Where to board a boat cruise in Dubai

1Al Hubob Street: yacht, dinner and sunset cruises

Xclusive Yachts runs all three from its base in Dubai Marina. The listings give the address as Al Hubob Street, and the operator describes it as Xclusive Marina, behind Al Majara Tower, on the marina level.

The taxi instructions are the same on all three listings. Ask to be dropped at Marina Mansions. Cross the street at the pedestrian crossing, walk down the ramp next to the bridge, and turn left at the bottom. Each voucher also carries a map link from the operator.

Bring your passport for the yacht cruise. The listing says it is required to board.

2East Marina Gate V: the speedboat

The speedboat leaves from the Love Boats UAE dock on Dubai Marina Walk. The listing places it at East Marina Gate V, in front of Ritzi Italian Restaurant. The operator's site describes it as opposite Spinneys supermarket and beside Reem Al Bawadi restaurant.

There is no booked time slot. You arrive and board the next boat for the option you paid for, so check the timetable first: the 60-minute tour is listed only at 6:30 pm, and the 90-minute tour at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm. The voucher gives a phone number for questions.

3Dubai Creek: the dhow dinner

The listing names two meeting points, Al Seef Street and the Dubai Spice Souk, without saying which applies to you. The local provider contacts you after booking with the exact place and time, and staff then take you to the dhow.

With the hotel pickup option none of this matters: a driver collects you at around 7:30 pm and returns you at about 11:30 pm. For visitors staying in the Marina or on the Palm, that option removes a long taxi ride each way.

4How early to arrive

For the yacht, dinner and sunset cruises the listings ask for 30 minutes. On the dinner and sunset cruises check-in closes 15 minutes before departure, and an air-conditioned lounge with Wi-Fi is mentioned for those who arrive early.

For the Creek dhow, be at the meeting point 10 minutes ahead, or in your hotel lobby 15 minutes before the pickup time. The speedboat listing gives no margin, but with fixed sailing times it is wise to be at the dock before the hour.

5What goes wrong

The common mistakes are predictable. People go to the Creek for a Marina boat, or to Marina Walk for a boat that leaves from Al Hubob Street. Others arrive for the yacht without a passport.

On the Creek, the listing warns that if the minimum number of passengers is not reached you are moved to another cruise, so keep your phone on for messages from the provider. None of the listings names a metro or tram stop; ask your hotel if you plan to use public transport.

Boarding points at a glance