REVIEW · FISHING
3Hours Fishing Trip
Fishing rewards patience. Blue Safari’s three-hour trip takes you into the Gulf from Fairmont The Palm, where a captain helps you fish at several locations around Dubai. I like the family-friendly guidance, especially for children, and the chance to try different bait and lures until the fish begin biting. The skyline views add plenty to the outing, even during a quiet spell.
I also like that the boat can carry a private group of up to 10 people, and pets are welcome according to the activity details. The main concern is price: $474.47 per group is reasonable when shared by a full party, but it feels costly for only two or three people, particularly since one account describes a shorter two-hour outing at a similar experience.
In This Review
- Key points at a glance
- Setting out from Fairmont The Palm
- What the three hours are really like
- Fishing near the rocks and farther offshore
- How the captains shape the experience
- Boats, comfort, and group size
- Family appeal and the waiting game
- Price, catch handling, and overall value
- What to bring and how to prepare
- Who should book this fishing trip
- Should you book Blue Safari’s three-hour trip?
- FAQ
- Where does the fishing trip start and finish?
- How long does the fishing trip last?
- How many people can go on the boat?
- What fish might I catch?
- Is the trip suitable for children and pets?
- What happens if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?
Key points at a glance

- Fishing from Fairmont The Palm: You leave from Blue Safari Water Sports at the Fairmont The Palm on Palm Jumeirah and return to the same point.
- Multiple fishing locations: Captains may move between open-water areas and spots near rocks, giving you more than one style of fishing during the three hours.
- Good for mixed skill levels: Crew members help beginners, children, and experienced anglers with equipment, bait, lures, and handling the catch.
- Two boat sizes: The 24-foot boat holds up to five people, while the 35-foot boat holds up to 10.
- Common catches: Grouper, barracuda, Sultan Ibrahim, and Cherry Sheri are among the fish you might catch.
- Flexible catch service: You can ask for your fish to be cleaned and delivered home, but you should arrange this in advance.
Setting out from Fairmont The Palm

The trip begins at Blue Safari Water Sports at Fairmont The Palm, on Palm Jumeirah. This is a polished, easy-to-recognize starting point, and the activity ends back there, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup location after fishing.
The advertised operating period runs from November 2, 2025, through June 17, 2026, with departures available Monday through Sunday between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Your booking confirmation should give the precise start time. I would choose a morning slot when possible, especially if you want a calmer start to the day and more comfortable conditions in Dubai’s strong sun.
The listing says the location is near public transportation. It does not provide a private hotel transfer, so you should plan your own way to Fairmont The Palm. Give yourself enough time to find Blue Safari Water Sports and reach the boat without rushing. A fishing trip loses some of its charm when you begin by sprinting through a resort entrance.
The three-hour duration is the minimum advertised activity time. That matters because fishing can be slow at first. A two-hour trip can feel short if the captain needs time to reach a productive area, but three hours gives the crew more room to adjust the plan.
More fishing trips in Dubai:
- Go Fishing Dubai 5 hours Trolling & Regular Fishing
★ 5.0 · 152 reviews - Dubai: Private Deep Sea Fishing Trip with BBQ of Catch
★ 4.8 · 94 reviews - Private Regular Fishing Trip in Dubai
★ 5.0 · 65 reviews
What the three hours are really like
This is not a sightseeing cruise with a fishing rod added as an afterthought. The main purpose is to find fish, set up the gear, and give everyone a fair chance to catch something. You will use the usual sport-fishing equipment: rod, reel, line, hooks, bait, and lures.
At the beginning, the crew should help you understand the basic setup. That is useful if you have never fished from a moving boat. Children may need hands-on help, and the strongest feedback from family outings points to captains who actively assist younger anglers instead of leaving them to struggle with the equipment.
Once the boat reaches a fishing area, you will cast or lower your line and wait. If the fish are not biting, the captain may change bait, try another lure, or move to a new location. One especially useful account describes a slow start followed by a run of barracuda, queen fish, and Sheri fish after the captain kept changing tactics.
That is the honest rhythm of this activity. You may catch fish quickly, or you may spend part of the trip waiting. The crew can improve your chances, but nobody can promise a particular catch. A good captain treats the search itself as part of the job, rather than pretending every cast will produce a trophy.
Fishing near the rocks and farther offshore
A strong feature of the outing is the variety of fishing locations. The boat may work near rocky areas closer to shore, then head farther out into open water. These changes give you different views and break up the three-hour session.
Near the rocks, you might find a more sheltered setting and a closer view of Dubai’s coastline. Farther out, the feeling is more open and exposed, with the city appearing from a different angle. One family described fishing both near the rocks and out in the open sea, with attractive views and plenty of fish.
