From Dubai: 2 Dives for Certified Divers with BBQ & Transfer

Exploring Fujairah’s Underwater World: A Balanced Look at the Certified Diver Experience

If you’re a certified diver looking to explore new waters, this Dubai-to-Fujairah guided diving tour offers an intriguing blend of vibrant coral reefs, macro marine life, and a comfortable boat experience. We’ve reviewed this popular trip based on genuine feedback and tour details to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the chance to explore fascinating tropical reefs on the East Coast of the UAE is truly enticing. Second, the luxury dive boat with sunbeds and amenities promises a relaxing day on the water. Third, the included BBQ lunch provides a satisfying end to your underwater adventure. But, it’s worth considering that some reviews have pointed out discrepancies between the advertised experience and the actual boat facilities, which could be a concern for some.

This tour suits certified divers who want to combine reliable guidance with the excitement of new diving sites, all while enjoying beautiful scenery and good food. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a well-organized trip but remain aware of potential variations in comfort and equipment quality.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: Transfers, equipment, two guided dives, and lunch are included, making it a relatively hassle-free day.
• Diverse Marine Life: Expect to see soft and hard corals, macro species, and possibly wrecks, depending on the site.
• Luxury Boat: The 42-foot cruising vessel offers sunbeds, indoor seating, a toilet, and a freshwater shower.
• Guided by Professionals: Certified instructors focus on safety and spotting marine highlights, suitable for all levels of divers.
• Authentic Local Scenery: Stops include beautiful vistas like Khorfakkan Waterfall and the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre.
• Mixed Feedback: While many praise the scenery and organization, some critique equipment and boat quality, highlighting the importance of managing expectations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting with Transportation and Timing: The tour begins early, with hotel pickups in Dubai or Fujairah between 6:00 and 7:00 AM. This early start ensures you beat the crowds and maximize your time on the water. The transfer itself is straightforward, though exact pickup times are provided a day in advance—keeping the process transparent and organized.

The Journey to Fujairah: The drive offers a chance to enjoy scenic views, and you’ll arrive at the reef site after about an hour or so, depending on the location. The boat, a 42-foot vessel equipped with sunbeds, indoor seats, and a sound system, is designed for comfort—although some reviewers mention the deck space can feel tight, especially when the boat is fully booked.

Diving at Two Different Sites: With two guided dives, you’ll explore two distinct locations, each offering its own marine marvels. The guides are highly experienced and knowledgeable, making it easier to spot the marine diversity, from coral gardens to macro critters like shrimps and nudibranchs.

• The reef environment is lively, with healthy soft and hard corals creating a vibrant backdrop that’s perfect for underwater photography. One reviewer noted “beautiful diving spots with lots of fish,” confirming the visual richness of these sites.
• Some reviews mention the potential for wrecks, but this varies, and you may find the sites more focused on reefs and macro life.

Underwater Highlights: We loved the way guides are attentive to spotting marine creatures, especially macro species that often hide in the nooks of coral formations. You might encounter a variety of fish, and the reefs’ health is noticeable, with abundant soft corals and artificial reef structures adding to the scene.

Onboard Experience: Post-dive, the boat’s amenities shine. Tanning on sunbeds, enjoying the sound of the waves, and freshening up in the toilet or shower offer a relaxing environment. Although some reviews report broken equipment or limited space, most agree the boat has a comfortable setup for a day trip.

Lunch and Scenic Stops: As the water activity winds down, a delicious BBQ lunch awaits at the dive center. Reviewers frequently mention the food as a highlight—tasty, satisfying, and well-prepared. Afterward, on the return journey, you’ll stop to admire the Khorfakkan Waterfall and the stunning Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, offering a nice break from the water and a chance to stretch your legs.

Does It Offer Good Value?

At $144 per person, this tour packs several key elements: two guided dives, equipment, boat transfers, and a hearty BBQ meal. When compared to similar experiences, the value depends on your expectations:

• If you’re after a seamless day with professional guidance and scenic marine environments, many find this trip worthwhile.
• However, some reviews mention issues like broken gear, limited space, or mismatched descriptions, so it’s wise to keep expectations flexible.

