The Middle East · CANOES & KAYAKS
The 13 kayak trips below are the ones worth a slot in a short week, each with its price, its running time and who it actually suits. The order is deliberate, so start at the top.
Choose one of two six to seven hour Dubai outings: a Lahbab Desert safari with dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, BBQ dinner, and live shows, or a Hatta trip with kayaking, heritage stops, and mountain views. Hotel pickup, an English speaking guide, and air conditioned transport are included.
“Excellent day out. Had a lot of fun in Kayaking and the desert safari”
Choose the MIA Park option for a private, one-hour kayak session beside the Museum of Islamic Art. An instructor provides safety guidance, equipment, life jackets, photos, and bottled water or juice. You’ll paddle calm water with Doha’s skyline behind you, rather than taking the desert trip described in the wider tour details.
“I didn't try othet tours but I am sure that 360 Advanture is one of the best. Smooth, safe and enjoyable. If you have chance, you should go to the desert with Salman. Thanks for everything.”
Set out from Crystal Clear Watersports in a transparent kayak for a one-hour, self-guided paddle near Jumeirah Bay Island. English-speaking guides such as Prasad, Chamara, and Pradeep explain safety, help first-timers, and often take photos. You get beach access, changing rooms, and a Bluetooth speaker, but bring dry clothes and proper footwear.
“chamra and yahaya were great guides, had a way better time than expected”
Meet your instructor at Dolphin Bay Lagoon for a guided kayak outing beside Atlantis The Palm’s resident dolphins. You’ll receive a safety briefing from a marine mammal specialist, use provided equipment, and learn about dolphin behavior. A juice, locker, changing room, shower, and same-day Aquaventure entry are included.
“the instructor was very helpful, he gave us a full inside into the dolphins habits etc. it's well worth the money”
Join SeaYou Watersports for a 1.5-hour guided stand-up paddle tour from Palm Jumeirah. Your instructor, including guides such as Pasindu, Pasida, Isuru, or Marvin, teaches beginners, leads you toward Atlantis, and takes photos along the way. Expect calm water, city views, bottled water, and access to changing rooms and showers.
“Lovely time with friends and the guide was very patient”
You’ll spend about 90 minutes kayaking near Purple Island with a guide such as Mr Google, learning about mangroves, wildlife, tides, and Bin Ghanim Island. High tide gives you the best chance to reach the forest channels. Afterward, enjoy camp facilities and karak tea, with an optional barbecue meal.
“The guide, Mr Google, was enthusiastic and managed all abilities well. Although it was a low tide the day we attended. Mr Google made all efforts to extend our time so we could catch a higher tide and experience the mangroves. Paddling throRead more”
Paddle through Al Thakira Mangrove Forest with an English-speaking guide, then visit Purple Island, where ancient purple dye was made. Expect a short safety lesson, open water and narrow channels, birdwatching, and possible splashes. Guides including Joseph, Prince, Peter, and Mohamad have helped beginners enjoy the route.
“Such lovely people. Very helpful, great trip! Highly recommend!”
Spend about four hours kayaking through the mangroves of Purple Island near Ras Matbakh. A guide provides safety instruction, kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and basic information about the birds, crabs, and fish around you. Sunset departures can be lovely, but check the tide, wind, pickup details, and transfer cost before booking.
“A great experience that would not have happened without the courtesy and hard work of our host Peter. He made us feel welcomed and didn't spare any efforts in the trip despite being the only person manning the camp and the group tours. Read more”
This nine-hour Hatta outing combines a 45-minute kayak session at Hatta Dam with Heritage Village, Hatta Hill Park, local lunch, and a walk to Al Khattem Dam. Hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, water, snacks, and a guide are included. Guides such as Wael, Saleem, and Khalid are praised for careful driving and friendly local insight.
“Khalid has been extremely professional,helpful and overall outstanding. My family and I couldn’t wish for a better guide/driver. His knowledge about the country and its history and culture were amazing. He’s attentive,kind and an awesome person to spend a day with.”
Spend one hour on Dubai’s water in a single kayak, double kayak, or stand-up kayak from Dukes The Palm. You’ll receive a life jacket and can paddle at your own pace toward beachside picnic areas and quiet harbor waters. This is an independent outing rather than a guided lesson, so it suits confident beginners and experienced paddlers.
Meet Crystal Clear Watersports at Jumeirah Fishing Harbor, learn the basics, and paddle a one or two-seat illuminated kayak for about an hour. You’ll see Dubai’s skyline, including the Burj Khalifa and Jumeirah Bay, under the night sky. Guides such as Faruq, Jamer, and Paru can help with photos.
“Super atrakcja! Duża swoboda i przemiły instruktor – bardzo pomocny, życzliwy i naprawdę zaangażowany, żeby można było w pełni swobodnie spędzić czas i odpocząć. Szeroki teren do pływania kajakiem, piękne widoki – idealny sposób na spędzenie wieczoru. Polecam z całego serca!”
Leave Dubai at 8:00 a.m. for Hatta, a mountain exclave about 134 km away. Your small group, limited to 14 people, visits the heritage village, Hatta Hill Park, Hatta Dam, and Hatta Wadi Lake Park, with hotel pickup and one hour of kayaking included. Confirm the ATV details before booking.
“Great trip for those looking to enjoy some natural scenery and gorgeous mountains. Kayaking was definitely the highlight of the trip, the parks were lovely and peaceful, but sadly the village itself was closed for renovation. Our only problem was Read more”
Meet at Fishing Harbor 1 near Jumeirah Public Beach for a one-hour clear-kayak rental with safety instruction, life jackets, paddles, and waterproof speakers. Guides such as Pradeep, Chamidu, and Faurok help with technique and photos. No kayaking experience is required, but the harbor setting keeps the route fairly compact.
“Absolutely amazing experience! At first I thought that the area we could kayak in was a bit small, but it was definitely big enough when you’re out there. Pradeep and Chamidu were fantastic, taking loads of photos for us and were so friendly. Would definitely recommend”
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