Dubai Marina: Luxury Yacht Tour with Breakfast or BBQ Option

Imagine cruising through Dubai’s shimmering waters, surrounded by iconic skyscrapers, the luxurious Burj Al Arab, and the palm-fringed coastline. This is exactly what you get with the Dubai Marina yacht experience, a highly-rated activity that combines sightseeing, comfort, and a touch of luxury — all for just $18 per person.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are its spectacular views, friendly guides, and delicious onboard cuisine. We love that you can choose between a morning cruise with breakfast or an evening sunset cruise with a BBQ—each offering a different vibe and unforgettable scenery. However, a potential consideration is that it’s a shared tour, so some travelers might prefer a private experience for more intimacy.

This tour is ideal for travelers wanting to see Dubai from a different perspective, those who enjoy good food and drinks, and anyone eager to capture stunning photos of the city skyline at different times of the day.

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Key Points

Affordable luxury: Great value at just $18 per person for a full yacht experience.
Beautiful views: See Dubai’s skyline, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Eye, and Palm Jumeirah from the water.
Flexible options: Choose between a breakfast cruise or a sunset BBQ cruise.
Comfortable environment: Spacious upper deck, air-conditioned lower deck, free WiFi, and a lounge area.
Authentic experience: Friendly crew, knowledgeable guides, and a red-carpet welcome.
Excellent reviews: Consistently high ratings, with many praising the crew, food, and scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

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Starting Point and Arrival

The tour departs from Dubai Marina, a hub of luxury and modernity. Arriving about 30 minutes early is recommended, as you’ll gain access to lounge facilities with free WiFi—perfect for relaxing or checking your photos before setting sail. The meeting point can vary based on your booking, but the staff is known for their professionalism and punctuality, ensuring a smooth start.

Boarding and First Impressions

Guests are greeted with a red-carpet welcome — a small but appreciated touch that sets a luxurious tone. The yacht itself is a 65-foot vessel with ample space, reflecting the high standards of Xclusive Yachts, the tour provider. From the reviews, we know the boat is kept pristine and clean, with many noting the attention to detail like shoe removal policy and slippers, creating a comfortable onboard environment.

Onboard Comforts and Amenities

The yacht features a fully air-conditioned lounge, ideal for escaping the heat or enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. The upper deck offers a spacious open-air area, perfect for sunbathing, taking photos, or simply soaking in the views. During the cruise, you’ll have access to free WiFi and tropical beverages, making it easy to stay connected or share your experience instantly.

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The Itinerary and Landmarks

The cruise route is designed to show off the best of Dubai’s waterscapes in about an hour on the 1-hour option, or longer if you opt for the 2- or 3-hour cruises. The route circles the Dubai Marina, passes the Ain Dubai wheel, the JBR, Dubai Harbour, and the Palm Jumeirah. You’ll also sail past the famous Burj Al Arab, arguably Dubai’s most iconic hotel, and the Bluewaters Island.

Many reviewers praise the scenery, especially at night when the buildings light up spectacularly. One guest shared, “The views where stunning everything was great from start to finish,” highlighting how captivating Dubai’s skyline looks from the water, especially during sunset or night.

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Food and Beverage Offerings

Depending on your chosen option, onboard dining varies from a light breakfast to a BBQ pass-around. The breakfast is described as “not too heavy,” with coffee and drinks included, ideal for a gentle start to the day. The BBQ option receives high praise for its generous portions and quality — one reviewer noted the BBQ dinner was “great and had plenty of options.”

Many guests comment on the value for money, especially considering the inclusive food, drinks, and the scenic experience. Soft drinks and water are plentiful, and alcohol can be purchased via wristbands, offering unlimited options at a fair price. Some mention that the alcoholic drinks are limited to beer and wine, with one reviewer noting the wine might be hot, so if you’re a connoisseur, you might want to bring your own.