The reviews also highlight that you don’t need to be a novice diver; the experience is suitable regardless of whether it’s your first or your hundredth dive, thanks to professional guides who prioritize safety and fun.

The Mix of Reviews: Honest Perspectives

Positive feedback often revolves around stunning scenery and friendly guides. Thierry, for instance, described the diving spots as “beautiful with lots of fish,” and appreciated the well-organized nature of the trip. The scenic stops for waterfalls and the Amphitheatre add extra value, turning the day into a multi-layered adventure.

On the flip side, some guests like Sascha felt disappointed, citing poor equipment, a broken boat toilet, and the absence of wrecks as advertised. Sascha also pointed out that the boat seemed only half-fitted for diving, with limited space and comfort. These reviews remind travelers to approach with realistic expectations, especially regarding boat amenities and equipment quality.

One common thread among reviewers is the importance of the guide’s expertise. Steffen’s review emphasized “the diving guide was fun and really good at what they did,” highlighting that knowledgeable guides can significantly enhance the experience.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring your passport, swimwear, and towel—these are essentials, especially if you plan to freshen up or sunbathe.
• Carry your diving certification and license; this is mandatory.
• Be medically fit—the tour requires you to meet health standards.
• Arrive on time for pickup, which will be communicated a day before.
• Consider bringing your own towels or sunblock to maximize comfort—although towels are not provided, and some reviews suggest bringing your own might be a good idea if you want to avoid disappointments with boat facilities.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for certified divers seeking a convenient day trip from Dubai that combines good diving opportunities with scenic stops. It’s suitable for those who appreciate guided experiences, value comfort on the water, and don’t mind some variability in equipment quality. It’s also a good pick for travelers who want an active day with underwater adventures, scenic views, and a tasty BBQ lunch.

However, if you’re sensitive to boat comfort or equipment conditions, or if you prefer wreck dives, this experience might not meet all expectations. Being aware of the mixed reviews helps set realistic expectations for a fun, yet sometimes imperfect, adventure.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a solid value for certified divers craving a day filled with marine discovery, scenic transportation, and a relaxed boat cruise. The underwater scenery is undeniably captivating, and the added scenic stops give a broader appreciation of Fujairah’s natural beauty. While some reviews point out areas for improvement—mainly equipment and boat amenities—the core experience remains compelling.

For divers who prioritize guided expertise, beautiful reefs, and an enjoyable day out, especially with the added bonus of delicious food, this trip is often a good match. Just remember to manage expectations regarding boat comfort and equipment, and you’re likely to come away with memorable underwater moments and scenic vistas.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own diving equipment?
No, the tour includes scuba diving equipment, but you should bring your certification/license and be medically fit.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel transfers, two guided dives, equipment, a BBQ lunch, and access to boat amenities like sunbeds, toilets, and showers.

Can I join if I am not a beginner diver?
Yes, the experience is designed for certified divers at all levels, focusing on guided safety and marine highlights.

Are the dive sites wrecks or reefs?
The sites are generally reefs with soft and hard corals, and some mention artificial reefs. Wrecks are not guaranteed and depend on the site.

How long is the overall trip?
The trip starts early, with pickup around 6:00-7:00 AM, and includes approximately two dives plus scenic stops on the way back, making it a full-day experience.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring your passport, swimwear, towel, and sunblock. Towels are not provided, so packing your own is wise.

Is the boat comfortable?
Most reviews say the boat is comfortable for a day trip, with sunbeds and indoor seating; however, some have noted limited space and equipment issues. It’s best to be prepared for a straightforward boat experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver eager to explore new waters or simply seeking a day of scenic views and underwater adventure, this Fujairah diving tour from Dubai offers an accessible way to experience the UAE’s underwater treasures—just with a few caveats to keep in mind.

You can check availability for your dates here: