The Middle East · DHOW CRUISES

The 15 Best Dhow Cruises in the Middle East

40 tours  ·  from $12

The wooden dhow does two jobs here: a dinner cruise on the Dubai Creek and Marina, and a day through the Musandam fjords out of Khasab. The 15 below keep them apart, with prices, sailing times and what the buffet is worth.

Dubai: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Optional Dhow Cruise - Blue Route: Palm Jumeirah, Marina, and Jumeirah sights
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Dubai: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Optional Dhow Cruise

1.Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Optional Dhow Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,288 reviews · 1 - 5 days · from $55Our pick

Explore Dubai on Big Bus’s red and blue routes with open-top views, six-language commentary, and flexible hop-on access. See Burj Khalifa, Old Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Burj Al Arab. Upgrade to include a dhow cruise, Lost World Aquarium, Dubai Frame, or a desert sunset visit with camel and falcon encounters.

“The staff are wonderful and very helpful they are all wonderful people. It was a very hot day 38 and humidity was very high Thank you to all of you”

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City Sightseeing Dubai Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Dhow Cruise - The red route: Old Dubai, creek views, and the city’s past
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City Sightseeing Dubai Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Dhow Cruise

2.City Sightseeing Dubai Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Dhow Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 678 reviews · 1 - 3 days · from $68

See Dubai at your own pace on 1, 2, or 3 days of hop-on hop-off buses, with stops at the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, souks, and Al Fahidi. Your ticket also includes a Sunset and Night Tour and Al Seef dhow cruise. Two and three-day passes add Lost World Aquarium entry.

“Fady (Fahad Naeem) was truly one of the best guides we’ve ever had, and he made our desert safari unforgettable. From the very beginning, he was friendly, professional, and full of positive energy. His driving skills in the desert were impressive and made the entire experience both thrilling and safe. Highly recommended—if you get Fady, you’re in great hands.”

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Dubai: Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows - Boarding at Dubai Old Village
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Dubai: Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows

3.Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 612 reviews · 1h 45m · from $16

Cruise Dubai Creek for 105 minutes aboard a traditional wooden dhow, with a buffet of local and international dishes, music, Tanoura dancing, and a puppet show. Meet Ocean Express staff opposite the British Embassy Dubai. Expect scenic views of the Old Souk, Dubai Creek Tower, water taxis, and the city lights.

“food good, music good and light on board entertainment with Turkish dancer 👍🏽”

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Dinner Cruise in Dubai Marina onboard Alexandra Dhow - Boarding at Marina Promenade requires planning
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Dinner Cruise in Dubai Marina onboard Alexandra Dhow

4.Dinner Cruise in Dubai Marina onboard Alexandra Dhow

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 544 reviews · from $49

Board the refurbished Alexandra Dhow at Marina Promenade for a roughly 1 hour 45 minute dinner cruise through Dubai Marina. You’ll enjoy an international buffet, soft drinks, tea, and coffee while passing Cayan Tower, JBR, Bluewaters, and Ain Dubai. Choose your seating carefully, arrive early, and bring a light layer for the upper deck.

“Well organized, great staff and food. Blankets supplied which are definitely needed on a February night.”

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Khasab: Half-Day Dhow Cruise, Dolphin Watching, & Snorkeling - Meeting the crew and reaching the dhow
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Khasab: Half-Day Dhow Cruise, Dolphin Watching, & Snorkeling

5.Half-Day Dhow Cruise, Dolphin Watching, & Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 507 reviews · 3 hours - 210 minutes · from $37

Meet your guide in Khasab, then cruise Musandam’s steep-sided fjords aboard a decorated Omani dhow. You’ll look for dolphins, stop to swim and snorkel with provided gear, and enjoy fruit, water, tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Guides such as Sohel and Opu are praised for friendly service and useful local insight.

“The boat tour was absolutely wonderful! The crew put so much heart into everything, and Mr. Sohel in particular was incredibly professional, polite, and truly attentive. We were constantly offered soft drinks and coffee, given fresh towels after swimming, and even treated to a freshwater rinse. They even provide masks and snorkels at no extra cost. The entire crew worked together to make this experience unique and unforgettable. If we return, we will definitely choose them again!”

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Dubai: 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner - Choosing between Creek, Canal, and Marina
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Dubai: 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner

6.2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 428 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $80

You’ll spend about two hours aboard a traditional Arabian dhow on Dubai Creek, Dubai Canal, or Dubai Marina. Hotel pickup, an international buffet, Arabic treats, city lights, and onboard entertainment are included. The English-speaking host keeps things simple, while the exact route and departure time depend on availability.

“Totally worth it! A nice and relaxed atmosphere, good service and good food. Thank you.”

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Doha City Tour And Dhow Boat Cruise (Private/Sharing) - Katara Cultural Village connects art, religion, and public life
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Doha City Tour And Dhow Boat Cruise (Private/Sharing)

7.Doha City Tour And Dhow Boat Cruise (Private/Sharing)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 349 reviews · from $60Top rated

See Doha by air-conditioned vehicle and traditional dhow in about four hours. Your English-speaking guide, often named Ali, Nitesh, Asif, or Sayed, handles hotel pickup, transport, and the route. Visit Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, The Pearl, Marina Promenade, and the Corniche, with time for questions and photos.

“Sayed was a great guide, very knowledgeable about the history and culture on the place. The tour was well organized and ran like clockwork. Sayed was also very accommodating of any requests which was really great. Highly recommend!”

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Dubai Dhow Dinner Cruise Marina with pickup drop option - What you see from the water
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Dubai Dhow Dinner Cruise Marina with pickup drop option

8.Dubai Dhow Dinner Cruise Marina with pickup drop option

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 248 reviews · from $37

Board a traditional Arabian dhow at Dubai Marina for a 90-minute evening cruise past Marina Yacht Club, Marina Mall, and Marina Towers. Choose a standard or premium buffet, sit on the open upper deck or in air conditioning below, and enjoy welcome drinks, tea, coffee, music, and a Tanoura show. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available with the transfer option.

“Was comfortable. Dinner table companions were delightful. Food was good, not great. Entertainment was great. Staff was hospitable. Good price for the money. Sights of Dubai were exhilarating. Would recommend to others”

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Dubai: Dinner Dhow Cruise with Live Entertainment Al Seef - Arriving at Al Seef and finding the dhow
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Dubai: Dinner Dhow Cruise with Live Entertainment Al Seef

9.Dinner Dhow Cruise with Live Entertainment Al Seef

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 234 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $12Best value

Board a traditional wooden dhow at Al Seef for a 1.5-hour Dubai Creek cruise with an open international buffet, unlimited water and soft drinks, music, Tanoura dancing, and a live puppet show. Host Naushad has earned special praise for his warm service. Expect shared tables and simple, good-value dining rather than fine dining.

“Entertainment was good! Food was very nice! Enjoyed our experience”

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From Dubai/Sharjah/RAK: Dibba Musandam Trip & Dhow Cruise - The early pickup and road journey
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From Dubai/Sharjah/RAK: Dibba Musandam Trip & Dhow Cruise

10.From Dubai/Sharjah/RAK: Dibba Musandam Trip & Dhow Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 232 reviews · 12 hours · from $65

Travel by van from Dubai, Sharjah, or Ras Al Khaimah to Dibba Musandam, Oman, then spend about 5.5 hours aboard a shared dhow. Expect swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, banana boating, a limestone cave visit, fishing, lunch, and helpful guides such as Mustafa, Syam, Ciril, or Rojish.

“Very well organized. Nice staff, great Dhow, entertaining activities and good food. The recipe for a wonderful day :)”

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Muscat: Omani Dhow Coastal and Sunset Cruise - The first half of the cruise: palaces, forts, and coastal mountains
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Muscat: Omani Dhow Coastal and Sunset Cruise

11.Omani Dhow Coastal and Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 198 reviews · 2 hours · from $60

Set out from Marina Bandar Al Rowdha near Al Bustan Palace on a traditional Omani dhow. You’ll pass Al Bustan Palace, Muscat’s Portuguese forts, and Al Alam Palace before watching sunset from the water. English-speaking staff serve Omani coffee, dates, soft drinks, and light snacks. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Muscat can be added.

“I enjoyed the experience. The captain/guide was very friendly and gave explanations about the tour and the different places we visited. We were offered coffee, dates, peanuts, and sweets during the cruise. All the staff were kind and attentive.”

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Khasab: Half-Day Dhow Cruise with Dolphin Watching - Starting from Khasab Airport or the cruise terminal
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Khasab: Half-Day Dhow Cruise with Dolphin Watching

12.Half-Day Dhow Cruise with Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 189 reviews · 3h 30m · from $37

Join Dolphin Khasab Tours for a 210-minute dhow cruise from Khasab Airport, the cruise terminal, or the tour office. You’ll pass fishing villages, watch for humpback and bottlenose dolphins, and swim at Telegraph Island. Tea, coffee, cold drinks, fruit, towels, and life vests are included, but snorkeling gear is not.

“Super, Tour, wenig Leute auf dem Boot. Getränke und Obst frei, frisch und kalt.”

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Doha from Land & Sea: City Tour & Traditional Dhow Boat Ride - Doha Corniche and the first look at the skyline
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Doha from Land & Sea: City Tour & Traditional Dhow Boat Ride

13.Doha from Land & Sea: City Tour & Traditional Dhow Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 187 reviews · from $59

Spend about four hours touring Doha with a private English-speaking guide, then cruise Doha Bay for 30 minutes on a traditional wooden dhow. Pickup and drop-off are available at hotels, the airport, and port. Expect Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, The Pearl, and Corniche views, with guides such as Ali, Javid, Bilal, and Junaid assigned according to availability.

“Ali was an amazing guide. We learnt so much about the country, culture, history and beauty of Qatar. He shared his thoughts and experiences as a Qatari in an authentic and intelligent way leaving us with insights into qatar we will never forget. Highly recommended.”

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Khasab Musandam Full Day dhow cruise with lunch and Snorkeling - Dolphin watching in Khor Sham
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Khasab Musandam Full Day dhow cruise with lunch and Snorkeling

14.Khasab Musandam Full Day dhow cruise with lunch and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 186 reviews · from $50

Spend about six hours aboard a traditional Omani dhow in Khasab’s Khor Sham fjord. You’ll have two swim and snorkeling stops near Telegraph Island and Seebi Island, with gear, towels, lunch, fruit, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and dolphin watching included. Pickup is offered, and the boat returns to Khasab Harbor.

“Very relaxing day. Staff was attentive to explaining everything. Lunch was delicious. Couldn’t ask for anything more.”

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Full-Day Dhow Cruise in Khasab Musandam - Meeting the dhow at 10:00 am
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Full-Day Dhow Cruise in Khasab Musandam

15.Full-Day Dhow Cruise in Khasab Musandam

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 151 reviews · from $56

Spend about six hours sailing from Khasab through Khor Sham aboard a traditional dhow. You’ll look for dolphins, stop to swim and snorkel near two islets, and receive lunch, drinks, towels, gear, and hotel transfers within Khasab. French- and German-speaking guides may be available, though guide assignment is not guaranteed.

“Great family experience on the dhow, well worth the drive from Dubai! Totally recommended for families!”

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New in Dhow Cruises

★ 3.5Dhow Cruise Dinner with EntertainmentFrom $4036 reviews
★ 5.0Dhow Cruise MarinaFrom $5766 reviews
★ 4.5Dhow Cruise with Dinner at Dubai MarinaFrom $3456 reviews
★ 3.5Dubai Best Dhow Cruise Dinner Buffet (Multi Cusine)From $2437 reviews
★ 5.0Combo Tour – Dubai Desert Safari and Dhow Cruise DinnerFrom $18926 reviews
★ 4.5Dubai Creek Dhow Sightseeing CruiseFrom $2485 reviews
★ 3.5Evening Dhow Dinner Cruise in DubaiFrom $7534 reviews
★ 3.5Dubai 5 Star Marina Dhow Cruise Dinner with TransfersFrom $11534 reviews
★ 5.0Doha All Inclusive Night City Tour with Traditional Dhow BoatFrom $8222 reviews
★ 5.0Experience Doha City tour with Local Guide and Dhow RideFrom $7878 reviews
★ 5.0Doha City Tour With Traditional Dhow CruiseFrom $11368 reviews
★ 4.5Yas Island Sightseeing Dhow CruiseFrom $2537 reviews
★ 4.4Omani Traditional Dhow Sunset CruiseFrom $7053 reviews
★ 4.9Dhow Cruise with Lunch, Dolphin Watching& SnorkelingFrom $5354 reviews
★ 4.7Fjords of Musandam Dhow Cruise & Buffet LunchFrom $4855 reviews

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