Dubai: Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Sandboarding, Camels & BBQ

Planning a trip to Dubai? You’ll find an array of desert adventures, but few provide such an engaging blend of excitement, culture, and value as the Dubai Desert Safari with Quad Biking, Sandboarding, Camels, and BBQ offered by OceanAir Travels. With a stellar 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 1,500 reviews, this tour promises an authentic desert experience packed with activities, entertainment, and stunning scenery.

What makes this safari stand out? We love the well-organized itinerary that balances adrenaline-pumping activities like dune bashing and quad biking with relaxed moments of camel riding and cultural encounters. The delicious BBQ dinner and lively entertainment at the camp add a memorable touch. A possible consideration is the timing adjustments during summer months, which might mean earlier pickup times—something to keep in mind when planning.

This tour is ideal for adventure seekers, families, or anyone wanting a taste of Bedouin hospitality combined with fun activities. Whether you want to tick off multiple desert activities in one go or simply enjoy the scenic red dunes, this experience offers great value for its price and reviews.

Key Points

• All-in-one adventure combining dune bashing, quad biking, sandboarding, and camel rides for a full desert experience.
• Cultural elements like falcon encounters, henna painting, Arabic coffee, and traditional dress enhance authenticity.
• High safety standards are reflected in experienced guides, with many reviews praising their knowledge and care.
• Excellent value with a comprehensive package at around $44 per person, including food, drinks, and entertainment.
• Stunning scenery of Dubai’s Lehbab Red Dunes, perfect for photos and memorable moments.
• Family-friendly activities with options for different age groups (note some restrictions for pregnant women, infants, and those with mobility issues).

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Dubai’s Red Dunes: What You Can Expect

This desert safari begins with a hotel pickup in an air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle, setting the tone for comfort and ease. The journey itself is an adventure, with the guide sharing insights about Dubai’s desert landscape and culture. When you arrive at the dunes, a quick stop for tire pressure adjustment and restroom breaks allows everyone to settle in.

Dune Bashing and Sandboarding: Heart-Pumping Fun

The core of the experience is dune bashing—a rollercoaster ride up and down the towering red sands in a fully equipped 4×4 vehicle. Many reviews highlight how experienced guides, like Lahcen and Osama, make the ride safe yet exhilarating, often sharing local stories along the way. Anthea notes that Lahcen’s helpful, informative attitude enhanced the thrill and comfort.

Following that, you’ll have the chance to try sandboarding—gliding down the dunes on a board. It’s a simple thrill suitable for many, with the added bonus that the dunes themselves are spectacular, offering perfect backdrops for photos.

Quad Biking: Self-Driven Adventure

If you’ve opted for the quad bike upgrade, you’ll find yourself tackling the sands solo—a highlight for many reviewers. Tobias describes it as a fun, safe activity where guides like Muhammed and Rashid made the experience memorable. Quad biking is a self-driving activity, so you’ll need to be comfortable with the idea of controlling your own machine; it’s described as at your own risk, with insurance not covering mishaps. For the adventurous, it adds an extra layer of fun.

Camel Rides and Cultural Experiences

Next, the calm and peaceful camel ride offers a chance to appreciate the desert’s vastness. It’s a relaxing moment amidst the adrenaline, and several reviewers mention how guides like Ameer Abbas and Muhammed ensured everyone felt comfortable. Note that people with back issues, disabilities, or over 60 should consider skipping this activity, as per the safety advice.

At the camp, you’ll encounter falconry, henna tattoos, shisha smoking, and traditional dress-up, adding a cultural flavor. Many reviewers, including Léa and Ivana, appreciated the friendly guides who shared fascinating insights and made everyone feel at ease. The camel, falcons, and traditional dress-up give this experience an authentic touch that can’t be faked.

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Evening Entertainment & BBQ Dinner

The desert camp transforms as the sun sets, with entertainment such as Yola dance, horse shows, fire shows, and traditional music. Reviewers like Carl and Lisa praise the professional, lively shows that keep the energy high. The dinner is a buffet BBQ, with vegetarian options available, and many guests commend the delicious food and generous portions.

The unlimited soft drinks and water keep everyone refreshed throughout the evening. Reviewers mention how the camp staff’s friendliness and attentiveness made the experience feel personalized, especially when guides like Wajahat, Adnan, and Sunil helped capture memorable sunset photos.

Ending the Day

As the night winds down, you’ll be transported back in comfort to your hotel. Many reviews, including those from Anthea, Tobias, and Krissti, highlight how the guides’ professionalism and friendly attitude made the day smooth and enjoyable from start to finish.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $44 per person, this experience covers a wide range of activities, cultural insights, dinner, and entertainment. For such a reasonable price, it’s clear that OceanAir Travels packs in a lot of fun and authenticity, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers craving a full desert adventure.

The multiple reviews praising the guides’ knowledge and friendliness point to a tour that prioritizes safety and customer satisfaction. The quality of the food, the variety of activities, and the stunning desert scenery all contribute to a trip that feels far more expensive than it actually is.

Notable Extras

• The flexible booking and pay later option adds convenience.
• The tour is ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a comprehensive desert experience.
• The timing adjustments during summer months—with pickup times shifting earlier or later—are worth noting for planning purposes.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This safari suits adventure lovers eager to try dune bashing and quad biking, but also those interested in cultural experiences like falconry and henna. Families with teenagers will appreciate the diverse activities and lively entertainment, while budget-conscious travelers discover that they get a lot of value for the $44 price tag.

However, individuals with mobility issues, pregnant women, or those with back problems should consider restrictions on camel rides and other activities. The tour’s lively nature and wide activity range make it perfect for those seeking a full, authentic desert day without the hassle of planning each element separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned 4×4, making it easy and comfortable to start and end your day.

What activities are included in the tour?
The package features dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, quad biking (if selected), falcon encounters, sunset photos, henna tattoos, and evening entertainment.

Are vegetarian options available during dinner?
Yes, the BBQ buffet includes vegetarian options alongside traditional meats, ensuring everyone is satisfied.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
You can reserve your spot with the “Reserve & Pay Later” option, providing flexibility to plan your trip closer to your travel dates.

Are there age or health restrictions?
Yes, infants below 3 years are not allowed in dune bashing vehicles, and those with back problems, disabilities, or over 60 should consider skipping camel rides. The maximum weight for horse riding is 200 lbs.

Is quad biking safe?
Quad biking is self-driven and done at your own risk. The activity provider’s insurance does not cover accidents, so participants should be comfortable controlling the quad bike.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration isn’t explicitly stated, but considering all activities, it typically spans several hours, with pickup and drop-off included.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for desert conditions, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended. Luggage or large bags are not allowed, and pets aren’t permitted.

Final Thoughts

This Dubai desert safari offers an outstanding combination of adventure, culture, and entertainment at a very accessible price point. The expert guides, stunning scenery, and delicious food ensure a memorable experience that’s well worth the time and money. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline rushes, cultural insights, or simply beautiful desert landscapes, this tour delivers.

It’s particularly well-suited for those wanting a full, authentic desert adventure without the hassle of organizing multiple activities or worrying about safety. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find plenty to love here, especially with the positive reviews highlighting excellent guides like Lahcen, Yousaf, and Ameer Abbas.

For travelers after an immersive, fun-filled day that balances thrill and tradition, this safari ticks all the boxes—and leaves you with plenty of stories (and photos) to share.

Note: Always check current availability and timings, especially during summer months when pickup times may shift earlier or later.

You can check availability for your dates here: