Yachts Dubai Blog

Best Fishing Spots in Dubai: Where to Fish on a Boat Trip

·4 min read

In short: on a 4-hour fishing trip from Dubai Marina, the captain takes you to the most productive spots nearby — the Palm Jumeirah breakwaters, the coast off Dubai Marina and JBR, the World Islands and the reefs close to shore. Expect hammour, kingfish, barracuda, trevally and queenfish. The best season is October to April, and boats start from AED 375 per hour.

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The Best Fishing Spots Near Dubai Marina

The Palm Jumeirah Breakwaters

The rocks around the outer crescent of the Palm act like a reef and attract smaller fish — and the bigger fish that hunt them. Expect barracuda, trevally and small grouper. It’s close to the marina, so you spend more time fishing and less time travelling. A great choice for beginners and families.

Dubai Marina and JBR Coast

The open water along the coast is where the captain often trolls lures for barracuda, queenfish and, in the cooler months, kingfish. Non-fishing guests enjoy the skyline while you fish.

The World Islands

The rocks around the World Islands hold reef fish such as hammour, snapper and emperor. Bottom fishing with bait is the usual method here.

Nearby Reefs

The reefs and rocky patches a short run from the coast are the classic spots for hammour and other table fish. The captain picks the reef based on the season, the wind and what’s biting.

The captain decides on the day. Weather, tide and recent catches all change where the fish are, so he chooses the spots that give you the best chance.

Fish You Can Catch in Dubai

  • Hammour (grouper): the UAE’s favourite table fish, caught near reefs and rocks.
  • Kingfish: a fast, strong fish, best caught by trolling in the cooler months.
  • Barracuda: common along the coast and the Palm breakwaters.
  • Trevally and queenfish: strong fighters, great fun on light rods.
  • Snapper and emperor (sheri): reef fish, good for beginners.

The crew helps with size limits and will tell you which fish to release.

Best Time to Go Fishing in Dubai

  • Best season: October to April — cooler water and more active fish.
  • Summer: possible, but book early morning to avoid the heat.
  • Time of day: early morning and late afternoon are usually the most productive.

See our month-by-month guide for the weather.

Fishing Boats and Prices

Fishing boat Guests Per hour (AED) 4-hour trip (AED)
36 Ft Luxury Oryx up to 10 375 1,500
48 Ft Gulf Craft up to 12 450 1,800
44 Ft Luxury Majesty up to 12 475 1,900
34 Ft Sea Hunter up to 12 650 2,600

Every fishing trip includes rods, reels, bait and tackle, a licensed captain and crew, soft drinks, water and ice. You pay for the boat, not per person. You can pay in installments with Tabby at checkout. See all the details on our fishing trip in Dubai page.

Tips for a Better Catch

  • Go in season (October to April) for the best results.
  • Start early — the first hours of the morning are often the busiest.
  • Listen to the crew — they know how to set the bait and when to strike.
  • Bring sun protection — a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
  • If you get seasick, eat a light meal before the trip and stay on the open deck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to fish in Dubai?

Near Dubai Marina, the Palm Jumeirah breakwaters, the World Islands and the nearby reefs are the most popular spots on a boat trip.

What fish can I catch in Dubai?

Hammour, kingfish, barracuda, trevally, queenfish, snapper and emperor.

When is the best fishing season in Dubai?

October to April, when the water is cooler and the fish are more active.

How much does a fishing trip cost in Dubai?

From AED 375 per hour on the 36 ft Oryx — AED 1,500 for a 4-hour trip for up to 10 guests.

Do I need my own equipment?

No. Rods, reels, bait and tackle are included.

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