We Got A Tan Without Leaving the City at Marina Beach Dubai
Marina Beach is one of my favorite places in Dubai—though, to be honest, I have a lot of favorite places. With beautiful views and clear waters, it’s so easy to lose track of time and spend the whole day there (which I’ve done more times than I’d like to admit).
I love lying in the sun (just not in the summer), trying water sports (not always successfully), and walking along Marina Walk while pretending I have everything under control.
In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know to enjoy Marina Beach, from the best times to visit to the fun things you can do (even if you’re as clumsy as me)!
What is Marina Beach known for?
Marina Beach in Dubai is known for its clean, sandy shores and clear waters, with great views of the Gulf, the city, and landmarks like the Ain Dubai. It’s a beautiful spot—though no matter how careful I am, I always end up covered in sand.
The beach has plenty of cafés, clubs, and restaurants, so there’s no shortage of food options (yay!).
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try jet-skiing, parasailing, or banana boat rides. If your idea of adventure is more “nap on a beach mat,” that works too.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Marina Beach is from November to March, when the weather is pleasantly cool, and you won’t feel like you’re being slow-roasted under the Dubai sun.
(If you can, avoid visiting from June to September unless you have a strong desire to experience what it’s like to be a freshly baked cookie! With temperatures above 40°C or 104°F, even your flip-flops might start questioning your life choices.)
If you can convince yourself to wake up early, the hours of 6 AM to 9 AM when the beach is calm and cool are good times to go! But if you’re not a morning person, you can drop by in the late afternoon (4 PM to 6 PM) to catch the sunset.
Things to Know
Entry Fees: Marina Beach in Dubai is free! You can soak up the sun and splash in the sea without spending a single dirham. However, if you want to lounge in a sunbed or chill under one of the huge umbrellas, you’ll need to pay a little extra.
Operating Hours: The beach is open 24/7, but the lifeguards will only be on duty from sunrise to sunset.
Parking: You can park at the nearby Dubai Marina Mall, which offers free parking for the first 3 hours on weekdays and the first 4 hours on weekends. Once you exceed those, it’s AED 20 per additional hour.
Washrooms: Public washrooms are conveniently located near the main entrance and throughout the beach area, so you won’t have to worry when that cup of iced coffee suddenly demands an emergency exit.
Dogs: Sadly, dogs aren’t allowed on Marina Beach, so your furry friend will have to stay home while you’re having fun at the beach! Just be ready for some extra side-eye and possibly a chewed-up shoe when you get back.
How to Get Marina Beach
By Metro and Tram: Hop on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro and ride it to Dubai Marina station. Then, transfer to the Dubai Tram at Dubai Marina Tram Station. Ride it to the Jumeirah Beach Residence 1 station, and from there, it’s just a short walk to the beach!
By Bus: Several bus routes will drop you near Marina Beach, including Routes 8, 84, and F55A. Just be sure to check the latest schedules!
By Car: If you’re driving, take Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) towards Dubai Marina, exit at Interchange 5, and follow the signs. Parking is available, but it tends to disappear fast, so always be ready to embark on a parking hunt.
On Foot: If you’re staying nearby, lucky you! Marina Beach is within walking distance of many hotels and residences. A short stroll along Marina Walk is a great way to reach the beach—just try not to get too distracted by the waterfront cafés tempting you along the way.
What to Do Around Marina Beach
1. Shop, Dine, or Relax at The Beach
Media credit: thebeachdubai
Website: https://thebeach.ae/en/
Address: The Beach – Jumeirah Beach Residence – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 590 5090
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday – 10 AM to 12 AM; Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 1 AM
The Beach, JBR is like a beachfront amusement park for adults—minus the roller coasters, but with way better food. This gem at Marina Beach has everything from shopping and dining to water sports and even a cinema!
You can shop at stores like Adidas and Bath & Body Works (because nothing says “beach day” like stocking up on much-needed body lotion).
When hunger strikes—and trust me, it will—you can easily find plenty of dining options!
For the ultimate relaxation at the beach experience, head to Sea Breeze, where you can lounge on sunbeds or private cabanas like the VIP beachgoer you were born to be.
(If you feel extra pretentious, request access to their water activities and outdoor gym!)
2. Enjoy Watersports with Sky & Sea Adventures
Media credit: skyandseadxb
Website: https://watersportsdubai.com/
Address: Hilton – The Walk – Jumeirah Beach Residence – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 399 9005
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8:30 AM to 6 PM
For an exciting day at Marina Beach, Sky & Sea Adventures has you covered with some of the best water sports around— nothing says “vacation” like zipping across the water at full speed!
If you’re feeling the need for speed, rent a jet ski and channel your inner movie star! If you’re with a group, try the banana boat or flying fish–they’re like rollercoasters except you’re just hanging on for dear life (don’t worry, you’ll have a life vest).
For something more calm and peaceful, kayaking will allow you to explore the waters at your own pace. If you want to challenge yourself further, try stand-up paddleboarding–because nothing builds character like trying to balance on water.
