Helicopter, hot-air balloon, zipline: Dubai from above.
From sky to desert via the sea, Dubai concentrates thrill activities for every level. Some are shared experiences, others require good physical condition or a higher budget. Here is how to compare them before booking.
The helicopter flight (from 670 AED) gives an overview of the coast. The hot-air balloon and the gyrocopter (from 1,100 AED each) are rarer experiences, to be booked well in advance. The Dinner in the Sky (from 750 AED) is enjoyed in the evening. The Marina zipline (from 495 AED) takes place at the Marina.
Quad & Buggy (from 200 AED) offers 30- or 60-minute sessions, with safety equipment and a guide. You can also add it to a safari to round off the afternoon.
The Palm Speedboat Tour (from 95 AED) lasts 1.5 hours around Palm Jumeirah, and the water activities (from 200 AED) bring together sports such as jet skiing. The speedboat is not allowed for pregnant women and children under 5.
For a first time, start with the speedboat or the quad: accessible, short and inexpensive. For a special occasion, favour the helicopter or the dinner in the sky. If you are travelling in a group, compare the price and conditions of each activity.
Which thrill activity should we choose first?
The speedboat and the quad are the most accessible: short duration, low starting price and supervision by a guide or crew.
What happens if the weather is bad?
For aerial activities, the operator may postpone or cancel the departure depending on conditions. The terms are shown on each activity's page; if in doubt, contact us on WhatsApp.
Can we combine several thrill activities on the same day?
It is possible for short activities, such as a quad in the afternoon and a speedboat the next morning. Avoid combining two physical activities in the desert in strong heat.