Dubai is extravagant. It has made palm tree-shaped islands, put a ski slope in a mall, and transformed a desert coastline into one of the most famous and photographed waterfronts in the world. It’s a little unexpected that the most exciting thing to do there costs less than a nice dinner and takes about a half an hour to learn.
Jet skiing is that thing. And if you’re trying to make the most of a morning on the water, here’s the case to make it your main activity.
You Get the Skyline From the Only Angle That Matters
All the photos you’ve seen of Dubai have been taken from land. You can’t even fit the Burj Khalifa in a photo when you stand at the base and aim your phone all the way back. From the water, the land looks completely different. The buildings clump together, the Burj Al Arab is on its island like every postcard, and the whole coastline looks like one long line of buildings.
A Jet Ski Water Ride Dubai operators typically run will take you right by the Burj Al Arab, the whole length of the Palm Jumeirah, and give you photo opportunities with the Atlantis. You won’t be viewing these landmarks from the back of a slow moving line. You’ll be flying by at full speed with an unobstructed view.
There’s Almost No Learning Curve
This is the real advantage Jet skiing has over other water sports. Kitesurfing takes weeks to learn. Scuba requires certification. And wake boarding will leave you frustrated for at least three attempts before you even begin to get it.
Compared to the other Dubai water sports coast, jet skiing has the shortest learning curve. You’ll be flying along the water within ten minutes of instruction.
This is particularly important when you consider time constraints. If you only have a couple of days off, you want to be able to enjoy yourself as soon as possible, not spend hours trying to get the hang of a new hobby.
The Water is Amenable Almost the Entire Year
The Arabian Gulf is warm, shallow, and calm compared to other bodies of water. From October to April you’ll get temperatures in the mid-twenties with low humidity and water that’s flat enough for riding. Even as a first timer you can ride with confidence.
Summer mornings are still bearable, especially if you can get out on the water before 8 AM. Most providers start operations at that time, and an early morning session in June is better than waiting for the afternoon cool down. Reliability is key for any water adventures Dubai, as you aren’t able to gamble with weather windows like other coastal cities.
The Marina is Strategically Located
Time is of the essence when you have limited hours. All of the Dubai Marina water sports operators are conveniently located next to hotels, the metro, and plenty of restaurants, so you can quickly Grab a Bite and be back for your outing.
All launch points in the marina and JBR have you out on open water in no time. There are no long transfers, remote beach access, or inconvenient parking. You sign a waiver, get a briefing, and are off on your adventure.
It is Flexible
A 30 minute window is all you need for a short exciting experience. For an hour you can see all the major sites and really experience the speed. If you want to see the Palm and the Burj Al Arab, with photo stops, you can book a 2 hour time window.
Many people who book Water sports Dubai Marina like to do parasailing or flyboarding on the same day as their jet skiing, as the operators are usually the same and the launch sites overlap. This can be very convenient if you are traveling with a group where not everyone enjoys extreme speeds.
A Few Practical Notes
Have your passport or Emirates ID as the operators will check them. The minimum age for solo riders is usually 16, however, children under 16 can still ride as a passenger with a guardian.
Make sure you know the route you will be taking before you pay. The phrase “Burj Al Arab tour” can be interpreted differently by each company, and the distinction between seeing the building from a distance and getting a photograph up close is worth asking about.
Expect to get your clothes wet, and don’t wear sunglasses that have a strap. Use reef safe sunscreen and apply it often, the water reflects a lot.
The Short Version
The conditions are reliable and there is not much to consider when deciding to go water sports in Dubai Marina. Book the first available slot, the coastline is less crowded, the light is better for photographs, and the water is calmer before 9 am.
