If you’re looking for a holiday that combines both the beach and city nightlife then Dubai Marina is the perfect spot for you! You’ll get the best of both worlds and it’s hugely popular with Western tourists for that reason.
Here are 11 unique and awesome things to do in Dubai Marina
11 unique activities to do in Dubai Marina
1) Hire a luxury yacht and cruise along Dubai Marina
Feel like a millionaire with this ultimate luxury experience, if you have the money to spend then hiring one privately will definitely give you the VIP experience or you can choose to join a yacht tour or party. And actually it may be cheaper in Dubai than you think!
No trip to Dubai is complete without taking a picture on yacht so that the people back home see how good you’re living life! It’s one of the most popular activities in the area for tourists and residents alike.
Check prices for your yacht tour 🛥️
2) Enjoy the sea and sand at JBR Beach
Relax and soak up the sun at JBR Beach, a sandy beach with the beautiful sea. You can swim, sunbathe, or enjoy a picnic with friends and family.
You’ll also find lots of hotels, restaurants and shops set further back from the beach and it’s easy to spend a whole day here.
3) Take a zip-line across Dubai Marina
For those wanting an adrenaline filled activity, this is the one for you! Enjoy a thrilling zip line ride across Dubai Marina on the world’s longest Urban zip line at 1km.
Soar through the air like superman, lying forward and enjoy the stunning views of the marina from a totally different angle as you whizz past the cityscape.
Book zip-lining across Dubai Marina 🛥️
4) Enjoy a shopping spree at Dubai Marina Mall
Explore the various shopping options in Dubai Marina Mall. From high-end boutiques to high street brands, you can shop for fashion, accessories, and more.
The mall is a decent size, thought you may find it smaller compared to other malls in Dubai! There’s also the lovely Pier 7 attached, where you’ll find a great range of restaurants looking over Dubai Marina.
5) Go for Saturday brunch at restaurant in JBR
Dubai Marina and JBR is known for it’s likely day time scene and no trip to Dubai Marina would be complete without enjoying some fun in the sun.
You’ll find a range of Saturday brunches to suit every taste, from high end fine dining to your more casual beach club parties and pubs with outdoor areas. You’ll typically find a lot of Brits having a good time at these.
6) Skydive over Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah at Sky Dive Dubai
Take your adventure to new heights by going skydiving over Dubai Marina. Not for the faint hearted, this is certainly one of the most unique things to do in the area!
You’ll get to jump out of a plane and experience the adrenaline rush as you freefall while enjoying incredible views of the marina. If you pay extra to rent a go pro, you’ll get to enjoy those views again and again.
Check prices for sky diving in Dubai 🪂
7) Ride the world’s tallest observation wheel
*Temporarily closed
Ain Dubai, also known as the Dubai Eye, is the world’s largest observation wheel located on Bluewaters Island in Dubai.
Standing at a height of 250 meters, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf, making it a must-visit attraction for tourists and locals alike.
We’re not sure yet when Dubai Ain will open again but it’s definitely worth exploring the surrounding area of Blue Waters.
Check availability for Dubai Eye 🛥️
8) Rent a bicycle and cycle around Dubai Marina promenade
If you had to the top section of Dubai Marina, in Dubai Marina North. Close to the water, you’ll see Careem bicycles ready for you to rent. Similar to Boris Bikes in London.
You’ll be able to take a leisurely cycle along the waterfront promenade. I recommend by bike since the paths are very long and you’ll get to see much more than on foot.
You can choose to stop at the different restaurants and cafes along with way, making it the perfect day out!
9) Hire a jet ski and explore the waters of Dubai
Experience the thrill of jet skiing in Dubai Marina. Here you can rent a jet ski and explore the marina’s waters while enjoying the stunning skyline views.
If you’re newer to using a jet ski then I highly recommend to do a jet ski tour as a group, where an instructor will lead you around Palm Jumeirah to see Atlantis and other key sights of Dubai.
10) See how fast you can complete the world’s largest floating obstacle course
AquaFun is another very unique experience in Dubai and is fun for the whole family. It’s an inflatable obstacle course sitting on the sea at JBR beach.
Though you may be surprised by how tiring trying to complete the obstacle course is! So perhaps get a few gym sessions in as preparation so you can keep up with the kids.
Check ticket availability for AquaFun 🌊
11) Enjoy a dinner in the sky
Another exciting and different experience you’ll find in Dubai Marina is Dinner in The Sky. You’ll get hoisted up into the air for a 3 course meal of contemporary European cuisine.
This memorable experience is perfect as a couple or family with older children and it’s best to wear clothes that won’t flap in the wind. So avoid skirts, abayas and slip on shoes.
Check prices for Dinner in the Sky 🍽️
Looking for more things to do in Dubai? Check out my other helpful lists to make your Dubai visit as easy as pie!
- Awesome things to do on Palm Jumeirah for lasting Dubai memories
- The Ultimate list of things to do in Dubai with 137 unique ideas for you to choose
- Alternatives to Burj Khalifa At The Top for those who want something different in Dubai
- Should you visit Dubai Butterfly Garden? How to decide for the type of traveller you are
- Which Burj Khalifa ticket to buy? Save time and money with this guide
- How best to visit the famous Dubai Fountain and what to know before you go
- Unique things to do at Emirates Mall and family friendly fun
- ALL the water parks in Dubai, where they are and what ages they’re best for