The exact route depends on conditions and the captain’s judgment. This is not a fixed sightseeing itinerary with named stops, so you should not book it expecting a guaranteed tour past every Dubai landmark. The point is to follow the fish. If a location is quiet, moving is more useful than stubbornly fishing the same patch of water.
Some outings have produced several kinds of fish, including barracuda, grouper, Sultan Ibrahim, Cherry Sheri, and queen fish. One reported barracuda measured about four feet, though that is an individual result rather than a promise. You might catch smaller fish, several species, or nothing substantial at all.
The skyline is part of the appeal. You can fish with Dubai’s recognizable buildings and coastline in view, combining a genuine sea activity with an urban setting. That makes this a more distinctive choice than a standard rod-and-reel session in a remote marina.
How the captains shape the experience
The crew is one of the clearest strengths here. Several captains and guides are praised by name, including Seedy, Sidi, Mahmoud, Sedeq, Sandra, and Anthony. The repeated pattern is practical help: setting up equipment, finding better spots, helping children, and staying patient when the first location produces little.
Sidi receives particularly warm praise for helping a family catch several types of fish, including a large barracuda. Another outing with Sidi is described as a pleasant family day in which he made sure the children received help and kept working toward a good catch.
Mahmoud is noted for assisting children aged nine and twelve. Another family with five children said every child caught at least one fish, while also noting that the captain was caring and attentive. That does not guarantee the same result for your family, but it suggests the operation understands that young anglers need encouragement and quick help.
Sedeq’s patience also matters. When one family initially caught nothing, he tried different bait and lures, moved around, and eventually found a productive spot. The final count was 14 fish, including barracuda, queen fish, and Sheri fish. This is the sort of persistence you want from a fishing captain.
Names can change with the schedule, so you may not receive the same guide. The useful point is that the service depends heavily on the person assigned to your boat. At booking or check-in, you can ask who will captain the trip and mention if children or first-time anglers are joining.
A completely different kind of day out on the same trip:
- Dubai: Burj Khalifa Levels 124 & 125 Entry Ticket + Options
★ 4.3 · 90,891 reviews - Dubai: Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & Al Khayma Camp
★ 4.9 · 68,962 reviews - Dubai: Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride and Sandboarding
★ 4.9 · 43,505 reviews - Dubai: Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, and Buffet Dinner
★ 4.9 · 33,424 reviews
Boats, comfort, and group size
Blue Safari uses two boat sizes. The 24-foot boat carries up to five people, while the 35-foot boat carries up to 10. This gives you a simple choice based on party size, though the booking details should confirm which boat is assigned.
For a couple or small family, a five-person boat may feel more manageable. With a larger group, the 35-foot boat spreads people out and makes a private outing possible. The price is charged per group rather than per person, which is important when judging value.
At the full capacity of 10, $474.47 works out to roughly $47 per person. At five people, it is about $95 per person. For two people, the cost is more than $237 each. I would consider this a strong value for a full family group or a circle of friends, but a poor value for a small party unless fishing is a major priority.
The activity description emphasizes safety, premium equipment, and a comfortable setting. Individual accounts describe good equipment, a well-run boat, drinks, towels, and Bluetooth music on at least some outings. These extras are not clearly listed as guaranteed inclusions, so I would confirm what is supplied before you go.
You should expect a moderate level of physical fitness. The activity takes place on a boat, and fishing involves standing, balancing, handling a rod, and working with equipment. Anyone in your group who gets seasick or tires easily should think carefully about the three-hour commitment.
Pets are allowed according to the description, which is unusual for a fishing charter. If you plan to bring one, confirm the arrangements directly with Blue Safari Water Sports before booking. The boat size, safety rules, and comfort of other people on board may affect what is practical.
Family appeal and the waiting game
This trip works best for families who see fishing as an activity rather than a guaranteed seafood delivery service. The crew appears comfortable helping children, and the reports of children catching fish are encouraging. Younger anglers may especially enjoy the excitement of watching a fish come aboard, even if the fish are not large.
You should prepare children for quiet periods. Fishing requires waiting, and the captain may need to change locations before anything happens. Bring patience, sun protection, and a willingness to enjoy the boat ride and views even during a slow patch.
Friends can make good use of the private group format. One person can fish while another takes photos, and the group can share the excitement when a catch comes up. The activity also gives you time away from Dubai’s roads, malls, and indoor attractions without requiring a full day at sea.
This is not the right pick if your main goal is a fast, action-packed water sport. It is also less suitable for anyone who wants a fixed sightseeing route. The captain’s attention should stay on the fishing conditions, so the scenery is a bonus rather than the central program.
Price, catch handling, and overall value
The $474.47 group price requires a careful look. You are paying for a private boat experience, a captain and crew, fishing equipment, and up to three hours on the water. For a group of 8 to 10, that can be a sensible way to share the cost. For a couple, it is a premium outing.
