Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 28 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show worth booking?
Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show is a 1.5-hour experience in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from $39 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 28 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (28)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $39 per person
Step aboard a beautifully lit traditional wooden dhow and cruise through Dubai Marina. Admire the glittering skyline, luxury yachts, and modern architecture as you glide across calm waters. Choose the open-air upper deck for panoramic views or relax inside the air-conditioned lower deck. Enjoy a lavish international buffet featuring Arabic, Asian, and continental dishes, with plenty of vegetarian options. Experience warm Emirati hospitality combined with modern elegance. A live Tanoura dance show adds vibrant culture and entertainment to the night. This Dubai Marina dhow dinner cruise is perfect for couples, families, and group celebrations. It blends romance, sightseeing, and entertainment in one evening. Highly recommended for first-time visitors and anyone seeking a memorable Dubai experience. Optional hotel pickup and drop-off make the evening smooth and stress-free.
What you get
About this experience
Step aboard a beautifully lit traditional wooden dhow and cruise through Dubai Marina. Admire the glittering skyline, luxury yachts, and modern architecture as you glide across calm waters. Choose the open-air upper deck for panoramic views or relax inside the air-conditioned lower deck. Enjoy a lavish international buffet featuring Arabic, Asian, and continental dishes, with plenty of vegetarian options. Experience warm Emirati hospitality combined with modern elegance. A live Tanoura dance show adds vibrant culture and entertainment to the night. This Dubai Marina dhow dinner cruise is perfect for couples, families, and group celebrations. It blends romance, sightseeing, and entertainment in one evening. Highly recommended for first-time visitors and anyone seeking a memorable Dubai experience. Optional hotel pickup and drop-off make the evening smooth and stress-free.
What's included
Included
- Unlimited water, soft drinks & tea.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if transfer option is selected)
- Live Tanoura dance show and background music
- 2-hour Dubai Marina dhow dinner cruise
- Friendly professional crew and brief safety orientation
- Seating choice: open-air upper deck or air-conditioned lower deck
- Lavish international buffet with Emirati, Asian & continental dishes
Not included
- Gratuities / tips (optional)
- Souvenir photos (available for purchase)
- Transfers if pickup option is not selected
What you'll see and do
Dubai
Begin your unforgettable Dubai Marina dhow dinner cruise with a warm meet and greet by our professional crew. Guests who book the hotel pickup and drop-off option will be collected from their Dubai hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and brought directly to Dubai Harbour, the starting point of this scenic evening experience. Upon arrival, our team will assist you with a smooth boarding process, share a short safety briefing, and guide you to your reserved seat on the traditional wooden dhow.
30 minutes here
Dubai Harbour
Step aboard a beautifully decorated traditional wooden dhow cruise for a 2-hour luxury dining experience along the glittering Dubai Marina Canal. Choose between the open-air upper deck for panoramic skyline views or the air-conditioned lower deck for cool comfort. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and relax as the dhow sets sail. Delight in a lavish international buffet dinner featuring Middle Eastern and continental dishes, unlimited water and soft drinks, and indulge in live entertainment with a Tanoura dance show and background music—all while gliding across Dubai’s illuminated waterfront.
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Dubai Marina
As the cruise enters the heart of Dubai Marina, take in breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like Cayan Tower (Twisted Tower), Pier 7, Marina Walk, and the vibrant Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). Capture Instagram-worthy photos of the shimmering skyscrapers and luxury yachts, making this one of the most romantic and relaxing dinner cruises in Dubai.
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Ain Dubai
Sail toward Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest observation wheel, located on Bluewaters Island. The illuminated Dubai Eye provides a stunning backdrop for memorable photos as you enjoy your dinner and soak up the glittering skyline of JBR Beach and the Arabian Gulf.
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Cruise past the ultra-modern Bluewaters Island, famous for its upscale dining, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife. From the dhow’s deck, admire the island’s striking architecture and dazzling lights, a perfect reflection of modern Dubai’s waterfront lifestyle.
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Dubai
As the evening concludes, the dhow gently sails back to Dubai Harbour, completing your unforgettable dinner cruise in Dubai Marina. Guests who selected the round-trip hotel transfer option will be escorted back to their hotel in comfort, while others can disembark and explore the lively Dubai Marina Promenade at leisure.
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Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Dubai
Boarding Location Gate No. 1 Drop-off Location Walking Area 34VM+FJ, Marsa Dubai, Dubai Contact the tour operator ahead of time to avoid any last-minute inconvenience
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Boarding Location Gate No. 1 Drop-off Location Walking Area 34VM+FJ, Marsa Dubai, Dubai Contact the tour operator ahead of time to avoid any last-minute inconvenience
Options you can book
Dinner Cruise without Transfer
Boarding Time 8:00 pm: Departure time 8:30 pm. Arrive at least 30 mins before Departure time to avoid NO-SHOW. Tanura Dance Show and Music Duration: 2 hours Buffet Dinner: (Veg and Non-Veg) with Unlimited Water and Soft Drinks Dubai Marina Canal: Around 2 hours cruising through Marina canal with a view of Ain Dubai Traditional Dhow Boat: Lower Deck and Upper Deck with open-air seating.
