A day on the water out and about on Dubai’s sparkling coast line. While the city’s brunching institution remains strong, today is less about food and more about friends. We’re taking the focus to connections on (and in!) the water.
I’m running late. Which is really poor form, especially because well, really, I have no excuse. It’s been a quiet morning and I was reasonably well prepared having written a card, printed and wrapped Charlotte’s birthday present last night. Snacks and drinks are in a cooler and all I needed to do was pull together a hat, some sunscreen and a towel. But then the kids haven’t had lunch and I have misread the message. Departing at 1pm, not meeting at 1pm! And the Marina traffic! Hence, I’m now late and Jolie is out the front of the harbour waiting for me. At least I didn’t have to run half a marathon through the Marina from a wrong drop off point and, thank goodness, Jolie is being quite relaxed and forgiving*. We’re on board and casting off in no time.
On The Yacht
Drinks are quickly poured and our snacks are arranged on the top deck as we drift out of the Marina, past Bluewaters Island and across JBR. I have a nice catch up with Jenny whom I haven’t seen for ages and join a conversation with some familiar faces as well as a couple of the girls I haven’t met before.
Before too long we’re in front of the Burj Al Arab. It’s a picture perfect day on the water. Blue skies, fun friends and fluffy clouds off in the distance.
Just the right angle to capture some of the city’s most iconic landmarks in the background.
Now it’s time for a swim. We anchor along the north side of The Palm. This stretch includes such names as the Waldorf Astoria, Taj Exotica and Anantara. But today we’re self contained on our own little piece of floating paradise.
Aaaarrrrgh, I have forgotten my towel. Perhaps not entirely self contained! Never mind, I guess it’s still warm enough to air dry.
Bubbles & Birthdays
After a swim in the clear deep sea around the breakwater, we all climb back aboard. The captain takes us back past Sheikh Mohammed’s island and under the base of the Palm.
We break out the snacks, pour a glass of bubbles and toast the birthday girl as we drift through the idyllic afternoon. Anchoring again off the beach in front of The One & Only, there is another chance to swim.
The water is full today, boats anchored everywhere with people enjoying this time of the year as the weather finally starts to cool.
It’s hard not to get caught up in the atmosphere. A good portion of the crowd are on holiday and for the rest of us it’s at least the weekend. Music drifts (or in some cases blasts) from expensive nautical sound systems. We gaze over to the beach while those laying in the sand gaze back to us.
Someone on a Jetpack entertains all the onlookers.
Soon we’re pulling up anchor. The sun is setting and all the smiles are out.
Good To Know
There are many tour companies that run private charters from Dubai Marina. Ours worked out to be approximately AED3,000 for an afternoon booking (1pm – 6pm, assuming everyone arrives on time). Water, ice, fuel and crew are included. We brought our own drinks and snacks. A tip for the crew is customary.
Would I Return?
Yes. Plus it’s quite fun with a group of likeminded girls.
* Note to self to be more gracious and forgiving.
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