The strongest value comes when the trip succeeds on two levels: you get useful fishing guidance and a pleasant private time on the Gulf. The captains’ willingness to move between locations is important here. If the first spot is quiet, you are not simply paying to sit still.
One account calls a two-hour outing good but overpriced. Since the advertised experience is three hours, you should check the exact duration at booking and make sure you are comparing like with like. Confirm the boat type, included equipment, and any extra charges before you commit.
If you want to keep your catch, tell the operator in advance that you want it cleaned and delivered home. The service is offered, but it is not something I would leave until the boat returns. Ask how delivery works and whether a separate fee applies.
The catch is not guaranteed, and fish sizes vary. If you measure value only by kilograms of fish, the price may disappoint. If you value expert help, time on the Gulf, family participation, and the chance of catching several species against a Dubai backdrop, the calculation looks better.
What to bring and how to prepare
Wear clothing that can handle sun, spray, and fish handling. A hat and sun protection are sensible choices, and you should bring any personal medication you may need during the three hours.
Because a moderate fitness level is recommended, choose footwear that feels secure on a boat. Keep your phone protected when you are not taking photos. The activity provides fishing equipment, but the available information does not confirm every personal item supplied.
Arrive ready to listen to the crew. A first-time angler will get more from the trip by asking how to hold the rod, when to reel, and how to respond when a fish pulls away. The captains are praised for helping beginners, but you still need to speak up if you are unsure.
If you have children, tell the crew their ages and experience level. The captain can then give more attention to the people who need it most. Families with children aged nine and twelve had a good experience with active guidance, and that kind of support is worth requesting.
The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.
Who should book this fishing trip
I would recommend it most strongly to a group of friends or a family of up to 10 people who want a private sea activity. The large-group pricing makes more sense when divided among several people, and the crew’s child-friendly approach is a real benefit.
It also suits people who have never fished before. You do not need to arrive with your own rod or a detailed knowledge of Gulf fishing. The captain and crew provide the equipment and practical instruction, then adjust the approach as conditions change.
Experienced anglers may appreciate the chance to target local species such as barracuda and grouper, but should keep expectations sensible. This is a three-hour recreational trip, not a dedicated competition charter or a guaranteed trophy-fish expedition.
I would hesitate to book it for only one or two people unless you are very keen on fishing or want the privacy of a charter. The price is easier to justify when the boat is full. I would also skip it if anyone in your party dislikes waiting, struggles on boats, or expects a fixed sightseeing cruise.
Should you book Blue Safari’s three-hour trip?
Book it if you want a private, family-friendly fishing outing with active crew support and attractive Dubai views. The best signs are the captains’ patience, the willingness to try several locations, and the good results some families had with children.
Before paying, confirm the exact three-hour duration, the assigned boat, what refreshments and towels are included, and the arrangements for cleaning and delivering your catch. If you can fill most of the boat, the price becomes much easier to accept.
For a full group that wants time on the Gulf and a real chance to catch local fish, I think this is a worthwhile Dubai experience. For a small party on a tight budget, compare the cost carefully and remember that the sea, not the operator, gets the final word on how many fish you catch.
FAQ
Where does the fishing trip start and finish?
It starts at Blue Safari Water Sports at Fairmont The Palm on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.
How long does the fishing trip last?
The activity lasts approximately three hours, and the description specifies a minimum three-hour activity.
How many people can go on the boat?
The 24-foot boat can carry up to five people. The 35-foot boat can carry up to 10 people.
What fish might I catch?
Common catches include grouper, barracuda, Sultan Ibrahim, and Cherry Sheri. The activity also has records of queen fish being caught.
Is the trip suitable for children and pets?
The experience is described as suitable for families and pets. Children aged nine and twelve received active assistance on one outing, and the activity recommends a moderate level of physical fitness.
What happens if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?
You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather cancels the trip, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted.
Newest reviews from Dubai
- Dubai Sunrise private Desert Safari With Camel Ride★ 5.0 · 17 reviews
- Abu Dhabi City Tour and Qasr AL Watan★ 5.0 · 17 reviews
- Arabian Desert Safari Dubai★ 4.0 · 17 reviews
- Sunset Quad/Buggy Tour & BBQ Evening★ 4.5 · 17 reviews
- Sky Views Dubai with Options★ 4.5 · 17 reviews
- Marina Dhowe Cruise Dinner with Private Transfers★ 4.5 · 17 reviews
- Private Chauffeur Service★ 5.0 · 17 reviews
- Dubai City Tour with Hotel Transfers★ 5.0 · 17 reviews
Fishing, compared.

Go Fishing Dubai 5 hours Trolling & Regular Fishing
Read our review →
Private Deep Sea Fishing Trip with BBQ of Catch
Read our review →Browse the lists this tour appears in






