Planning to go on a summer vacation to Dubai? It is a treat you’re in for. The temperature can reach 40°C, but the city is here to keep you cool and having fun. The summer activities in Dubai are all about the water, whether you’re riding a jet ski across the waves or floating high above the coast on a parasail; you want to be out there.
Many activities operate from as early as 7 am until sunset, which means you can schedule your day around the cooler times. Prices are also very accommodating, from around AED 200 for a paddleboarding session up to AED 20,000 and up for a full day superyacht charter with friends. You can expect shorter lines during the summer, warmer ocean water, and some decent discounts, as the summer season is considered to be the low season here.
This guide covers everything you can do during the summer and offers some helpful tips and tricks to make your trip easy while keeping you cool.
Let’s see what summer activities in Dubai we’ve got here.
📍Recommended: Best Time to Visit Dubai for Families
Why Visit Dubai in Summer?
If you’re someone who’s wondering when the best time to visit Dubai is, then this is the place for your answer. You can visit Dubai either in winter or summer; the fun doesn’t stop. If you’re visiting Dubai in summer, then the cost of hotel accommodations is significantly lower, airline fares are usually lower in these months, and you’ll experience fewer crowds at your favorite destinations as compared to winter. You’ll save a little on the line as you spend more time enjoying. The water sports are even more enjoyable in the warmer, calmer sea than they are in the cooler months; jet-skiing, kayaking, and scuba diving are all possible.
During the summer season, several operators offer summer-only discounts and package deals. Plus, indoor facilities and malls allow for flexibility in your day, instead of your entire day being busy. So if you’re a sun lover, sea lover, and prefer a more relaxed, less expensive Dubai than winter, then summer is the best time to visit Dubai.
Top Summer Activities in Dubai
1. Jet Skiing
One of the most popular summer activities in Dubai is jet skiing. You’ll set sail past the Burj Al Arab and the Dubai Marina skyline, and enjoy the spray and speed all along the way. There is no experience required, as guides introduce you to the experience before you depart, and you can ride solo or ride with a partner. Most tours are done around well-known landmarks where they take photos, so it is a great choice option to those who are visiting Dubai for the first time and want more thrills along with picturesque Dubai.
- Timings: Daily, 7 AM to 7 PM
- Pricing: AED 180 and AED 300 for a 30-minute ride, and AED 400 to AED 500 for an hour
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon
2. Flyboarding
Flyboarding is a sport where you wear a board equipped with jet pipes and fly over the ocean with the jets underneath your feet, while you are strapped onto the board. It may seem complicated, but it is explained in a step-by-step manner by the instructors, and most of the beginners master it within minutes. An exciting 30 minutes to pass, and the views of the coast from above the water are unbeatable. It is one of the best summer activities in Dubai and a hit among those looking for something new other than boat rides.
- Timings: Daily, 7 AM to 7 PM
- Pricing: approximately AED 400 to AED 500 for a 30-minute session
- Best time to visit: between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM
3. Parasailing
Parasailing is the solution when you want to see Dubai from the air, but you don’t want to jump out of a plane. Attached to a harness and a parachute, you are towed by a boat and then gently lifted above the water. There is no need for any swimming abilities, and the flight time is approximately 10 minutes, which allows you to enjoy an overview of the Palm, Marina and Burj Al Arab. Solo and duet flights are offered, and it’s a great choice for couples or friends travelling together.
- Timings: Daily, 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM (check with the operator for seasonal timings)
- Pricing: AED 275 to AED 500 (solo) & AED 600 to AED 850 (sunset duo)
- Best time to visit: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
4. Paddleboarding (SUP)
Paddleboarding is a fun activity for people of all ages and, of course, a great choice for beginners. You can paddle at your own speed and enjoy the still waters that circle the marina or beach; you can sit and float when you need a break. This is a gentler sport than other sports like jet skiing or flyboarding and is a great activity to enjoy early in the morning on the water.
- Timings: Daily, 06:00 AM and 06:30 PM
- Pricing: From AED 100
- Best time to visit: early morning (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM)
5. Kayaking
Kayaking operators provide see-through, crystal-clear kayaks, letting you see what lies below. Kayaking is also popular and can be done in a relaxed manner. For those who prefer to avoid the heat of the day, neon light kayaking is another fun option available after dark, with a lit-up skyline.
- Timings: Daily, 7 AM to 8 PM (check with the operator)
- Pricing: AED 80 to AED 250 per hour
- Best time to visit: sunrise or sunset
6. Wakeboarding
If you’re looking for a bit of exercise while having fun in the water, then you can opt for wakeboarding. You are towed behind a jet ski or speedboat and attempt to stand on a board to ride the waves. For beginners, there are instructors to assist them. Groups may rent a speedboat for a group session, and individual riders prefer the jet ski.
