Seaplane flight over Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab and the Dubai coast
1 h 30 min · starts 10:00, 13:30, 16:00 · 4.3 (3)
A seaplane is the most exciting way to see the shape of Dubai, because the city's best-known landmarks were designed to be seen from above. We fly with Saltwing Air, a licensed seaplane operator we have worked with for years, on a high-wing plane with eight passenger seats, every one of them at a window. Our driver collects you 45 minutes before take-off and brings you to the seaplane terminal on the waterfront, where check-in includes a passport or Emirates ID check and a short weight check for the seating plan.
After a safety briefing you board from the floating pontoon. The take-off is the part guests remember: the plane accelerates across the water, spray at the windows, and lifts off smoothly. The standard route lasts about 25 minutes and follows the coast over the fronds of Palm Jumeirah, the sail of Burj Al Arab, the towers of Dubai Marina and the skyline along Sheikh Zayed Road with Burj Khalifa in the distance. The longer 40-minute route, available on request, adds the islands of the World and the Creek. Flying is at low altitude, so views are close and detailed, but it can feel bumpy on warm afternoons when the air over the land rises; anyone prone to motion sickness should take a tablet beforehand.
The cabin is noisy, so headsets are provided and the pilot points out landmarks over the intercom. Landing is on the water again, gentle and quick, and you receive a flight certificate before the drive back. Every flight depends on wind, sea state and air traffic, and the operator can delay or cancel at short notice; in that case you choose a new date or a full refund. Unlike cheap online deals, our price includes transfers, the terminal fee and no seat-selection surcharge. Cancellation is free up to 48 hours before.
How the time is spent
- 09:15Pickup from your hotel or home
Our driver collects you 45 minutes before take-off. Have your passport or Emirates ID ready, as it is required at seaplane check-in.
- 09:40Check-in at the seaplane terminal
Staff check your ID, weigh each guest discreetly for the seating plan and offer water while the plane is prepared on the pontoon.
- 09:50Safety briefing
A short briefing on seat belts, life jackets and emergency exits, then the crew walk you down the pontoon and help you board.
- 10:00Take-off from the water
The plane taxis out, accelerates across the water and lifts off. Headsets on, so you can hear the pilot point out landmarks along the way.
- 10:05Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab and the Marina
Low, slow passes over the fronds of the Palm, the sail of Burj Al Arab and the Marina towers, with the skyline and Burj Khalifa in the distance.
- 10:30Landing and flight certificate
A gentle landing on the water and a short taxi back to the pontoon. You receive a flight certificate before heading to the car.
- 11:30Drop-off at your door
The driver brings you back to your hotel or home. Guests on the 40-minute route return a little later, at about 11:45.
Times shown for the first start time; later runs follow the same plan.
Included
- Pickup and drop-off from Dubai hotels and homes
- Scenic flight of about 25 minutes, 40-minute route on request
- Licensed pilot and a window seat for every guest
- Safety briefing and noise-cancelling headsets
- Terminal fees
- Flight certificate
- Bottled water at the terminal
Know before you go
- Passport or Emirates ID is required at check-in for every guest, including children.
- Minimum age is two; children under twelve must sit next to an adult.
- Guests are weighed for balance; please tell us at booking if anyone is over 130 kg so we can plan seating.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or after recent ear, sinus or eye surgery.
- Anyone prone to motion sickness should take a tablet an hour before; afternoon flights can be bumpier.
- Small bags only on board; cameras and phones are fine, but no selfie sticks.
Questions about this experience
What is the seaplane cancellation policy?
What if the weather or sea is too rough?
Can children fly on the seaplane?
Is any food served?
Which seat is best for photos?
Guests on this experience
Our first booking was cancelled for weather on the morning itself, which is understandable. We chose a refund rather than another date, and it took two weeks and a couple of reminders to arrive. When we did fly a month later the views were incredible, but the refund should have been faster.
Forty minutes over the Palm, the World islands and Burj Khalifa from the air, with the water so clear you could see the reefs. Viktor briefed us at the terminal and made sure my son got the seat by the window. Smooth take-off and landing on the water.
I am a bit nervous about small planes and Jomar spent ten minutes with me before boarding explaining how it all works. Once we were up I forgot to be scared. Seeing the coastline from Jumeirah to the Marina in one sweep was spectacular.
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