In short: a fishing trip in Dubai for beginners needs no experience, no equipment and no permit. You book a private boat for your group only, from AED 375 per hour (4-hour minimum, up to 10 guests), and the captain and crew provide rods, reels, bait and tackle and show everyone what to do. Trips run in the daytime, and you take your catch home. Prices are for the whole boat.
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Is a fishing trip in Dubai good for beginners?
Yes. Many guests who book a fishing boat have never held a rod at sea, and the trip works well for them. The boat is private, so there are no strangers on board and no rush. The crew sets up the rods, shows how to drop the line and how to feel a bite, and helps when a fish is on the hook.
For families this matters a lot. Children can fish for a few minutes, take a break, have a snack and come back. Adults who only want to sit in the shade and watch the coast can do that too. Nobody has to fish the whole time.
If you want to compare all boats and prices first, read our fishing trip prices guide.
What happens on the day
- Boarding. You meet the boat in Dubai Marina or Dubai Harbour, depending on the boat. We send the exact meeting point after booking. Arrive a little early, because the time starts at the booked hour.
- ID check and safety talk. The crew checks the original ID of every guest and shows where the life jackets are.
- Cruise out. The captain heads out along the coast, with views of the Dubai Marina skyline and Palm Jumeirah, to a fishing area that suits the day’s weather.
- Fishing. The crew prepares the bait, hands out the rods and explains the basics. If the fish are not biting, the captain may move to another spot.
- Back to the marina. Your catch goes home with you.
What is included and what to bring
Every fishing trip includes rods, reels, bait and tackle, the captain and crew, fuel, soft drinks, water and ice. Life jackets are on board. You do not need your own equipment or a fishing licence for the trip.
What you should bring:
- An original passport or Emirates ID for every guest. It is a Coast Guard rule, and guests without original ID cannot board. Copies or photos on a phone are not enough.
- Sun protection: hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. The sun on open water is strong, even in winter.
- Light clothes and shoes or sandals with a good grip.
- Snacks the children like, and a towel.
- A cool bag to carry your fish home.
Safety with children on board
A fishing boat is a good place for children when the family follows a few simple rules:
- Life jackets are on board. Before the boat leaves, the crew shows everyone where they are.
- Every child stays with an adult at all times, especially near the side of the boat.
- Hooks are sharp. Let the crew handle the bait and take fish off the hook; children can hold the rod and reel in.
- Listen to the captain. The captain decides where the boat goes, based on the weather and the sea.
- Drink often. Soft drinks, water and ice are included.
For more ideas on taking children out on the water, see our family yacht trip guide.
Best time of day and season for first-time anglers
Fishing runs in the daytime only. The best times are early morning and late afternoon, when it is cooler on deck. From roughly October to April the weather is the most comfortable, which helps a lot with children. In summer, book an early-morning start to avoid the midday heat.
Fish commonly caught off Dubai include barracuda, queenfish, trevally, reef fish and, in the cooler months, kingfish. We never promise a catch: it depends on the season, the weather and some luck. For a beginner, the first bite is often the best part of the day. Our guide to fishing spots in Dubai explains the areas the captains use, such as the Palm Jumeirah breakwaters and the waters around The World islands.
Which boat for which group
| Boat | Guests | Per hour | 4 hours | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 Ft Luxury Oryx | up to 10 | AED 375 | AED 1,500 | A couple with children or one family |
| 48 Ft Gulf Craft | up to 12 | AED 450 | AED 1,800 | Two families together |
| 44 Ft Luxury Majesty | up to 12 | AED 475 | AED 1,900 | Families who want a relaxed cruise as well as fishing |
| 34 Ft Sea Hunter | up to 12 | AED 650 | AED 2,600 | Groups who mainly want to fish (dedicated fishing boat, 2020 model) |
Prices are for the whole boat, not per person. The minimum is 4 hours, and every extra hour costs the same hourly rate. Count everyone on board, including small children, when you check the guest limit.
For a first trip with children, 4 hours is usually enough. If your group enjoys it and wants more time on the fishing grounds, a 6-hour trip is charged at the same hourly rate.
Taking your catch home
Whatever you catch is yours to take home. Bring a cool bag so the fish stays fresh on the way back, and plan a family dinner around it. Children are usually proud to tell everyone they caught dinner themselves. If the sea is quiet that day, you still have a private cruise along the coast with your family.
FAQ
Do we need fishing experience or our own rods?
No. Rods, reels, bait and tackle are included, and the crew shows beginners what to do.
Can young children join a fishing trip?
Yes. The boat is private for your group. Every child needs an original passport or Emirates ID and must stay with an adult at all times. Life jackets are on board.
Do we need a fishing licence?
No. You do not need a fishing licence or permit for the trip.
What if we do not catch anything?
Catches depend on the season, the weather and luck, so no catch is guaranteed. The captain can move between spots to give you a better chance.
Ready to try your first fishing trip? Choose a boat and date on our fishing trips in Dubai page, or message us on WhatsApp with your group size and preferred start time. You can pay by card, Apple Pay or Tabby at checkout.
