The Middle East can sometimes be best explored from the water! From ancient rivers to historic waterways, whether you’re seeking the luxury of a Nile cruise, or the adventurous thrill of a dhow in Oman’s fjords, setting sail in the Middle East will introduce you to hidden gems and iconic landmarks alike.
Here are seven unforgettable boat and cruise experiences to inspire your next journey.
1. Nile river cruise, Egypt: Sail the path of the pharaohs
Gliding along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan is like travelling through time. Classic three to four night cruises carry you in comfort to ancient temples and tombs. Travellers should do it to seamlessly connect Egypt’s iconic sites like Philae Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Colossi of Memnon and Edfu’s riverside shrine.
What to see and do:
- Watch daily life on the riverbanks
- Enjoy guided tours of monuments
- Sunset drinks on deck
Fun fact: Agatha Christie’s 1933 Nile voyage on the steamer S.S. Sudan inspired her novel Death on the Nile, a reminder that this journey has captivated adventurers for generations.
2. Dhow cruise in Musandam Fjords, Oman: The “Norway of Arabia” adventure
Board a traditional Omani dhow and explore Musandam’s fjord-like khors, often dubbed the “Norway of Arabia” for their rugged cliffs and serene bays. The scenery is spectacular with sheer limestone mountains and often dolphins surf the bow wake.
What to see and do:
- Sail to Telegraph Island for some of the most highly-rated snorkelling in and see the ruins of the 19th century British telegraph station.
- You might spot fishing villages hidden in coves and swim off remote beaches.
Fun fact: The heat and isolation at Telegraph Island reportedly drove stationed soldiers insane, leading to the phrase “going around the bend”. Most likely, however, is that the phrase came from the winding bended route to reach the island.
3. Dubai Dhow dinner cruise, UAE: Dining with skyline views
Dubai offers a magical evening aboard wooden dhows converted into floating restaurants. These 2 hour dinner cruises that range from AED 50 (under $15) to AED 350 (around $100) blend sightseeing with dining.
What to see and do:
- Choose these experiences in a range of places from the historic Dubai Creek where you’ll pass souks and heritage buildings to the Marina where you’ll be surrounded by futuristic buildings and skyscrapers.
- Enjoy international and traditional buffet options
- Some boats offer traditional music or Tanoura dances
Fun fact: These dhows are more than tourist vessels, historically, such wooden boats were used for Gulf trade and pearl diving. Dining on one lets you experience a piece of Emirati maritime heritage with modern comfort.
4. Bosphorus cruise, Istanbul, Turkey: Between two continents
Cruising the Bosphorus is Istanbul’s must-do boat ride, bridging Europe and Asia in one journey. You can choose a public ferry for just a few dollars, or select luxury options like private rides, and sunset or dinner cruises. It’s a brilliant way to grasp Istanbul’s geography and history.
What to see and do:
- Ornate Ottoman palaces like Dolmabahçe glide past on the European shore
- Medieval fortresses (Rumeli Hisarı) are on the Asian side.
- You’ll pass under massive suspension bridges and see the city’s skyline crowned by mosques.
Fun fact: The strait’s name, Bosphorus, means “cattle passage” in Greek, from the myth of Io, a maiden turned into a cow who swam these waters. Guided tours give you more insight into the ancient legends surrounding this waterway.
5. Red Sea snorkelling boat trip, Aqaba, Jordan: Coral reef discovery
Jordan’s Red Sea coastline offers an underwater world perfect for an affordable half-day boat trip with prices as low as $50-$70 for 4-5 hours. The biggest attraction is the colourful fish and coral reefs in an area that don’t require diving certifications in the region.
What to see and do:
- Cruise to Marine Park sites like the Japanese Garden reef
- Neon fish and advanced ecosystems
- Many tours include a buffet lunch served on deck between swim stops
Fun fact: The Red Sea gets its name from seasonal blooms of reddish algae (Trichodesmium) that can make the normally blue waters appear red-brown. Fortunately, the water is usually crystal-clear when you snorkel with over 1,200 marine fish species (10% endemic to the Red Sea).
6. Blue cruise on a Turkish Gulet: A multi-day Aegean odyssey
For a luxurious yet laid-back adventure, embark on a blue cruise along Turkey’s coast. These 3-7 day journeys on a gulet (wooden sailing yacht) typically cost around $400–$600 (AED1500 upwards) per person for 3-4 nights including meals. It’s a popular option as it provides the perfect mix of relaxation, stunning scenery, and history.
What to see and do:
- Drop anchor in secluded bays for swimming in clear water
- Snorkel over sunken ruins at Kekova (a Lycian Roman site protected as a “sunken city”)
- Visit coastal villages and ancient ruins accessible only by boat
- Sunsets and evenings under the stars
Fun fact: One island stop, Gemiler (St. Nicholas Island), is believed to be the original tomb site of Saint Nicholas (yes, Santa Claus!)
7. Island hopping in the Farasan Archipelago, Saudi Arabia: Pristine Red Sea nature
For nature lovers, a boat trip through Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Islands is a hidden gem. The public ferry from Jazan to Farasan which is free of charge, twice a day makes this an accessible excursion. Once there, you can join local boat tours to explore further.
What to see and do:
- Uncrowded beach excursions
- Cruise between mangrove-fringed isles
- Dolphins and dugongs
- Coral reef and reef fish snorkelling
- Flamingoes and Osprey wander the area for bird watchers
Fun fact: The Farasan Islands (proposed as a World Heritage Site) host Saudi Arabia’s largest population of idmi gazelles and significant colonies of seabirds
Exploring the Middle East by water is an experience of a lifetime, it just all depends on what you want to see
