Charlotte Miller

Dubai Water Sports – The Only Guide You’ll Need

Dubai is known for its extravagant experiences and luxurious lifestyle. With a coastline spanning over 70 kilometres, it is no surprise that Dubai has become a prime destination for water sports enthusiasts from around the world. From standup jet skiing to flyboarding, Dubai offers thrill seekers a myriad of ways to enjoy the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Standup Jet Ski Rental in Dubai

One of the most popular water sports activities in Dubai is standup jet skiing. Riders stand upright on the jet ski and use body weight and momentum to steer and manoeuvre over the waves. Several companies offer standup jet ski rentals in Dubai at various beach destinations.

Some of the top places for standup jet ski rental in Dubai are:

  • Kite Beach: Located just 15 minutes from Dubai Marina, Kite Beach has a designated jet skiing zone. Operators here offer jet ski rental starting at AED 300 for 30 minutes. They also provide training and safety equipment.
  • Jumeirah Beach: This white sand beach is ideal for jet skiing with its calm waters. Two places where you can rent jet skis by the hour are located here.
  • JBR Beach: At the popular JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) you can enjoy jet skiing with spectacular views of the Ain Dubai Ferris Wheel and the high-rise towers. One rental operator is located here.
  • Dubai Marina: For jet skiing along Dubai’s modern waterfront area, head to Dubai Marina. One company offers jet ski rentals starting at AED 350 per 30 minutes.
  • Ghantoot: Just an hour from Dubai near the border with Abu Dhabi, Ghantoot has a dedicated jet skiing zone. Here you can ride over open waters at high speed.

Jet ski rentals usually include safety equipment like life jackets, instruction for beginners, and a guide if required. Most operators have a range of jet skis fitting 1 to 3 riders. Prices range from AED 300-500 for 30 minutes depending on the jet ski model and rental location.

Stand Up Jet Ski Safety

While standup jet skiing allows more manoeuvrability than sitting down, it does require maintaining balance on a powerful watercraft. Here are some key safety tips for standup jet ski rental in Dubai:

  • Take a training orientation, especially if new to jet skiing.
  • Securely fasten the safety lanyard to your life jacket or wrist so the jet ski engine cuts off if you fall.
  • Lean forward over the handlebars to maintain stability through turns.
  • Avoid reckless behaviours like wave jumping or sharp turns at high speeds.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and steer clear of another watercraft.
  • Ride only in designated jet skiing zones.
  • Follow instructors’ guidance and all rules at the rental centres.

With some basic training, standup jet skiing can be done safely even by beginners. Guided tours are a good option for new riders to enjoy the thrill under supervision. For experienced riders, the powerful jet skis allow pulling off exciting stunts on the open waters.

Flyboarding in Dubai

In addition to jet skiing, Dubai offers the futuristic water sport of flyboarding. Fly boarders hover above the water up to 15 meters in the air, with water jets propelling them forward, backwards, sideways, and even into backflips!

Flyboarding combines the power of jet skiing with the thrill of skydiving. The fly boarder wears boots attached by a long hose to a jet ski that provides propulsion from up to 180 horsepower engines. Using their body position, fly boarders can control height, direction, and complex aerial manoeuvres. It appears to be from a science fiction film.

Some key locations for flyboarding experiences in Dubai include:

  • Palm Jumeirah: One company offers flyboarding on the trunk of the iconic Palm Jumeirah Island. Their package includes 30 minutes of flyboarding for AED 600.
  • Kite Beach: As well as jet skiing, one provider provides flyboarding rentals and lessons off Kite Beach starting at AED 800 for 30 minutes.
  • Dubai Marina: One operator provides flyboarding experiences with views of the Dubai skyline. Prices are around AED 1000 for 30 minutes.
  • Jumeirah Beach: At the luxurious Burj Al Arab area, one company offers flyboarding along the pristine beachfront. 30 minutes costs approximately AED 750.

Most Dubai flyboarding experiences include training before your first flight to learn techniques for take-off, balance, steering, and landing safely. While it looks extremely tricky, most people can learn the basics after some practice on the water and guidance from an instructor. It’s an unforgettable Dubai bucket list activity!

Other Water Sports in Dubai

Beyond jet skiing and flyboarding, Dubai offers a long menu of innovative water sports for tourists to enjoy:

  • Kayaking and canoeing along the Dubai Canal
  • Banana boating and doughnut rides on the open waters
  • Parasailing high above beaches like JBR and La Mer
  • High-speed boat tours from Dubai Marina to Palm Jumeirah
  • Wakeboarding in the Arabian Gulf waters
  • Kitesurfing off Kite Beach near Burj Al Arab
  • Scuba diving to explore shipwrecks and marine life.
  • Deep sea fishing for everything from barracuda to sailfish
  • Windsurfing around the Dubai Eye area
  • Paddleboarding on calmer lagoons and waterways

CONCLUSION

With its extensive coastline and calm Gulf waters, Dubai is a water sports lover’s paradise. From the soaring heights of flyboarding to the speed thrills of jet skiing, visitors can experience it all. Operators at top beaches like Kite Beach, JBR, and Jumeirah provide rentals and instruction for activities to suit any skill level. Adrenaline junkies can push their limits with extreme sport packages. Those seeking family-friendly fun are covered too with combo deals at Dubai’s many waterparks. Novices are in good hands with guided tours that handle the logistics and provide training while ensuring safety. Dubai offers year-round sunshine and warm waters – ideal conditions for water sports. The city truly provides unique aquatic experiences. Whether you dream of riding the waves, launching skyward, or cruising underwater, Dubai has a water sport that will fulfil your desires. With such a stellar range of activities, it’s no wonder Dubai has established itself as a premier water sports destination. A Dubai holiday promises an unforgettable chance for waterside adventure.