CRUISE Dinner with Pick & Drop
Sharing Pick up: Pick-up Time from 7:00 PM I Boarding Time at 8:00 PM I Cruising Time from 8:30 PM. Tanura Dance Show and Music. Duration: 3 hours Buffet Dinner : Arabic, Asian, and continental dishes with vegetarian options Unlimited water and softdrinks Dubai Marina Harbour: 2 Hours Cruising through Dubai Marina canal Traditional wooden Boat: Lower and upper decks are available, featuring open-air seating for scenic views. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- no, de, ru, pt, ko, cmn, el, fil, en, hr, it, fr, es, ja, ro, da, nl
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Saifco Travel and Tourism
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Dress code is smart casual
- During the Holy Month of Ramadan NO entertainment as per government guidelines
- During Dry Days and official public holidays NO entertainment as per the guidelines of the DTCM
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 28 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
8 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
28 verified traveler reviews for Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Lovely evening on the Marina Dinner Cruise
Had a really nice evening on the Marina Dinner Cruise. The views of Dubai Marina at night were amazing, especially with all the lights and the skyline. The food was good with a nice variety, and the staff were friendly and helpful throughout the cruise. Overall, it was a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Great way to spend an evening in Dubai, especially if you want to enjoy the views while having dinner.
via Tripadvisor
Zero-Star Experience: Don't Waste Your Money
I wish I could give this experience zero stars. We were seated with random strangers, making it awkward and uncomfortable, and our own family couldn’t even sit together due to the poorly planned seating. The music was bad and kept randomly cutting out, which made everything feel unprofessional. The food was horrible, and despite being told there would be an announcement for the buffet, there wasn’t one. Instead, it turned into a chaotic mess of people rushing and fighting to get food because of the complete lack of organization. The service was terrible from start to finish. Do yourself a favor and book literally any other experience. You’ll get the same views without the awful food, disorganization, and terrible service. This was a complete waste of money.
Response from the operator: Dear Vinay, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are genuinely sorry to learn that your experience on the Dubai Marina Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show did not meet your expectations. We understand how important comfortable seating, good service, and an enjoyable dining experience are for our guests. Your comments regarding the seating arrangements, buffet organization, and onboard experience have been noted and shared with the operating team for review. While many guests enjoy this experience, we recognize that your visit fell short of the standards we aim to provide, and for that, we sincerely apologize. Thank you for your feedback, as it helps us improve our services. Kind regards, Saifco Travel & Tourism Team
via Viator
Horrible
The boat ride itself wasn’t bad, the boat was suppose to leave at 8pm but left at 840pm. We came back at 10pm, it was not a full 2hr. I have never seen a group of ppl Who have acted as though they never seen food before. This group of ppl bomb rushed to the food by pushing, and grabbing multiple plates. All the food was taken quickly, food ran out and wasn’t replaced. Which was unacceptable, hot water bottles were placed on the tables. No drinks were offered, had to ask for soda. I wouldn’t recommend this Excursion to anyone.
Response from the operator: Dear Nicole, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are truly sorry to hear about your disappointing experience during the Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise. This is certainly not the level of service we aim to provide. We sincerely apologize for the delay in departure, the issues you encountered with food service, and the overall inconvenience during your tour. Your comments are very important to us, and we will be addressing these concerns with our team to ensure improvements are made. We’re very sorry to hear about your experience. We always encourage our guests to contact us directly with any concerns during or after the tour, as this allows us the opportunity to address the issue and offer appropriate compensation. While we understand reviews are important, reaching out to us directly would have given us the chance to make things right for you. We truly value your feedback and hope to have the opportunity to resolve this. Kind regards,
via Viator
Loved the Marina Dinner Cruise Experience
Had an amazing evening on the dhow cruise! The food was delicious and fresh. Loved the live show and music — so much fun! The Dubai Marina skyline looked stunning with all the lights. The breeze, the views, and the vibe made it a perfect night. Truly a must-do
Response from the operator: Dear Arif K, Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing evening on the Marina Dhow Cruise. The stunning skyline, fresh buffet, and live entertainment truly create a magical experience — and we’re so happy you enjoyed every moment of it. We hope to welcome you back aboard soon for another unforgettable night! Warm regards, The Saifco Travel & Tourism Team
via Tripadvisor
Enrique Iglesias concert
On September 12, 2024, I traveled to Dubai with my family and friends to attend the Enrique Iglesias concert. Enrique's performance was the most beautiful, the best and the most exciting part of our trip. Enrique performed like a 20-year-old young man, energetic and excellent as always. Due to the extreme heat in Dubai, we were only able to visit the arcades, markets, and the Atlantis water park, but we really enjoyed our trip, as well as the kindness, hospitality, and lawfulness of the people of Dubai.
Response from the operator: Dear Guests, Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful experience in Dubai. We're delighted to hear you had a memorable time with us. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back in the future for another unforgettable adventure. Warm regards,
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $39 to $52
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 10
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Saifco Travel and Tourism, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.1.
See everything Saifco Travel and Tourism runsWhy this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Dubai.
How much does Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show cost?
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Prices start at $39 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Dubai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Dubai is not rushed.
Is Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 28 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Dubai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show?
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Around 10 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Dubai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Dubai and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Dubai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Dubai?
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On Outty we rank every Dubai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp, Dubai: Red Dunes Safari, Quad, Camel, Dune Bash, BBQ & Shows, Dubai Evening Desert Safari Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner & Live Shows. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Dubai?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Dubai?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show?
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Included: Unlimited water, soft drinks & tea; Hotel pickup and drop-off (if transfer option is selected); Live Tanoura dance show and background music; 2-hour Dubai Marina dhow dinner cruise; and Friendly professional crew and brief safety orientation. Not included: Gratuities / tips (optional); Souvenir photos (available for purchase); and Transfers if pickup option is not selected. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 1087 listed pickup locations in and around Dubai. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show offered in?
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It is offered in Norwegian, German, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, Chinese, Greek, Filipino, English, Croatian, Italian, French, Spanish, Japanese, Romanian, Danish and Dutch. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Dubai. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show?
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Across 28 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, photo opportunities, good for families. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
What booking options are available for Dubai Marina: Elegant Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Show?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Dinner Cruise without Transfer, CRUISE Dinner with Pick & Drop. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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