunities.
- Some Communication Issues: A few reviews highlight delayed responses regarding pickup timings, so confirm details early.
An In-Depth Look at the Desert Safari Itinerary
Looking for more options in Sharjah? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Pickup and Scenic Drive to the Desert
The tour begins with hotel pickup in an air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle driven by a licensed, English-speaking guide. This initial leg is fairly straightforward but offers the chance to see notable sights like Dragon Mart, Dubai Safari Park, and Lehbab Desert as you head toward the dunes. For travelers, this part offers a relaxing transition from city to desert, with professional guidance making it smooth and informative.
Stop at Sahraa Al Badier for Refreshments and Quad Biking
First stop is at Sahraa Al Badier, a spot to stretch, refresh, and prepare for the quad biking experience. Here, you’ll find toilets, snacks, tea, and the opportunity to try Yamaha 350cc quad bikes. The 35-minute ride is the core adrenaline activity, with detailed instructions provided on how to control the bike, which is essential for beginners or those nervous about riding.
Reviewers highlight that the quad bike experience is truly the highlight for many. One reviewer noted, “Control your automatic quad bike and get an adrenaline rush following your guide up and down the sand dunes.” The guide’s expertise ensures safety, even for first-timers, and the views from the top of the dunes provide fantastic photo opportunities.
Big Red Dunes Dune Bashing and Sandboarding
Next, you’ll head to Al Badayer, known for its enormous red dunes, often called the “Big Red Dune.” Here, the tour includes 35 to 40 minutes of dune bashing—a rollercoaster ride over the towering sand formations, led by an experienced safari guide. Reviewers repeatedly mention the professionalism of the driver, with one saying, “Slightly scary but the driver was very experienced and made it very enjoyable.”
Sandboarding is also included, letting you slide down the dunes for a fun, physical break from the bumpy ride. This part of the tour is especially popular for those who want a mix of thrill and scenic views. Expect to stop for photos amidst the dunes, capturing the essence of Dubai’s iconic landscape.
Camel Farm Visit and Photo Opportunities
The tour then moves to a Camel Farm, a quieter, more relaxed segment where you can enjoy camel riding and photos with these iconic desert animals. Since this stop is free of charge, it offers a moment to appreciate the tradition and culture of the region. Reviewers appreciated this part, calling it a “great photo opportunity” and emphasizing the friendly camels.
Additional Activities and Flexibility
The tour offers optional experiences like dune buggy rides (though availability and details aren’t specified in the reviews) and more time for photo stops. Bottled water is provided throughout, ensuring you stay hydrated in the desert heat. Also, the tour is designed to be flexible—most travelers find it fits comfortably within a 4-7 hour window, making it suitable for those with limited time but craving a comprehensive desert adventure.
What Travelers Say About the Tour
While the majority of reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery, there are some concerns. One reviewer expressed frustration over delayed pickup communication, which highlights the importance of confirming details beforehand. On the other hand, many mention how Hussain or Rashid made the experience enjoyable, with one even calling Hussain “the greatest” and expressing intentions to return.
The value for money is a common theme, especially considering the variety of activities included. Several reviewers describe the trip as “amazing” and “great,” with sand bashing being a highlight. The professional guides and their ability to handle the dunes with skill and safety seem to be key factors in the positive experiences.
Transportation and Duration Details
Transportation is handled via air-conditioned 4×4 vehicles, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. This setup not only adds to comfort but also reduces the hassle of logistics. The overall duration is approximately 4 to 7 hours, accommodating a full morning of adventure without it feeling rushed.
Most travelers find the timing perfect for a morning activity, especially since the desert is cooler and less crowded early in the day. The tour’s flexible window allows you to tailor your experience depending on your schedule and interests.
Pricing and Overall Value
At $60 per person, this tour offers a solid balance of affordability and adventure. The package includes multiple activities, a professional guide, and transportation—all key for a hassle-free experience. When you consider the cost of individual activities like quad biking and dune bashing separately, this bundled experience is quite economical.
However, keep in mind that the tour does not include extras like breakfast or photos with falcons, which some travelers might want to add. Still, the core experiences are comprehensive enough to justify the price, especially given the high quality of the guides and the variety of activities.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This desert safari appeals most to adventure seekers on a time-limited trip who want a taste of Dubai’s iconic dunes and traditional activities. It’s also great for families or groups of friends looking for a fun, interactive experience with plenty of photo opportunities.
Travelers with a sense of humor and curiosity will enjoy the informative guides and the chance to try something new—whether it’s sandboarding or quad biking. Those who value professional, safety-conscious guides and seamless logistics will also find this tour a good fit.
On the flip side, if you’re after a luxury or exclusive experience, this might feel a bit more casual and energetic than some premium options. Likewise, if communication or punctuality concerns you, be sure to confirm pickup details in advance.
Final Thoughts
The Morning Desert Safari with Quad Bike provides a solid, fun-filled taste of Dubai’s desert environment at a reasonable price. It blends adventure, culture, and scenic beauty, making it a versatile choice for most travelers seeking an authentic desert experience without committing to a full-day tour.
The combination of dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, and quad biking ensures that everyone in the group has a memorable time. Plus, the presence of engaging, knowledgeable guides helps you navigate the dunes safely while sharing insights about the region.
This tour is ideal for those wanting to maximize adventure on a tight schedule, especially if you’re keen on trying multiple activities in one go. Just remember to confirm your pickup time and be prepared for a bumpy but exhilarating ride through some of the region’s most stunning landscapes.
FAQs
Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Dubai in an air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle.
How long does the tour last? The total experience is approximately 4 to 7 hours, depending on your group and stops.
What activities are included? You’ll enjoy dune bashing, a 30-35 minute quad bike ride, sandboarding, and a camel ride.
Is the quad bike suitable for beginners? Yes, detailed instructions are provided, and the bikes are automatic, making them accessible for first-timers.
Can I participate if I’m pregnant or have health issues? Special care is given to pregnant women and those with health concerns. It’s best to inform the guide beforehand.
Are there any additional costs? Not for the main activities, but extras like snacks, souvenirs, or photo services might incur charges.
What is the best time of day for this tour? Morning is recommended when temperatures are cooler and the dunes less crowded.
Is there a minimum group size? Yes, a minimum of 2 people per booking is required.
Can I cancel the tour? Yes, free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance.
What should I wear? Comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather, along with sunscreen and sunglasses, is advised. A hat or cap is also recommended.
To sum it up, the Morning Desert Safari with Quad Bike offers a lively, authentic slice of desert life with plenty of activities that cater to fun-loving travelers. Its affordability, professional guides, and scenic adventures make it a standout choice for those wanting a memorable morning in Dubai’s iconic dunes.