Wednesday 1 April 2020

Three ways to travel by boat in Dubai for less than £5

Jetty at Dubai Creek

Well we've just got back to the UK after a bit of a crazy few weeks deciding what to do but I have come back with lots of ideas of posts that people might like once the lockdown is over, and as I currently have time to write them I thought I'd put pen to paper, or finger to keyboard as it were.

Dubai isn't super cheap, expecially if you're not prepared. But with a bot of forward thinking/ research you can do lots for not too much money, with that in mind I wanted to share some of the things we've done which haven't been too spenny but have still felt a bit special.

Now Mr Vatkinary loves boats and theres no shortage of water in Dubai but boat trips can definetly be on the pricey side. With that in mind, here are three ways you can do a little boat trip for very little cost at all.

If you find yourself down at the Creek, then you can travel across the creek on a relativey short boat trip for just 1dh (about 20p at the time of writing)! Head to the water side and look for the RTA office, beware lots of people will probaby try and stop you and offer you boat trips and if you ask them if it's this one they will probably say yes!

A traditional abra at Dubai Creek

The only way to get the ticket is from the RTA office or an RTA person who will be standing by the barrier. Its a prerty rustic wooden abra that will have lots of people on it but it's a great cheap way to cross to the other side.
The marina is notoroiously rather expensive and walking from one side to the other is a pretty fair trek- it's the longest marina in the world I think? Once the weather really hots up you might find you can't bear the walk so you can hop on the RTA marina bus. It has 4 stops, stopping on both sides of the Marina (the walk to corss the bridge can be pretty long!) and starts right at the top and goes down past the Marina mall. You do sit inside but it's a nice quickish journey and definately worth doing to see it all. Try and time it at sunset or the nicest views. Its 25Dh (around £5 at the time of writing) for a day pass where you can hop on as many times as you like.
The last way, which is technically not free as you'll end up spending, but is a bit more glam nonetheless is visiting the 101 lounge bar who provide a free boat transfer. It's down at the Palm and they do free boat shittles from the jetty at the One and Only Royal Mirage. Its a 10 minute ride and takes you to the tip of the palm crescent. After 18.30 there's a smart casual dress code to be mindful of also.