New Years 3 hours midnight Cruise in Dubai 2026

Imagine ringing in the New Year on a sleek speedboat, drifting along Dubai’s shimmering coastline, with some of the city’s most famous sights lighting up the night sky. That’s exactly what the New Years 3 Hours Midnight Cruise promises—an energetic, water-based celebration with front-row fireworks views and unforgettable photo opportunities. We’ve gathered the inside scoop to help you decide if this cruise fits your New Year’s plans.

What we love about this experience? First, the chance to see Dubai’s skyline from a totally different perspective—sailing past Atlantis, the Palm, and Bluewaters Island. Second, the thrill of speeding on a boat with a knowledgeable guide pointing out landmarks and snapping photos. Third, the spectacular finale: a prime view of the midnight fireworks show in front of the Burj Al Arab.

However, you’ll want to consider the price of $231 per person—it’s not cheap, and the experience is quite brief for the cost. Also, it’s not suitable for everyone, especially those with mobility issues or certain health conditions.

This cruise is best suited for those who want a lively, water-based celebration with a focus on the city’s iconic sights and fireworks. If you’re after a relaxed dinner or a longer cruise, this might not be your best fit. But if your main goal is a quick, exhilarating view of Dubai’s NYE fireworks with some fun watercraft action, this tour could be a memorable choice.

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Key Points

Spectacular fireworks views in front of the Burj Al Arab
Unique perspective sailing past Atlantis and Bluewaters Island
Fast-paced boat ride with multiple photo stops
Includes guide, snacks, drinks, and safety gear
Limited duration—only 3 hours, so timing is tight
Not suitable for pregnant women, people with back or mobility issues

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Review of the Dubai New Year’s Eve Midnight Cruise

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What’s Included and Why It Matters

For $231, you’re getting a speed-boat cruise led by a guide, with snacks, soft drinks, and life jackets included. The tour also supplies blankets—a thoughtful touch for those chilly nights—and the chance to witness the fireworks display right next to the iconic Burj Al Arab.

While the price might seem steep for a 3-hour activity, the value stems from the prime viewing locations and the thrill of a high-speed boat ride. As one traveler noted, “Great boat tour. Highly recommended. Not suitable for people with a weak stomach,” highlighting the fast pacing that adds excitement but may be too intense for some.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Experience

Starting Point: The cruise begins at Splash Tours, located behind the Signature Hotel and Al Rahim mosque in Dubai Marina. From here, you’ll hop onboard your speedboat with your guide and fellow travelers.

Cruising Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Island:
The journey kicks off with a scenic cruise around Dubai’s most luxurious waterfront neighborhood. You’ll see Bluewater Island, home to Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest observation wheel. This is a chance to appreciate Dubai’s modern architecture and vibrant nightlife from the water, with photographers capturing striking shots of the illuminated skyline.

Sailing Around the Palm at High Speeds:
Next, the boat speeds toward The Palm Jumeirah, offering close-up views of Atlantis, The Palm, beautifully lit against the night sky. Multiple stops allow for picture-taking—an appreciated feature, especially since some reviews mention guides taking photos for you, ensuring you leave with memorable shots.

Approaching the Fireworks Show:
The highlight arrives as the boat speeds up for a front-row view of Burj Al Arab’s fireworks at midnight. This vantage point, right in front of the luxury hotel, provides an unobstructed, spectacular display. The guide will likely give commentary, helping you appreciate the scale and precision of Dubai’s NYE fireworks.

Authentic Experiences and Insights from Reviews

One traveler described their experience as “everything was 100% good,” emphasizing the smooth organization and friendly staff. Others appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to take photos during the stops, which can often be overlooked in quick tours.

However, some reviews point out that this isn’t a dinner cruise—you’re mainly on a boat with snacks and drinks, not a full meal. One reviewer called it “simply a dinghy transfer from Dubai Marina to Burj al Arab for the fireworks and back,” highlighting that the main attraction is the fireworks view, not a gourmet experience.

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Practicalities and Considerations

Timing is tight—the cruise lasts just three hours, so you’ll need to be punctual. The meeting point is centrally located, but you’ll need to arrange your own transportation there and back. The activity is suitable mainly for adults and those comfortable with speedboat rides; it’s not ideal for pregnant women, seniors with mobility issues, or anyone with spinal problems.

Clothing and safety are straightforward: bring comfortable clothes, a passport or ID, and wear shoes suitable for the boat. Luggage or large bags are not allowed onboard, so plan accordingly.

Cancellation policy allows for full refunds if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility in case plans change.

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Why This Tour Might Be Perfect for You

If you’re craving a quick, energetic way to ring in the New Year with spectacular fireworks and a unique water perspective, this cruise ticks those boxes. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy fast-paced adventures and want to capture Dubai’s iconic landmarks with ease. The inclusion of a guide who can assist with photos adds a helpful touch, especially during the stops at Bluewaters Island and Atlantis.

That said, it’s a short experience, so if you prefer a relaxed, sit-down dinner or a longer cruise with more comprehensive entertainment, you’ll want to look elsewhere. This tour also skews toward those comfortable with speedboats and the potential motion discomfort that can come with high speeds.

Who Will Love This Experience?

Travelers wanting front-row fireworks views in Dubai
Those interested in a photo-rich, fast-paced water adventure
Visitors looking for a unique perspective on Dubai’s skyline
People comfortable with speedboat rides and short durations

Who Might Want to Skip This Tour?

Families with very young children or seniors with mobility issues
Anyone prone to seasickness or looking for a long, leisurely cruise
Guests seeking a full dinner experience or a more relaxed event

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, starting in the evening and ending back at the meeting point.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Splash Tours, located behind the Signature Hotel and Al Rahim mosque in Dubai Marina, with a Google Maps link provided for easy navigation.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable clothes and shoes, and be prepared for potentially chilly weather at night. Luggage or large bags aren’t allowed onboard.

Is food included?
Snacks and soft drinks are provided, but this isn’t a full meal cruise. Expect light snacks rather than a sit-down dinner.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.

Is this activity suitable for pregnant women?
No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women or those with back or spinal issues.

Are there guides onboard?
Yes, guides accompany the cruise, providing commentary, assistance with photos, and ensuring safety throughout.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This midnight cruise offers a lively, high-energy way to celebrate New Year’s in Dubai, with stunning views of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a good choice if you’re after fireworks, photos, and a fast-paced adventure on the water. The knowledgeable guides and photo stops significantly add to the experience’s value, making it more than just a boat ride.

However, the short duration and price point mean it’s best suited for travelers who prioritize spectacular fireworks views and a quick, fun experience over a long, leisurely cruise. If you’re comfortable with high speeds and want a front-row seat to Dubai’s NYE fireworks, this could be a memorable way to ring in the new year.

For those seeking a more relaxed, dinner-focused celebration, or a longer cruise with additional amenities, exploring other options might be worthwhile. But if excitement, stunning views, and capturing Dubai’s skyline from the water appeal to you, this tour is worth considering.

To sum it up, the Dubai New Year’s Eve Midnight Cruise is a lively, visually striking way to welcome 2026. It blends the thrill of a speedboat ride with the magic of Dubai’s fireworks display, creating a memorable start to the new year. Just be prepared for the short duration and adrenaline rush—and you’ll have a fantastic time celebrating Dubai style.