Dubai: Polaris RZR and Sandboarding Desert Adventure

Traveling through Dubai’s bustling cityscape is exhilarating, but if you’re craving a different kind of thrill, the Polaris RZR and Sandboarding Desert Adventure offers an adrenaline-pumping escape into the Arabian Desert. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions highlight a balanced mix of high-speed fun, stunning scenery, and authentic desert experiences that many travelers find worth every penny.

What I love about this adventure is how it combines self-driven dune bashing, the unique opportunity to try sandboarding, and the chance to relax amidst breathtaking desert views. Plus, it’s a cost-effective option for groups of two, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, a possible downside is the additional costs that some reviewers mention, such as extra charges for return transport or optional items like headscarves. This activity seems best suited for adventure enthusiasts who want an authentic, hands-on experience outside Dubai’s city limits.

If you’re looking for a fun, active day in the desert with a knowledgeable guide, this tour hits many key points. It caters well to those dreaming of a mix of adrenaline, scenic photography opportunities, and a touch of cultural flair (like camel rides). It’s perfect for groups of friends, couples, or anyone wanting a memorable desert adventure.

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Key Points

Self-driven adventure with Polaris RZR 1000 CC for an authentic off-road experience
Sandboarding included, adding another exciting element to the day
Flexible itinerary with scenic stops and photo breaks
Professional guides ensure safety and local insights
Comfortable transportation from hotel pickup and drop-off included
Additional costs may apply for certain extras and return transfer

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and What To Expect

The core of this experience is a self-driving Polaris RZR 1000 CC, a machine boasting 195 horsepower, which offers a real thrill for those comfortable with off-road vehicles. The automatic gear system simplifies driving over the dunes, making it accessible even for beginners while still providing a punch of power and excitement.

Once you meet your guide at the Royal Adventure Quad Bike and Buggy Rental in Dubai, you’re handed safety gear and introduced to your buggy. The guides—who are described as friendly and knowledgeable—will give you a quick briefing, ensuring you understand how to handle your vehicle before heading into the dunes. Expect to traverse spectacular sandy terrain, where you can truly feel the freedom of being behind the wheel.

A standout feature of this tour is the ability to drive your own buggy—a rare opportunity that makes the experience feel personal and exciting. Reviewers like Holly praised the “friendly staff” and the “good fun” of the ride, highlighting how much joy they derived from controlling their buggy over the dunes.

Looking for more options in Dubai? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Sandboarding and Cultural Touches

Adding to the adventure, sandboarding is included, allowing you to test your balance and skills on the soft sands. A few reviewers mentioned the initial bombardment of headscarves—a common sight at desert excursions—but it’s a quick, manageable process, especially if you bring your own or are prepared to buy one on-site.

Scenic Breaks and Photo Opportunities

Midway through, you’ll stop for a short break—a chance to relax, snap some photos, and enjoy soft drinks and water. This is appreciated by travelers who want to capture the iconic desert views or just soak in the serenity away from city noise.

Camel Ride and Additional Options

While the tour itself doesn’t include a camel ride or dinner, some packages or add-ons offer these experiences, and reviews suggest they are popular extras. Keep in mind that, according to reviews, the main focus remains on driving and sandboarding.

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The Experience Itself: A Closer Look

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Dune Driving: Power and Control

Driving a Polaris RZR with nearly 200 horsepower is a highlight. Reviewers like Keiran mentioned the “great time” and the “driver Akhtar” who went above and beyond—waiting for stragglers and ensuring everyone got to enjoy the ride. The self-drive aspect is what we love about this tour from more passive safari options; it’s about feeling the desert wind and the power beneath you. The automatic transmission makes controlling the buggy easier, especially when navigating steep dunes and tight turns.

Sandboarding: Balance and Fun

Sandboarding is a fun addition, especially for those wanting to add a physical element to their desert day. It’s accessible for most, though it may take some practice to master sliding down dunes. Reviewers shared how it added an extra layer of excitement, and some found it a “super” activity.

