Dubai is one of the world’s most famous cities for luxury cruises, and nothing captures its charm better than a traditional dhow cruise. Whether you’re staying in Dubai Marina, JBR, Downtown, Deira, or Business Bay, there’s always a nearby boarding point where you can begin your journey on the water.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the major dhow cruise boarding locations across Dubai, explain how to reach them, and help you choose the right one depending on where you’re staying.
Why Boarding Location Matters for Dhow Cruise In Dubai
Most travelers choose a dhow cruise not only for the dinner and entertainment but also for the views along the water route. Boarding points are spread across Dubai’s coastlines, from the historic Creek in Deira to the modern skyline of Dubai Marina and the new luxury routes on the Dubai Canal.
Selecting the right boarding point ensures:
- 🚶♂️ Shorter travel time from your hotel or Airbnb.
- 🌆 Better sightseeing views depending on your preference (historic old Dubai vs. modern Marina skyline).
- 🚗 Easy access to parking, metro stations, or walking paths nearby.
Our Main Dhow Cruise Boarding Points in Dubai
1. Dubai Marina Boarding Point
Location: Dubai Marina Walk, near Pier 7 & Marina Mall
This is the most popular boarding location for tourists staying in or around JBR and Marina Walk.
- Walking distance from JBR hotels, Marina Walk, and Bluewaters Island.
- 2-minute walk from Dubai Marina Mall.
- Nearby attractions: Ain Dubai (Bluewaters Ferris Wheel), Marina Walk cafés, Pier 7 dining hub.
👉 Best for visitors who want a modern Dubai skyline experience with glittering skyscrapers.
2. JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) & Bluewaters Island Access
If you’re staying near JBR or The Beach, you can easily walk to the Marina boarding points.
- Hotels like Hilton JBR, Rixos Premium, and JA Ocean View are within a 10-minute walk.
- Bluewaters Island guests can cross via the pedestrian bridge to reach the Marina.
👉 Perfect for tourists who don’t want to travel far from their beach hotels.
3. Pier 7 Boarding Point
Location: Directly connected to Dubai Marina Mall
Some luxury dhows depart right in front of Pier 7, the iconic circular building with 7 fine-dining restaurants.
- Easy access via Dubai Tram & Metro (DMCC Station).
- Underground secure parking at Marina Mall.
- Surrounded by restaurants, making it easy for guests to combine shopping, dining, and cruising.
4. Palm Jumeirah & Surrounding Access
Although there isn’t a direct dhow boarding point on Palm Jumeirah, guests staying at resorts like Atlantis The Palm, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, or One&Only The Palm usually prefer Marina boarding since it’s just 10–15 minutes away.
👉 Great for luxury hotel guests who want a short drive to Marina cruises.
5. Dubai Creek Boarding Points (Deira & Bur Dubai)
Location: Near Al Seef, Baniyas Road, and Deira Clocktower
This is the most traditional dhow cruise experience, located in the old part of Dubai.
- Boarding points near Al Seef Heritage Village, Bur Dubai souks, and Deira side of the Creek.
- Close to Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Al Fahidi Historical District.
- Metro access: Al Fahidi Station (Green Line) & Baniyas Square.
👉 Best for guests staying in Deira, Bur Dubai, or near the airport.
Relevant Topic: Top Hotels Near Dubai Marina Perfect for Dhow Cruise Guests
6. Al Seef Heritage Boarding Point
Location: Al Seef Promenade, Bur Dubai side
Al Seef is a newer development along Dubai Creek that blends heritage-style architecture with modern shops and restaurants. Many dhow cruises depart from here.
- Easy access from Downtown Dubai and Karama.
- Close to heritage museums and souks.
7. Dubai Water Canal Boarding Point (Business Bay / Jumeirah)
Location: Al Habtoor City & Business Bay area
This boarding point is popular for those who want to see Sheikh Zayed Road bridges lit up at night, the JW Marriott Marquis skyline, and the Dubai Waterfall Bridge.
- Boarding near Habtoor Palace and W Dubai Al Habtoor City.
- Convenient for guests staying in Business Bay, Downtown, or Jumeirah.
👉 Ideal for travelers who want a shorter commute from Downtown hotels.
8. Festival Bay & Dubai Creek Extension
Location: Dubai Festival City area
Some dhow operators also use boarding near Festival Bay, offering routes that connect to the new extensions of Dubai Creek.
- Perfect for visitors shopping at Dubai Festival City Mall.
- Great for those near Rashidiya, Mirdif, or Dubai Airport hotels.
How to Choose the Best Boarding Point for Dhow Cruise
- Staying in Marina/JBR? → Choose Dubai Marina or Pier 7.
- Staying near Deira/Bur Dubai/Airport? → Go with Dubai Creek or Al Seef.
- Staying in Downtown/Business Bay? → Pick the Dubai Canal boarding point.
- Luxury Resorts on Palm Jumeirah? → Short drive to Marina boarding point.
Travel Tips for Boarding
- 🚗 Arrive 30 minutes early – Boarding usually starts before departure.
- 🚇 Use Metro when possible – Marina (DMCC Station), Creek (Al Fahidi), Canal (Business Bay).
- 🅿️ Parking is available at Marina Mall, Deira, and Canal locations.
- 📱 Confirm via WhatsApp or phone – Boarding gates vary by operator.
Related Services:
1. Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Marina Deals
3. Royal Canal Cruise Dubai Deals
Final Thoughts
Dubai offers multiple boarding points for dhow cruises, each with its own charm. Whether you want the modern glamour of Marina, the heritage vibe of Dubai Creek, or the romantic bridges of the Water Canal, your choice of boarding point will shape your cruise experience.
By knowing exactly where each boarding point is located, you can save time, reduce travel stress, and make the most of your evening on the water.
Wherever you’re staying in Dubai, there’s a Royal Dhow Cruise boarding point near you. Whether it’s Marina, JBR, Creek, or Canal—you’re always minutes away from your evening on the water.
📍 Book your dhow cruise today or 💬 WhatsApp us to confirm the closest boarding point for your hotel.