3. Party All Day at Bla Bla Dubai
Media credit: blabladubai
Website: http://www.blabladubai.ae/
Address: The Beach, JBR – 5101 Messer Street – Jumeirah Beach Residence – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 584 4111
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 3 AM
Price Range: $$
Bla Bla Dubai isn’t just a place—it’s an experience. Located inside The Beach in JBR, this adults-only playground (21 and over, sorry kids!) offers front-row seats to views of the water and nearby icons like the Ain Dubai.
You can start your day by relaxing at The Beach Club. Then, when evening rolls in, head up to The Rooftop to enjoy drinks with a view!
But the real party is at The Tent Nightclub, where you can party to the music of live DJs spinning Latin and urban tunes. If ever you get hungry, they’ve got a restaurant that offers global cuisine for a quick re-fuel.
Finally, you can end the day at the Beach Bar, where you can finally contemplate whether you should call in sick for tomorrow. But at least you had fun, right?
4. Go on a Boat Tour with The Black Boats
Media credit: theblackboats
Website: https://theblackboats.com/
Address: Vida Hotel, Yacht Club – Dubai Marina – Dubai (Vida Dubai Marina & Yacht Club)
Contact Details: +971 52 479 8883
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 8 PM
For a fun and exciting way to see Dubai (without walking in the heat), hop on a boat tour with The Black Boats! With luxury service and super-fast boats, you’ll feel the wind in your hair like a true VIP!
All tours start at the Dubai Marina Yacht Club. If you’re short on time, the 60-minute Atlantis Boat Tour zips through the Marina canal, JBR, and Ain Dubai before stopping at Atlantis The Palm for some must-have photos.
If you have plenty of time (and dime) to spare, check out the 100-minute Burj Al Arab Boat Tour. It follows the same route but goes further to the skydiving center (where you can watch people fall from the sky) and Burj Al Arab for more photo ops!
But if you really just want to ride a nice boat, you can take the 60-minute Dubai Marina Canal Tour where you can admire the Marina’s skyline from the sea.
5. Swim and Play with the Inflatables at AquaFun Water Park
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Website: https://aquafun.ae/
Address: The Beach, opposite of – Jumeirah Beach Residence – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 58 522 5730
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 6 PM
AquaFun Water Park at Marina Beach is basically a giant, wobbly playground floating on water–and that’s why it’s so fun to go there!
As the largest inflatable water park in the world (Guinness Record holder and all), this place has giant slides, climbing towers, trampolines, and rope swings. It’s part ninja course, part water adventure, and 100% guaranteed to make you question your balance skills.
The best part? Your ticket includes an all-day pass, so you can tackle the course, take a break, grab a bite from one of the nearby restaurants, and dive back in whenever you’re ready.
And don’t worry—there are changing rooms and showers nearby, so you won’t have to walk around looking like a drenched sea otter all day.
6. Ride a Camel on the Beach for the Ultimate Dubai Photo Op
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One of the best things to do in Marina Beach is to take a camel ride along the shore—because, let’s be honest, when else will you get the chance to ride a desert animal with the Dubai Marina skyline in the background?
Camel rides at the beach won’t break the bank, usually costing between 50 to 100 AED. You’ll often find them near the Bla Bla beach club, but these camels like to keep things interesting and might move around.
If you don’t spot them right away, just ask a lifeguard or security guard—they’ve probably seen more lost tourists chasing camels than they’d like to admit.
7. Stroll Along The Walk, JBR
Media credit: leonp80
Website: https://jbr.ae/en
Address: Jumeirah Beach Residence – Dubai
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 7:30 AM to 10 PM; Sunday – 7:30 AM to 10 PM
The Walk at JBR is one of the best places to visit in Dubai’s Marina Beach—and not just because you can get your steps in while window-shopping.
This lovely promenade along the coast is full of shops, from big-name brands to quirky boutiques and local crafts. You can also browse outdoor markets offering jewelry, delicious treats, and home goods.
And let’s talk about food. Whatever you feel like treating yourself to, The Walk has you covered! The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill serves up fine dining by the sea, a great choice for seafood lovers looking for Instagram-worthy dishes.
Tips When Visiting Marina Beach
Now that you’re familiar with Marina Beach, here are some tips to help you enjoy a smooth and hassle-free visit:
JBR Beach or Marina Beach? What’s it really called?
You may encounter people who refer to Marina Beach as JBR Beach and they’re not exactly wrong! JBR Beach is within the larger area known as Marina Beach.
Stay Hydrated.
Dubai’s sun doesn’t play around. Bring enough water to drink, or prepare to pay premium prices for a bottle of something cold.
Bring Your Own Towel and Shade.
Sure, you could rent a sunbed and umbrella, but if you’re not early, you’re out of luck. Plus, prices can make you rethink your spending. Save your dirhams—bring a towel for the sand and a portable shade if you’re planning a long beach day.
Expect a Fee for Showers.
Want to rinse off that sand and saltwater? Be prepared to cough up around 5 AED for a hot shower–so either keep some small change handy or embrace a new sandy and salty look.
Put on Sunscreen and Use It Again.
The Dubai sun is strong, and it will find you. Put on sunscreen and reapply often unless you want to look like a roasted tomato. A hat or an umbrella can help too!