The Dubai Boat Trip Face-Off: Which Duration (60, 90, or 120 Minutes) Is Actually Worth Your Time?

Author : Mohammed Hassan Innamul ||

Last Updated : October 10, 2025 || 0 comments

Hey, Future Sailor! Let’s Talk Boat Trips.

Dubai Boat Trip booking
So, you’re looking at boat tours in Dubai, probably starting from the glitzy Dubai Marina or the new Harbour. Great choice. The city changes entirely when you see it from the water—it’s seriously breathtaking.

But then the options hit you: 60 minutes? 90 minutes? Two whole hours? It can feel like you’re trying to pick a perfect flight without knowing the destination.

The truth is, there’s no single “best” trip. It all comes down to what you actually want to feel and see. I’ve broken down these three popular durations to help you choose the one that fits your vibe, your wallet, and your schedule.


1. The 60-Minute Tour: The “Fast & Furious” Photo Op

Think of the 60-minute boat trip option as the perfect espresso shot of Dubai’s coastline. It’s quick, intense, and immediately satisfying.

Tourist boat near Ain Dubai, showcasing the giant Ferris wheel and modern Dubai architecture.
Get this close! 🤩 Ain Dubai feels even more magnificent from the water. Just one of the incredible sights packed into our 60-minute tour.

Who Should Book This?

  • The Go-Getter: You’re in Dubai for a short layover or a super-packed itinerary. You literally have an hour to squeeze in some sea air.
  • The Budget Buddy: This is the friendliest price point for getting on the water.
  • The Nervous Novice: If you’re not sure about boats (or sea sickness!), 60 minutes is the ideal, low-commitment test drive.

The Trade-Off: What You Get vs. What You Miss

This trip is all about the Dubai Marina and the immediate area. You’ll be right in the thick of the JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) skyscrapers, and you’ll cruise around the massive Ain Dubai Ferris wheel. You get killer skyline photos!

Here’s the rub: To hit the big icons like Atlantis, The Palm or the Burj Al Arab, the captain has to go fast. You’ll see them, but they’ll often be distant or just a quick flyby. There’s no time for long photo stops or lingering.


2. The 90-Minute Tour: The Crowd-Pleaser, Right in the Sweet Spot

This is the consensus favourite for first-timers, and for good reason. The extra half-hour is where Dubai really opens up.

Dubai Boat Trip :A young woman smiling and enjoying the views from the bow of an MTS Yachts tour boat in Dubai Marina during a 90-minute sightseeing trip.
That feeling when you’re truly soaking in Dubai’s magic! ✨ Nothing beats the front-row seat on our 90-minute Dubai Marina tour with MTS Yachts. Pure joy, breathtaking views!

Who Should Book This?

  • The Icon Hunter: You want to see the main sights and get those legendary holiday photos.
  • The Balanced Traveler: You want value for money and a decent amount of relaxation time, not just a frantic dash.
  • The Cruise Convert: You loved the 60-minute view and are ready for the next level without committing to two hours.

The Big Difference: Why 30 Extra Minutes Matters

That extra time is dedicated to sailing further out into the Arabian Gulf. This means you have enough time to actually circle the bottom of The Palm Jumeirah and stop dead-on in front of Atlantis, The Palm.

You move from a casual view to an unobstructed, up-close photo opportunity. It feels less rushed, and the captain has time to share a bit more commentary. If you only have one chance to see the famous sights, 90 minutes gives you the best odds.


3. The 120-Minute (2-Hour) Tour: The True Cruising Vibe

Once you hit two hours, you’re not just on a boat; you’re on a cruise. The feeling shifts from sightseeing to relaxing on the water.

A family capturing a selfie with the Burj Al Arab in the background, enjoying a 2-hour MTS Yachts boat trip in Dubai.
That 2-hour tour luxury! ✨ Getting up close to the Burj Al Arab for a family selfie is just one highlight of our extended MTS Yachts cruise. Worth every extra minute!

Who Should Book This?

  • The Relaxation Seeker: You want to genuinely unwind, feel the breeze, and chat, not just snap photos.
  • The Completer: You absolutely must see all the major icons, including the Burj Al Arab.
  • The Foodie/Socializer: This duration often comes with extra perks on larger shared yachts, like complimentary snacks, soft drinks, or even a light BBQ.

The VIP Difference: Seeing It All, and Slowly

The 120-minute Dubai boat trip takes you past everything the 90-minute tour does, but adds the essential journey up the coastline to the Burj Al Arab—Dubai’s sail-shaped, seven-star landmark.

You get three incredible photo moments: Ain Dubai, Atlantis, and Burj Al Arab. Plus, you’re spending real, quality time on the water, which is perfect for sunset tours or a relaxed morning escape. It’s the closest you get to the private yacht experience without chartering the whole boat.


The Honest Conclusion: Which is “Better”?

The Best Trip for YOU Is…If your main concern is…
60 MinutesSpeed and a Tight Budget. (You only care about the Marina and Ain Dubai.)
90 MinutesSeeing Atlantis (The must-have photo, without taking too much time.)
120 MinutesSeeing EVERYTHING (Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, and a relaxed, social cruise.)

Looking to Book a Boat Trip in Dubai = Book with MTS Yachts
Departure Locations
Meet us : MTS Yachts – On the Dubai Marina walk,Marsa Dubai.


Your Next Question: What If I Want More Than 2 Hours?

If the thought of a two-hour cruise makes you feel like you’re still missing out—maybe you wanted to jump in and swim, anchor at a quiet bay, or host a party with your own music—then you’ve officially graduated from a “tour” to a charter.

The moment you want control over your route, your menu, and your schedule, you need a private yacht. That’s where the true Dubai luxury experience begins.

🛥️ Ready to stop following the group and start leading your own adventure?
➡️ Exclusive Private Yacht Charters in Dubai


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