Are children permitted?

We take children six years or older in a tandem kayak with one or two adults. To operate a solo kayak, the child must be at least twelve years old.

Are you licensed to operate your tours?

Our company Amwaj Al Bahar Sport Equipment Rental LLC is licensed as tour operator for this activity by the Emirate authorities. In addition, we are insured by the insurance company.

Can I bring along a still camera, video camera or cell phone?

Yes, of course, but we strongly encourage bringing waterproof versions. We have available a 40-liter waterproof storage container, which will hold a toilet kit, snacks, etc.

Can I bring fishing gear?

Besides needing a license to fish in Dubai, we do not allow fishing gear, for the sake of the group’s safety and cohesion. On the other hand, some tours are designed especially for kayak fishing. In that case, you can bring your own gear.

Do I get a discount for booking several tours?

Yes, we offer a 10% discount for the second booked tour, 15% for the third tour, 20% for the fourth tour and 25% for the fifth tour (discount not applicable to some tours.)

Do I need to have strong arms?

You do not need to be muscle-bound to kayak. Actually, it is usually poor paddling technique that fatigues people. Every one of our tours is preceded by a short training course in basic Kayaking, including how to paddle for hours without tiring.

Do you accept bookings for private groups?

Indeed, you can book a private tour, starting with ten kayaks (tandem or solo.) In this case, we will customize the tour’s duration, location, etc.

How do I book a tour?

Normally, you will book it online on our website. All you need to do is go to the tour descriptions and book the tour that you want. You can also call us if you have questions or if you want to make a reservation.

How do I contact you?

You can reach us by email, phone, WhatsApp or visiting the center.

How do I get to the departure point?

You must arrange your own transportation to the departure point.
If you drive, The Sofitel Hotel & Spa offer FREE valet parking.If you need public transport, the hotel can arrange a taxi for you.

How do I pay ?

You can pay us in cash or card before or after the tour.

How early before tour start should I arrive?

Please refer to the booking confirmation sent by email.

How long does a tour last?

Please see the flyer for each tour, where you will find the tour’s total duration. We precede each tour with a 15-minute training session to teach or refresh kayaking basics. The kayaks will be ready to go (with seat, paddle and container) when you arrive on location, and we will take care of washing and storing them after the tour. The result is that you get the most out of your tour by spending maximum time on the water.

How many adults / children will a kayak hold?

Solo kayak: one adult or one child at least 12 years old.
Tandem kayak: up to two adults and one child 3– 8 years old, or one adult and one child 5 – 12 years old.

How many people go on each tour?

A tour will have a maximum of fifteen kayaks (plus the two kayaks of the accompanying guides,) Normally, each group has four Duo kayaks and six Tempo kayaks (this proportion may change, depending on the booking).

How should I dress for a tour?

We suggest wearing bathing attire, with a T-shirt or anti-UV top. A shorty wetsuit is another possibility, particularly during the winter (but in Dubai, the air and water temperatures rarely drop below 24°C (75°F) and 22°C (72°F), respectively, even in winter.)

Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and the sunscreen!!!

I have never kayaked. How difficult is it?

Our kayak tours are accessible for everyone, even if you have never done one. Please note that we start every tour with a brief training session in which you learn all the basics. Newcomers are always welcome. If one of our tours calls for prior experience, it is clearly stated in our tour description.

In what language do you conduct the tour?

We conduct all of our tours in English.

Is swimming allowed?

Most of our tours allow ocean swimming. Since our kayaks are the sit-on-top variety, they are easy to get off and back on.

Is there any danger?

We provide stable kayaks guided by trained personnel in calm sea conditions. This reduces risks to the maximum extent, and we never take any unnecessary risk with a group.

Please note that our kayaks are very stable and that these are “sit on top” kayaks. They are not enclosed and are therefore easy to get back on.

Should I bring drinks and/or food?

We Provide you with drinking water. As for food, you can grab a bite directly at the Hotel.

Should I bring money on the tour?

You need no money other than what is required to pay for the tour.

Under what circumstances can you cancel a tour?

We may be required to cancel a tour if:

Bad weather conditions (too much waves or wind) or Dubai Municipality restrictions. In such case,
we will offer you a different tour or reimburse you the full amount paid.

What do I need to bring with me?

Please bring the following on your kayak tour:

• Sun hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Sunblock (high SPF recommended)
• Camera (optional)

What do you furnish for a tour?

For each tour, we will supply:

• Solo kayak (for one adult, minimum age 12 years) or tandem kayak (up to two adults and one child aged 2 – 8 years, or one adult and one child 8 – 12 years old) and paddles.
• Life jackets: Adult sizes (XS – S – M – XL) and children (10-20 kg / 20 – 40 kg)
• Waterproof containers (40-liter) for stowing towel, snack, etc.
• Guides

What happens if the kayak capsizes and I fall into the water?

Our kayaks are very stable and even when there are waves they very rarely turn over. We offer the “sit-on-top” kind of kayaks. Since they are not enclosed, climbing back onto them is easy.

What is your cancellation policy?

You may cancel your booking without penalty up to 24 hours in advance. In case of a no-show or cancellation less than 24 hours in advance, you would pay the total amount.

What kind of kayaks do you have ?

We offer two kinds of touring kayaks:

• Kayak Duo
• Kayak Tempo
  Our kayaks are made by ROTOMOD, the leading European kayak manufacturer. These are fast, comfortable kayaks perfectly suited for our tours. We fit them with HI-COMFORT seats, ELEGANCE paddles and a 40-liter waterproof storage.

What size life jackets are available?

We have all sizes:

• Adults: XS – S – M/L – XL/XXL)
• Children: T-1 (10-20 kg), T-2 (20 – 40 kg)
  Our life jackets have the following specifications:
• Adults: ISO Norms. PE foam, nylon fabric 420 deniers with braids, 3 buckles, wider for ease of movement, reinforced shoulder.
• Children: ISO norms, especially designed for children. 100N-EN395. EEC standards. PE foam, zip model, collar, adjustable legs straps, whistle, belt with quick release buckle.

What training do the guides undergo?

All our guides receive the following training:

• Life guard (renewed annually)
• First aid (renewed annually)
• Equipment and group operations by ROTOMOD

Where can I change clothes before/after the tour?

There are changing rooms with showers and lockers available on site.

Where can I store my things on the tour?

We have a 40-liter waterproof container at your disposal for storing the items that you wish to bring along on the tour (towel, snack, camera, etc.) As for leaving your clothes and personal items, you can store them in a locker or at our cabana.

Who guides the tours?

Every tour has two guides. All of our guides are trained lifeguards and first aid providers certified in the United Arab Emirates (they undergo refresher training at least once a year.) In addition, our teams are trained directly by ROTOMOD in France, from which they derive their expertise with the equipment.

Will I be wearing a life jacket?

Yes, this is required for your safety even if our tours are always conducted in calm water. Our vests are so light and comfortable; you will forget you are wearing one!

Will I get seasick?

Seasickness is a natural reaction that some people experience when they go on the ocean. It is really a problem of equilibrium that arises from contradictory visual clues and inputs sent to your brain from the boat’s motion. The inner ear is sometimes confused when it processes these inputs, creating the sense of discomfort. It is rare when kayaking, because we stay close to the coastline where it is calm, which keeps the inner ear from being disturbed.

Will the tour make me sore or give me a backache?

We start every tour with a short course in kayaking basics and how to paddle for hours without feeling tired. However, if you do not exercise regularly, chances are you will have some aches, but nothing that will put you out of action!