Scenic Photo and Drink Breaks

The photo breaks are essential for capturing the sweeping vistas of Dubai’s desert landscape. Many travelers, like Zara, appreciated the “great experience” and the driver’s friendliness. Soft drinks and water keep everyone refreshed, especially under Dubai’s sun.

Guide and Staff

Guides are praised for their professionalism and friendliness, with reviews mentioning “knowledgeable guides” and “great guides during the tour.” Their local insights help enrich the experience, making it more than just a ride—it’s a genuine taste of desert life.

Additional Costs and Logistics

Some travelers highlight the extra charges for return transportation or the need to pay extra for additional buggy seats or headscarves. For example, a reviewer on GetYourGuide was surprised to pay 240 dirhams for the return trip, which was not included in the base price. These costs are worth considering when budgeting, especially if you plan to travel on a tight schedule.

Practical Details for Planning Your Trip

The price of $185 per group (up to 2 people) offers a good value considering the intense thrill of self-driving a high-powered buggy and the inclusion of sandboarding. The activity lasts for a few hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, simplifying logistics, though transportation might incur additional costs depending on your hotel location.

You’ll want to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, suitable for physical activity and sand. The activity is not recommended for children under 5, pregnant women, or wheelchair users, given its adventurous nature.

The activity duration is flexible, with the opportunity to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some peace of mind.

Is It Worth It? Our Realistic Take

For thrill-seekers, this is a fantastic way to get a dose of adrenaline and see an unspoiled side of Dubai. The powerful buggy, combined with the chance to drive yourself, makes for an exciting and memorable experience. The scenic views and photo opportunities are a bonus, giving you a snapshot of Dubai’s natural beauty.

However, it’s important to note the additional costs some reviewers faced, especially regarding return transportation and extra buggy seats. The desert environment can be challenging if you’re unprepared—bring sturdy shoes and protective gear if you have it.

This tour offers great value for adventure lovers, especially those who want to go beyond the typical Dubai attractions and experience the desert firsthand. It’s perfect for those who love active, hands-on activities and don’t mind a bit of rugged terrain.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is ideal for adventure enthusiasts, groups of two or four, and those craving an authentic desert thrill. If you enjoy driving, trying something new, or simply want to capture stunning desert scenery, it’s a perfect fit.

It’s less suited for families with very young children, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility issues. Also, travelers who prefer a more relaxed or luxury experience might find this activity a little rough around the edges, especially considering the optional extra costs.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics easier.

What should I wear? Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended; expect to get dusty or sandy.

Can I drive the buggy myself? Yes, the Polaris RZR is designed for self-driving, provided you meet the age requirement (16+).

Are sandboarding and camel rides included? Sandboarding is included; camel rides are optional and might be available as an add-on.

What is the age limit? Riders must be at least 16, and passengers at least 5.

Are there any safety concerns? Safety gear is provided, but quad biking is self-driving and taken at your own risk. Insurance does not cover accidents or damages.

How long is the activity? The exact duration might vary, but it includes driving, breaks, and optional activities, lasting a few hours.

Are there any extra costs I should be aware of? Yes, some reviewers noted additional charges for return transport and extra buggy seats.

Can I cancel the booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The Dubai Polaris RZR and Sandboarding Desert Adventure offers a well-rounded mix of thrills, scenic beauty, and cultural fun. It’s a fantastic way to escape the city, feel the power of a high-performance buggy, and enjoy the stunning desert landscape. The inclusion of sandboarding and scenic stops makes it a well-balanced adventure for anyone craving something active and memorable.

While the additional costs might require some budgeting, the overall experience delivers great value, especially for adventure lovers who want to be behind the wheel and truly feel part of the desert environment. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge add to the sense of safety and authenticity, making it a tour worth considering for your Dubai trip.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just seeking a different kind of thrill, this tour can give you stories and pictures to last a lifetime. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure and a smile—your desert escape awaits.