Skip the crowds and see the skyline from the water on a 60-minute Corniche Abu Dhabi Sightseeing Boat Tour from Emirates Palace Marina. Family-friendly—book now.
Corniche Abu Dhabi Sightseeing Boat Tour
Ideal for those with limited time, indulge in a 60-minute cruise that showcases the best of Abu Dhabi!
The Corniche Abu Dhabi Sightseeing Boat Tour is the easiest way to collect postcard views in just an hour—think sea breeze, skyline panoramas, and quick photo pauses without the all-day commitment. Departing from Emirates Palace Marina, the Yellow Boats RIB skims along the Corniche and around Lulu Island with live commentary and plenty of wow-moments of Etihad Towers from the water. If you like keeping things simple, you can book your seats here and arrive with just your camera and sense of adventure.
Overview
This 60-minute Abu Dhabi boat tour is short, scenic, and family-friendly. You’ll glide out of Emirates Palace Marina, trace the palm-fringed Corniche, swing past the traditional Fishermen’s Village area, and loop Lulu Island for wide, clean skyline angles. Expect an upbeat skipper, light local stories, and quick pauses for photos. Want a deeper look at the palace after your cruise? Plan a separate visit with our guide to Emirates Palace, then come back at sunset for those golden domes.
Location & How to Get There
- Departure point: Emirates Palace Marina (look for Yellow Boats check-in signage).
- Getting there: Taxis and ride-hailing apps can drop at the marina entrance just beyond the main hotel gate; allow time for the short walk to the dock.
- Arrival window: Aim to arrive 20–30 minutes before departure to check in, fit life jackets, and stow small bags safely.
If you’re making a day of it, the waterfront itself has plenty to do—our roundup of 40 Best Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi is handy for building a Corniche-centric mini-itinerary.
Timings & Ticket Prices
- Daily departures: 09:30, 15:00, 17:00 (approx. 60 minutes).
- Typical pricing: Adult from AED 199, Child from AED 99 (child category usually 5–12 years, with minimum weight rules).
- Booking tip: Golden hour (17:00) is popular—reserve your spot now to avoid missing that soft light.
Prices and schedules can vary by date; always check the live calendar when you book.
Corniche Abu Dhabi Sightseeing Boat Tour
Ideal for those with limited time, indulge in a 60-minute cruise that showcases the best of Abu Dhabi!
Highlights & Experiences
Emirates Palace & Etihad Towers from the Water
Rolling out of the marina, you’ll frame Emirates Palace with fountains in the foreground and Etihad Towers shimmering behind—one of Abu Dhabi’s most dramatic angles. For a contrast later, consider a top-down city look from Observation Deck at 300 on the 74th floor of Etihad Towers.
The Corniche Skyline Sweep
From sea level, the Corniche delivers a perfect curve of towers, palms, and turquoise water. If the beach catches your eye, the city’s official pages for the Corniche waterfront and Corniche Beach have practical details for a return visit.
Lulu Island Close-Ups
Your skipper typically loops Lulu Island, the sandy breakwater that shields the city’s shoreline. With the skyline stacked behind the dunes, it’s a natural spot for wide-angle shots—great for families and first-timers building a quick Abu Dhabi album.
Live Commentary & Photo Pauses
Expect light, informative commentary with brief stops so everyone can line up clean frames. If you’re exploring more of the city after, keep our best Corniche-side hotels guide in your back pocket for future stays.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early: Be waterside 20–30 minutes before departure so you’re not rushed through check-in.
- Age & weight policy: This is a family-friendly RIB tour, generally for ages 5+ with a minimum weight requirement for children; kids need to ride with an adult.
- Health & safety: Life jackets are provided. For comfort and safety, operators typically do not accept pregnant guests or those with serious back/neck issues. Bring valid ID (passport/Emirates ID) as waterside checks can occur.
- What to wear: Sun-smart clothing, secure sunglasses, and shoes you don’t mind getting slightly wet. A light windbreaker is useful outside summer.
- Best light: The 17:00 sailing is the crowd favorite for warm light on the skyline; mornings are cooler and often calmer.
- Pair it with a viewpoint: Do the cruise, then head to Observation Deck at 300 for a birds-eye follow-up—or plan a cultural morning at Louvre Abu Dhabi and take the boat at 15:00 or 17:00.
Why This 60-Minute Tour Is Worth It
- Maximum sights, minimal time: In just an hour, you’ll tick off Emirates Palace, the Corniche, Lulu Island, and the Etihad Towers angle—without committing a full afternoon.
- Water-only vantage points: Many of the Corniche’s most photogenic frames simply aren’t possible from land; the RIB lines up those uncluttered skyline views.
- Easy for families: Short duration, smooth routing, and photo pauses keep kids engaged while adults get the shots they want.
- Fits any itinerary: Slot the cruise between beach time and dinner at the palace, or add it to a Corniche walking loop—plenty of cafés and park benches along the promenade.
Ready to ride? You can check today’s offers and lock in 09:30, 15:00, or 17:00 in seconds.
Conclusion
Short, scenic, and super photogenic, the Corniche Abu Dhabi Sightseeing Boat Tour captures the capital’s best angles in one carefree hour—glassy towers, palace domes, and a breezy loop past Lulu Island. It’s a natural add-on to any Abu Dhabi day, whether you’re beach-hopping along the Corniche or planning a luxe detour at the palace. Don’t miss the golden-hour glow—book your seats today.
