A Thrill Seekers Guide to Dubai

Dubai is not only the ideal tourist and sun seeker spot, it’s also full of activities for adventurous travellers.  I can’t lie and say I’ve done all of these things myself but I know people who have and will happily live it through them.  

The first and maybe most obvious one is a helicopter ride over the Palm, the most stunning view and a once in a lifetime experience.  Not only do you get to see the extraordinary work that the Palm is but also get to see the up-coming ‘World Islands’.  These are small artificial islands, made by dredging sand up from the sea floor and shaping them to create the world map.  These islands are for sale but not cheap, being bought by the worlds biggest celebrities and eventually being built on to make a helicopter ride over them even more exciting.  Helicopter rides can be purchased from various Helipads across the Palm but a popular spot is from the Atlantis Hotel.  For a more in depth look into what else Atlantis offers, have a read of my Atlantis, The Palm Post

For anyone who’s a fan of speed – there’s plenty.  First of all, a good old speed boat ride through Dubai Marina and the Palm.  Take an up close look at The Palm’s grandest hotels and mansions as well as getting some great pictures and fun facts. We booked our trip through Viator on the Yellow boat Tours although other tour options are available.

Speaking of water… Dubai is full of the biggest and best water parks, my no:1 being Atlantis Aquaventure!  It’s part of ‘Atlantis, The Palm’ but offers day passes if you’re not staying at the hotel.  It is by far the best water park I’ve been to, with group ring slides, camera men around the park to get your action shots, a ‘lazy river’ with lots of water rapids and 105 water water slides!  It makes it perfect for not only the younger generation but also just as exciting for adults.  Since renovating they’ve adding so many new attractions and restaurants to fill your day with so much adventure.   

Another Great water park on the palm is the Wild Wadi Waterpark, located by the Jumeriah Beach hotel but also with a direct view of the beautfiul Burj Alarab.  There aren’t as many big rides at Wild Wadi but they are pretty similar.  They also have a lazy river with a few rapids and some group ring rides which I have to say I absolutely loved!  Deciding between the two really does depend on availability, budget and your preference for bigger/smaller rides.

Another rollercoaster themed outing, this time it’s slightly outside of Dubai in Abu Dhabi.  Ferrari World has some record breaking rides such as the World’s fastest ride as well as the World’s highest rollercoaster loop.  For car fans this is a great day out, loads of supercars to see and learn about as well as rides and simulators to mimic driving one yourself.  A top tip from someone who made the mistake herself… this would be one of the places that requires you to cover shoulders and above knees.  So keep that in mind to avoid having to rock a DIY scarf skirt all day.

A not too wild option is the brand new Dubai eye or ‘Ain Dubai’.  It’s the tallest and largest observation wheel in the world, reaching heights of 250m, almost double the height of the London eye.  You can book tickets online using the link below, as well as additional cruise experience options, birthday packages and premium cabins for a bar with a view!  Ain Dubai will be back open and running from mid 2023, no confirmed date has been set but keep an eye on their website for more details.