Think you’re the ultimate adventure-lover? Dubai is your new must-visit destination, then. From bungee jumping to flyboarding, dune bashing to a human slingshot on the beach, there are tons of options for adventures in Dubai. There’s also a lot you can do in Dubai that you can’t do anywhere else. So what are you waiting for? Add these 13 must-try adventures to your Dubai bucket list and book your flight to Dubai ASAP.
Hot air balloon ride
Watch the sun rise over the vast Dubai desert in an early-morning hot air balloon ride! If the views don’t take your breath away, the feeling of floating over the sand dunes in a giant hot air balloon definitely will. Whether you do this as part of an overnight desert safari (definitely recommend) or set an early alarm to head out to the desert just for this, it’s an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Dubai’s desert.
Helicopter ride
If you want to get an aerial view of the city, too, a helicopter ride is the best way to do it. A helicopter ride over one of the most incredible skylines in the world may seem like it should cost a fortune, but it’s actually not as expensive as you might think (prices start around $150 USD per person). While it’s a lot less adrenaline-inducing than many other things on this list, the unbeatable views and once-in-a-lifetime experience still make it one of the best adventures in Dubai. Plus, the pics from your flight are going to be postcard-perfect, so #doitforthegram.
Skydive
For a real adrenaline rush, why not go skydiving in Dubai? Skydive Dubai is the most popular skydiving option in Dubai, with tandem jumps available so you can dive with an expert. Plus, you’ll have the option to skydive over the Palm Jameirah island, offering spectacular views that will almost take your mind off the fact that you’re free falling.
Bungee jumping
Not quite brave enough for skydiving? What about bungee jumping? Jump off some of the tallest buildings in the world and free fall over the city for the ultimate thrill. There are several places to go, so you can pick your view—and decide whether you want to tandem jump with an instructor or go solo.
Dune bashing
Dune bashing is one of the adventures in Dubai that’s absolutely a must-do. Imagine off-roading over, around and across desert sand dunes—it’s similar to the feeling of being on a roller-coaster! This is honestly one of the best ways to experience the Dubai desert, and since there’s plenty of professional drivers to take you on a dune bashing tour, you really only have to sit back and enjoy.
Swim with sharks
Ever wanted to go swimming with sharks? In Dubai, it’s easy! Swim—or rather, scuba dive—with sharks and rays in the massive Dubai Aquarium. Of course, there’s other places in Dubai where you can swim with sharks as well, but either way, you’ll be up close and personal with hundreds of sharks, rays and more. You don’t need diver certification for most of the shark diving experiences, so don’t count yourself out if you’ve never gone scuba diving before!
Zipline over the marina
Zipline Dubai offers multiple ziplining options, including the longest urban zipline in the world! It’s also one of the steepest ziplines in the world, so it’s not for the faint of heart—but it is perfect for adventure-lovers. Get a new view of the Dubai skyline by zipping at 50mph over the Dubai marina—we promise you’ll never see Dubai the same way again (literally).
Indoor skiing
Think you can’t find skiing in Dubai’s desert climate? Think again. Ski Dubai is located in the Dubai mall and is home to great snow, a jumping ramp and even a black diamond run—yes, all indoors! There’s even a ski chalet near the slopes offering winter favorites like hot chocolate and fondue. If the desert heat is getting to you, cool off with a bit of winter weather whenever you need it.
Sandboarding
Want to experience the dunes in Dubai’s desert from a bit more up-close? Sand boarding is your answer and one of our favorite adventures in Dubai. Sand boarding—much like snowboarding—involves strapping your boots to a board and sliding down or across the dunes. Whether you’re an experienced snowboarder or completely new, Dubai’s desert has plenty of different sizes of dunes. Start small and work your way up to 1,000 foot dunes! Since sand boarding can be done any time of year, it’s a great must for your adventure bucket list. And it’s often included in other desert tours, such as dune bashing tours or overnight safaris.
Flyboarding
Flyboarding is one of the most futuristic adventures you can have, so it makes sense to try it in Dubai! It’s basically like a hoverboard for the water—the small board is connected by a long hose to a boat and then, using water jet propulsion, literally shoots you up into the air. You can fly between 6-50 feet upwards, depending on your skill level, but regardless of how high you go, learning to balance and fly around is a thrilling experience to add to your Dubai bucket list.
Aquaventure waterpark
These are not the waterslides you remember from your 4th-grade waterpark birthday party: the scream-worthy waterslides at the Aquaventure Waterpark are scary enough to deserve their own spot on our adventure checklist. Two of the most popular slides, Poseidon’s Revenge and Leap of Faith, offer near-vertical drops that’ll have you sliding at speeds of almost 40mph. Oh, and did we mention that the Leap of Faith slide sends you through a shark tank? Don’t worry, though—you’ll likely be sliding through so fast you might not even notice.
Scuba diving
If you’ve ever wanted to try scuba diving, Dubai is a great place for first-timers! The clear, warm waters are home to lots of sea life and animals so you’ll have lots to see and discover, and you can take diving lessons even if you’re a complete beginner. You’ll be swimming and breathing underwater in no time. Plus, you’ll even have the option of learning outdoors in the ocean or indoors at one of the dive centers and aquariums in Dubai.
Which of these adventures are up next on your bucket list? Book your flights to Dubai and start checking them off!