Crew and Guide Quality

The crew, including the captain and staff, consistently earns praise for their friendly, professional, and attentive service. Names like Captain Nirmal and crew members Cyril and Ralph pop up frequently, with guests mentioning how helpful they are, especially with photos and information about the landmarks. One guest shared that the captain even let kids sit with him and wear his captain hat, making the experience more personal and memorable.

Authenticity and Extra Touches

Guests have appreciated little extras like professional photos, music playlists, and friendly guides who share interesting facts about Dubai’s skyline. The virtual tour guide enhances the experience, providing context and entertainment during the cruise.

Highlights from Guest Reviews

“The views where stunning, everything was great from start to finish.” — Michelle
“The crew was very attentive, polite, and generous.” — Esai
“The sunset cruise was incredible; the city lights made it magical.” — Indra
“The BBQ was delicious and plentiful, perfect for a relaxed evening.” — Debbie
“The staff made us feel at home, and the boat was very clean.” — Michaela

Practical Tips for Travelers

Dress code: Smart casual is recommended; bikinis and swimwear are not allowed, and footwear is to be removed on board.

Timing: Arrive early to settle in and enjoy the lounge access, especially if you want to capture some Instagram-worthy shots before departure.

Weather considerations: The yacht selection might vary depending on weather conditions, but the boats are equipped for a smooth ride and safety.

Group size: As it’s a shared tour, expect a moderate group. Many reviews praise the experience’s relaxed, not overcrowded atmosphere.

Duration and route: The 1-hour cruise is a quick intro, perfect if you’re tight on time; the 2- or 3-hour options allow for longer sightseeing and dining.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This yacht experience is best suited for those seeking a relaxed yet luxurious way to see Dubai’s skyline. It’s ideal for couples wanting a romantic cruise at sunset, families looking for a fun outing, or solo travelers eager for some spectacular photos and a good meal. Food lovers will appreciate the tasty breakfast or BBQ, and photo enthusiasts will love the opportunities for stunning shots from the water.

However, if you’re after a private or more active experience—like swimming or water sports—you might find this tour more limited. Also, it’s not wheelchair accessible and limited for those with dietary restrictions beyond the provided options.

The Sum Up

This Dubai Marina yacht tour offers an excellent mix of sightseeing, comfort, and value. With high praise for the crew, stunning views, and quality food, it’s definitely a standout activity in Dubai for those looking to enjoy the city’s beauty from the water. The affordability makes it accessible, while the flexible options ensure you can tailor the experience to your preferences.

Whether you want a peaceful morning with breakfast or a lively evening with a BBQ, this tour delivers memorable moments. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate good service, stunning scenery, and a relaxed atmosphere. The consistent positive reviews reflect its reputation as a dependable and enjoyable way to see some of Dubai’s most famous landmarks.

FAQs

Is there hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of this tour. You should arrive at the designated meeting point, which may vary depending on your booking.

Can I swim during the cruise?
Water activities like swimming are not included or scheduled during the tour, as the route focuses on sightseeing.

What should I bring?
A passport or ID card is required for check-in. Dress smart casual, and note swimwear is not allowed on board.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the experience is family-friendly, and many guests mention that the crew is accommodating and kind, even allowing kids to sit with the captain.

Can I purchase alcohol onboard?
Alcoholic drinks can be bought via wristbands, offering unlimited beer or wine. However, some reviews mention the drinks may be warm, so plan accordingly.

How long is the tour?
Options range from 1 hour to 3 hours, with the 1-hour route mainly circling Dubai Marina. Longer cruises provide more sightseeing time and onboard dining.

What is the group size?
It’s a shared tour, generally accommodating a moderate number of guests, which helps maintain a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

In summary, if you’re after a well-priced, scenic, and comfortable way to experience Dubai’s skyline from the water, this yacht tour ticks all the boxes. With attentive staff, good food, and stunning views, it’s a memorable addition to any Dubai trip — especially if you value authentic, enjoyable experiences.