Are you ready for more adventures? Are you here for vacation? While it’s getting hotter during the day, the weather in the afternoon is perfect for a sunset stroll and cruise!
So, you must take advantage of this gorgeous weather to be out and about!
The good news is that in Dubai there are many free places, parks, and open-air malls, perfect for evening walks. But the most exciting thing is that the Dubai government has launched new and budget-friendly boat rides around Dubai. Yes, it’s unbelievably cheap! One of them is the 5 AED Bluewaters Island boat ride. This pocket-friendly cruise allows you to visit two tourist destinations in just a matter of minutes. Plus, you get to enjoy a relaxing journey. So read on…
Short boat cruises are great activities for families with small kids and even Dubai residents. It saves you time and you can avoid being stuck in traffic. Simply hop onto the boat, enjoy the scenic views of the city from the water and relax. No hassle! Here are the top three new ferry rides that you can experience for 5 AED or even less.
- Marina Mall to Marina Walk Cruise
Marina Mall is the first stop for this quick boat escapade. Go to the mall’s promenade and find the RTA Customer Service kiosk in the dock. You can buy the tickets from there. The boat service starts from 11:00 from Monday to Thursday and, during the weekends, the boat service starts from 11:00 am to 11:40 pm. You must book your ticket in advance and ensure to be at the dock 5 minutes before boarding.
This 10-minute cruise is short but quite relaxing. Once you hop off the boat at Marina Promenade, you can book the ticket back to Marina Mall. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in Marina Walk. Plus, there’s also a free refill water machine. The kids will love the instagrammable spots and the water fountain in the middle of the marina. The best thing about this place is the beautiful view of the harbor. It’s also a great spot for photography.
- Marina Mall to Bluewaters Island
This trip is a 25-minute scenic boat ride from Marina Mall to Bluewaters Island. The boat passes by so many beautiful spots around the area. And as the boat reaches the Bluewaters harbor, you’ll see a lot of yachts, dhows, and jet skis sailing on the water. It’s quite an exciting journey because these areas are touristic destinations. Lots of things to see and you can choose from different sports and recreational activities. The boat service operates throughout the week, Monday to Friday from 4.50 pm to 11.25 pm, and during the weekends, Saturday and Sunday from 4.10 pm to 11.45 pm. The fare is only 5 AED per person. Kids under five and people with determination travel free. You can book the ticket through the RTA customer service kiosk at the Marina Mall promenade.
There are many things to do on Bluewaters Island. But if you don’t want to spend so much on dining at high-end restaurants; you can check out the food trucks lining up under the observation wheel. Several coffee shops serve sandwiches and other hot meals.
There are also picnic tables and benches around the island. So, you can just sit down, relax and have that downtime with a view. This 5 AED Bluewaters Island boat ride is an amazing offer in Dubai, known for being an expensive tourist destination. With this new initiative from the Dubai government, everyone can explore the city and discover its charm, in an old-fashioned way!
Here’s a tip: For a more luxurious experience around the Palm Jumeirah, book a yacht cruise. These cruises typically include beverages and food, and you can even opt for a fishing expedition if you’re looking for more adventure. Read my post about my experience for more details.
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- Dubai Creek Harbour to Festival City
Perhaps, you’ve never heard of it before…
But this short ferry ride has just been launched by Dubai Tourism and it’s a great addition to the beautiful but pocket-friendly short cruises in the city. This route will take you from Dubai Creek Harbour Station to Dubai Festival City. It’s a wonderful journey that will allow you to take beautiful pictures of Dubai’s epic skyline including the Burj Khalifa. You’ll also see a lot of migratory birds as the boat sails by the Ras Al Khor Nature Reserve. The service is available during the weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from 4 pm to 11.55 pm, with a fee of just 2 AED per person. Kids also go free.
Discover the city by boat and remember to book a ticket in advance. So you can get back as per the time that you preferred. You can buy the ticket through an RTA Kiosk or the RTA app. Also, ensure to pack a water bottle. There are free refilling stations in Marina Walk and Bluewaters Island.
Exploring the city by water is a perfect spring escapade that you and your loved ones will truly enjoy. It’s fun, exciting, and budget-friendly.
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