United Arab Emirates in 1 Day for Couples - Boarding at Marina Walk and evening skyline views of Dubai Marina
In Collaboration with Atlas. Updated on February 19, 2026.
Evening Arabian dhow dinner cruise through Dubai Marina with a full-course buffet, soft drinks, and live entertainment (Tanoura dance and live music). Boarding at Marina Walk (20:30); cruise route passes Dubai Marina, JBR Waterfront, Cayan Tower and Bluewaters Island (Ain Dubai). Optional group hotel pickup is available.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Atlas, inspired by the tour Alexandra Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Boarding at Marina Walk and evening skyline views of Dubai Marina
- Full-course buffet dinner with soft drinks included
- Live entertainment (Tanoura dance, live music) and views of Ain Dubai
Itinerary
Day 1
Evening dhow cruise with optional group transfer; boarding at Marina Walk and departure along Dubai Marina, JBR Waterfront, Cayan Tower and Bluewaters Island (Ain Dubai).
Optional group hotel pickup (if selected)
Group transfer from hotels in Dubai Marina area to the boarding point. Waiting time on group pickup may be up to 30 minutes; driver will collect guests from a nearby hotel or agreed pickup point.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready in the hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup; group pickups can have a 30-minute waiting window.
- If you have small children, note children under 5 are free but may not have a seat on the transfer bus for group tours.
- Have your booking voucher (mobile or printed) and the hotel name available for the driver to speed identification.
Boarding at Marina Walk (arrival & embarkation)
Arrive at the Marina Walk boarding area, check in with the crew and take your seat. Boarding opens at 20:30 and departure is at 21:00.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive at Marina Walk at least 10 minutes before boarding (recommended by 20:20) to locate the embarkation point and choose seats on a first-come basis.
- Dress code is smart casual; in cooler months bring a light layer for the open deck.
- Bring your booking confirmation (mobile or printed); the crew will verify your name at check-in.
Dubai Marina (first viewing from the dhow)
Begin the cruise and pass along Dubai Marina for panoramic views of the skyline and waterfront developments.
Tips from local experts:
- For skyline photos, sit on the side of the dhow facing the marina towers; the light is best shortly after departure.
- Keep valuables secure — small boats can rock; use a wrist or neck strap for cameras or phones.
- Restrooms are available onboard; use them before longer viewing stretches if needed.
JBR Waterfront (The Walk) - waterfront views
Cruise past JBR Waterfront (The Walk) with views of beachfront developments and the Ain Dubai skyline in the distance.
Tips from local experts:
- If you want photos of the beachfront and Ain Dubai, position yourself toward the dhow side facing JBR before arrival.
- The promenade (The Walk) is lively in daytime; from the dhow you will see the beachfront lighting and hotel strips after dark.
- Keep jackets or wraps handy in cooler months — sea breezes can be noticeable near the beachfront.
Cayan Tower (spiral tower view)
Pass Cayan Tower and view its distinctive twisted architecture from the water.
Tips from local experts:
- The twisted shape of Cayan Tower is best photographed from the side of the dhow facing the marina; keep your camera ready as you approach.
- Avoid using a flash for night shots; long exposure with a steady hand or small tripod will produce better photos.
- If you have mobility needs, ask crew members where the most accessible seating is when boarding.
Bluewaters Island / Ain Dubai viewpoint
View Bluewaters Island and the Ain Dubai observation wheel lit at night as the dhow rounds this section of the route.
Tips from local experts:
- Ain Dubai is visible from the water; for the best lit-night photos, choose a side of the dhow facing the wheel as the boat approaches Bluewaters.
- The wheel is privately operated — you will view it from the dhow rather than disembark.
- Be mindful of other sightseeing boats in this area; stay near the crew for safe boarding and disembarkation guidance.
Dinner buffet and live entertainment onboard
Full-course buffet dinner served on board with soft drinks included. Live entertainment program with Tanoura dance and live music occurs during the meal.
Tips from local experts:
- Soft drinks are included; alcoholic beverages are excluded and can be ordered onboard if you wish.
- Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis — if you prefer a particular viewpoint, board early during the boarding window.
- If celebrating a birthday, inform the representative at booking; desserts can be provided at the table and a cake can be arranged through the crew.
Return to Marina Walk and disembark
The dhow returns to the Marina Walk boarding point for disembarkation. Guests on the transfer option are returned to hotels after disembarkation.
Tips from local experts:
- Disembarkation begins promptly on return; have any personal items ready to avoid delays.
- If you used the group transfer service, expect a short wait for collection and a possible 10–30 minute transfer back to hotels.
- If you require assistance exiting the vessel, inform the crew before arrival so they can prepare a safe disembarkation.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Neighborhood, Attraction, Meal |