Afternoon Dune Drive Safari with SunSet Photo & Sand Boarding

Experience the Dubai Desert Like Never Before — Without the Evening Fuss

Taking a desert safari is often associated with long evenings filled with BBQs and shows, but if you’re after a shorter, more active experience, the Afternoon Dune Drive Safari with Sunset Photo & Sand Boarding might just be your best pick. From what we’ve seen and reviewed, this tour offers a well-rounded dose of desert thrills in about six hours, perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the sand without the late-night commitments.

What makes this experience stand out? For starters, it packs a longer-than-usual dune bash—over an hour—plus plenty of opportunities to try sandboarding, camel riding, and capture incredible sunset photos. The tour also offers optional all-terrain vehicle or desert buggy rides, adding an extra layer of excitement for those seeking adrenaline. And at only $46 per person, it’s an excellent value for a comprehensive desert adventure. The main consideration? Since it skips the evening BBQ and entertainment, it’s best suited for those who prefer action over after-dark shows.

This experience suits a wide range of travelers—from families seeking a fun day out to couples wanting epic sunset shots—who want to squeeze in a desert adventure without the time commitment of a full evening tour.

• Shorter, Active Experience: Perfect for travelers with limited time in Dubai who still want a full desert adventure.
• Extended Dune Bash: Over 60 minutes of dune bashing, more than many other tours offer.
• Authentic Activities: Sandboarding, camel rides, and sunset photography add genuine desert fun.
• Flexible Options: Optional ATV or buggy rides make the experience customizable.
• Value for Money: At $46, it offers a comprehensive package without an expensive price tag.
• Professional Guides: Reviewers praise guides like Bashar and Boris for their friendliness and expertise.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Stop 1: Al Badayer — Rest, Restroom, and Optional Quad Biking

The adventure kicks off at Al Badayer, a popular desert spot known for its expansive dunes. You get about 20 minutes to relax, take in the views, or hop on an optional quad bike. This is a nice way to unwind and get your first glimpse of the desert terrain before the action starts. Reviewers mention that the stop is well-organized, and the rest area is sufficient for a quick break. If you’re eager to get moving, you can jump into quad biking — a fun, albeit optional, activity for adrenaline junkies.

Stop 2: Al Madayer — Dune Bashing, Sunset, and Sandboarding

Next, you’ll head deeper into the desert to Al Madayer, where the real thrill begins. The highlight here is a more-than-an-hour dune bash—dune driving that’s more prolonged and exhilarating than most tours. Guests often describe the ride as akin to a “roller coaster in the sand,” with steep turns and sharp ascents that get your heart racing.

From the reviews, the guides like Bashar and Boris excel at making the ride exciting yet safe. One guest noted Bashar’s friendly demeanor and professional driving made the experience all the more memorable. The sunset stop is also a key moment—perfect for photos and capturing that iconic desert glow. Reviewers rave about the views, calling the sunset “incredible,” and many take advantage of sandboarding and camel riding during this time.

Sandboarding, in particular, is a favorite among reviewers. It’s described as “really exciting & lovely,” and a chance to slide down the dunes like sledding. Camel rides add a fun, traditional touch and are mainly for photos and a bit of fun rather than a lengthy trek.

Additional Options: ATV and Desert Buggy Rides

For those craving even more adventure, optional all-terrain vehicle or desert buggy rides are available at an extra cost. Reviewers who opt for these mention they add a significant adrenaline boost, making the trip even more memorable. Keep in mind these are not included in the base price but are worth considering if you’re after a thrill.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package includes everything you need for a fun and hassle-free day: air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, sandboarding activities, camel rides for photos, dune bashing, and sunset photography. All fees and taxes are covered, which is great for transparency and budgeting.

However, notable exclusions are dinner, which is absent since the tour focuses on daytime activities, and additional rides like quad biking or buggy driving, which come at extra costs. This means you can tailor the experience to your budget and interests—whether you want just a taste of desert thrills or a full-on adrenaline rush.

The Experience in Real Terms

What do reviewers love most? Many highlight the guides’ professionalism and friendliness. Bashar, Boris, and Mudather are frequently praised for their safety-conscious driving, accommodating nature, and ability to make everyone feel at ease. One reviewer even called Boris “funny and a professional,” noting his skills as an excellent photographer—helping guests capture stunning sunset shots.

Participants consistently mention that the dune bashing is more than enough to satisfy thrill-seekers, with some describing it as “like being on a roller coaster,” which is exactly what makes it so engaging. The sandboarding is often described as “sledding on sand,” with reviewers saying it’s “really exciting & lovely,” offering a different kind of fun compared to standard desert rides.

Authentic Desert Vibes

Multiple reviews mention the wandering camels and untouched nature, emphasizing the genuine desert atmosphere rather than overly commercialized shows. The sunset viewing, paired with the quiet beauty of the dunes, creates an awe-inspiring backdrop that many guests cherish in their photos and memories.

Food and Entertainment

Since this is a daylight-focused tour, there’s no dinner or evening entertainment included. Some reviewers mention that if you love a full-night desert experience, you might miss the iconic shows; however, for those wanting a shorter, more active visit, this is a plus.

Group Size and Comfort

The tour is conducted in private vehicles, meaning your group has an exclusive experience. Guests report the transport is comfortable, air-conditioned, and punctual. The overall atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, perfect for families, couples, or small groups seeking a personalized adventure.

Price and Value

At $46 per person, this tour offers excellent value. You’re paying for a combination of dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, sunset photos, plus bottled water and the convenience of pickup and drop-off. Compared to longer, evening-focused safaris which often include elaborate shows and meals, this is a more economical choice that still delivers the essential desert thrills.

Some reviewers mention that guides like Bashar and Boris elevate the experience with their professionalism and friendly attitude, making the price even more worthwhile. The optional extra activities—ATV and buggy rides—are reasonably priced and add memorable adrenaline shots if you’re willing to spend a little more.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This safari suits travelers who prefer a shorter, action-packed desert experience without the evening entertainment. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers keen on dune bashing, sandboarding, and photography. If you’re after a relaxed, less crowded experience with a knowledgeable guide, this tour ticks those boxes.

However, if you’re seeking a full night with dinner, shows, and cultural entertainment, you might want to look at other options. But for adrenaline, scenic sunset photos, and authentic desert adventures at a reasonable price, this day safari is hard to beat.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, though younger children should be supervised, especially during dune bashing and optional quad biking.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, the experience features air-conditioned pickup and drop-off, making it convenient and comfortable.

Can I opt for extra activities?
Absolutely. You can choose to pay for ATV or desert buggy rides, which add extra excitement and are recommended if you crave more adrenaline.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are advisable. Bottled water is provided, and a camera or smartphone for photos is a must.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it flexible if your plans change.

What time does the tour start and end?
It lasts approximately six hours, with pickup and drop-off included, focusing on the afternoon into sunset.

The Afternoon Dune Drive Safari with Sunset Photo & Sand Boarding combines excellent value with authentic desert thrills. It’s a carefully curated experience that balances adrenaline, scenic beauty, and traditional activities—all within a manageable timeframe. Guides like Bashar and Boris consistently earn praise for their professionalism and friendliness, making the ride not just exciting but also safe and enjoyable.

If you’re after a shorter, energetic, and picturesque desert adventure, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s especially ideal for those who want to skip the lengthy evening shows but still want to savor the magic of Dubai’s sands—whether for a quick escape or a memorable day trip.

Note: Always verify current availability and booking details directly with the provider, as tour specifics or offerings may change over time.