Sunset Cruises
in Dubai
Two hours out as the skyline lights up.
A sunset cruise in Dubai costs about AED 150–250 per person on a shared boat, or AED 1,200–2,800 for a private boat for two hours. Two hours out of the Marina as the skyline lights up. Sold two ways — a seat on a shared boat, or the whole boat to yourself — and the difference in price per person is larger than most people expect.
What Does a Sunset Cruise in Dubai Include?
How long
Ninety minutes to two hours is standard. Departure moves with the sunset, so a winter cruise leaves around 17:00 and a summer one closer to 19:00.
Shared or private
A shared seat is the cheapest way onto the water. A private boat costs more in total but less per head once you are past about eight people.
What's included
Soft drinks and light snacks on most shared cruises. Dinner cruises are a different product and priced accordingly.
The route
Marina, Bluewaters and the Palm are the usual loop. Ask whether the boat goes out past the breakwater — that is where the skyline view is.
How Much Does a Sunset Cruise in Dubai Cost?
Market benchmarks, not quotes. Every listing shows the operator’s own price.
Shared seat, adult
AED 150–250 per person
Two hours, soft drinks included
Shared seat, child
AED 90–150 per person
Usually ages 3–11
Private boat
AED 1,200–2,800 per cruise
Two hours, up to about 12 guests
Sunset Cruise in Dubai: Shared or Private?
The two ways to see the skyline light up from the water, what each costs per person at different group sizes, and when the boats leave through the year.
2When does a sunset cruise leave?
- Departure follows the sunset: around 17:00 in December and closer to 19:00 in June.
- Boarding is usually thirty minutes before departure — the time on your confirmation is the one that counts.
- Most cruises last ninety minutes to two hours.
3Sunset cruise or dinner cruise?
- A sunset cruise is short and comes with soft drinks and light snacks.
- A dinner cruise is a different product — longer, with a set menu, and priced per person accordingly.
- If dinner matters, book the dinner cruise; if the view matters, the sunset cruise is the cheaper way to get it.
4What to bring
- A light layer in winter — it gets breezy once the boat is past the breakwater.
- ID for every guest; operators usually ask for it for the boarding list.
- Sunglasses for the first half hour, when the sun is low and straight ahead.
- Something for seasickness if you need it, taken an hour before boarding.
Sunset Cruises in Dubai: FAQ
View all FAQs →What time does a sunset cruise leave?
It follows the sunset, so it shifts through the year — roughly 17:00 in December and 19:00 in June. Your confirmation should name the boarding time, which is usually thirty minutes earlier.
Is a shared cruise worth it over a private boat?
For two to six people, yes — you pay a fraction of the price for the same route. Above about eight, a private boat often works out the same per person and you keep the deck to yourselves.
Will I get seasick?
The Marina run is sheltered and the sea is usually flat between October and May. If you are prone to it, take something an hour before boarding rather than on the boat.
Are children allowed on a sunset cruise?
Yes on most cruises, usually at a lower child price for ages three to eleven. Ask about life jackets in children's sizes when you book.
Is food included on a sunset cruise?
Soft drinks and light snacks on most shared cruises. A meal means a dinner cruise, which is a longer trip priced differently.
What should I wear?
Something comfortable with flat shoes for the deck, and a light layer between November and March — the breeze picks up once the boat is out of the Marina.