- Timings: Daily, between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM
- Pricing: from AED 250 to AED 650
- Best time to visit: early morning or late afternoon
7. E-Foil Surfing
E-foil surfing is a newer and more exciting summer activity in Dubai. You’re on a board driven by an electric motor, which raises you above the water and makes you feel like flying over the sea without any waves. For beginners, instructors are always there to assist so you don’t need any skill to experience this fun. After you master it, you can opt for longer rides.
- Timings: Daily, 6 am–6 pm
- Pricing: AED 500 to AED 950 for a standard 30-minute to 1-hour session
- Best time to visit: early morning or late afternoon
8. Scuba Diving
In Scuba Diving, dive into Deep Dive Dubai, which has the deepest pool in the world. The water is always a nice temperature, making it a great indoor getaway from the summer heat, as divers explore a sunken city theme filled with cars, an arcade, and a library. Trained diving instructors are at every turn.
- Timings: Daily 6 am–7 pm
- Pricing: AED 350 to AED 2,400+
- Best time to visit: between 6:30 AM and 10:00 AM
9. Water Skiing
Water skiing remains one of the most popular and exciting summer activities in Dubai. You ride a speedboat behind a boat, skis over the water at speed. For beginners, instructors are available to assist in getting started. A great family activity if you want to do it in turns and encourage each other from the boat.
- Timings: Daily, 9:00 AM until sunset
- Pricing: between AED 200 and AED 600
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon
10. Yacht Cruises
A yacht cruise is one of the most laid-back methods to witness Dubai’s skyline while floating on the water. The options range from a 2-hour sunset walk around Dubai Marina, to a full day cruise around Palm Jumeirah, with swimming breaks in between. If you wish to make the journey extra special, for example for a birthday or a proposal, add-ons such as a private chef, jet skis or fireworks are often available.
- Timings: Flexible, typically 2- to 8-hour charters
- Pricing: From AED 1,200
- Best time to visit: usually 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
11. Fishing Trips
For those who want a slower ride, a fishing trip out on the Arabian Gulf is quite a different experience from the fast rides. You go out with a guide and get to enjoy a few hours on the boat, trying to land the local catch. It’s a great choice for families and others who want to experience the sea without the adrenaline rush of jet skiing or flyboarding.
- Timings: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Pricing: between AED 350 and AED 550 per person
- Best time to visit: early morning or late afternoon
Tips for Visiting Dubai in Summer
The best time to go outdoors in Dubai during summer is early in the morning (before 10 AM) or late in the afternoon (after 4 PM) when the temperatures are cooler, and the sea is calmer. Sunscreen with high UV protection, sunglasses, a hat, and a reusable water bottle to keep you hydrated all day long, as humidity is high.
Pack a couple of extra sets of light, quick-dry clothing, for changing after water activities. While most operators will carry life jackets and some basic safety equipment, it is wise to check, especially with cancellation policies, if there is strong wind that could cause life jackets to be required for activities such as parasailing or flyboarding.
Summer is off-peak time, so try to shop around; prices and inclusions in packages can differ significantly, and offers are often better than in the winter.
📍Recommended: Best Time to Visit Dubai for Adventure
Whether it’s jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, yacht cruising or any other type of fun and cool activity, there’s no shortage of what you can do. With a little creative scheduling, proper sun protection and a blend of indoor and outdoor activities, your summer Dubai holiday can be as memorable as a winter one, without the crowds. With these summer activities in Dubai, you have a bunch to choose from. So pick your favourites and book now.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best summer activities in Dubai for beginners?
Paddleboarding, kayaking and parasailing are best summer activities in Dubai for beginners.
2. Is it safe to do water sports in Dubai during summer?
Yes, most operators have trained personnel and safety equipment and operate daily. Summer heat levels are lowest in the early morning or evening, so these times for booking are best.
3. How much do summer activities in Dubai cost on average?
Depending on the activity and duration, the price for paddleboarding is about AED 200, and for full-day yacht charters, the price is AED 20,000 and above.
4. What is the best time of day for summer activities in Dubai?
The early morning hours before 10:00 am and late afternoon hours after 4:00 pm are when the water is coolest and calmest, best for jet skiing, wakeboarding, and fishing.
5. Are indoor activities available if it gets too hot outside?
Yes, scuba diving in Deep Dive Dubai is completely indoor and air-conditioned, so it’s comfortable to scuba dive even during the outside temperatures.
6. Do I need to book summer water sports in Dubai in advance?
It is best to book it in advance, particularly for popular activities such as jet skiing and parasailing.
7. Is summer a good time to visit Dubai for water activities?
Summer is indeed the perfect time for enjoying water activities in Dubai, with warm waters, no crowds and great deals.
8. What should I pack for summer activities in Dubai?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, quick-dry clothing, a hat, and another pair of clothes, as most water activities will make you very wet at the end.
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