From Dubai: Try Scuba Diving, Snorkeling with BBQ & Transfer

Fujairah gives you the UAE’s best chance to trade city towers for coral reefs, fish, and a possible turtle sighting in one long day. At Snoopy Island, beginners learn basic skills in calm water before heading out by boat, while snorkelers can enjoy the same marine setting from the surface. Underwater photos mean you do not have to choose between handling your gear and saving the moment.

I like the calm, patient instruction, especially for first-timers, and the practical setup at Reef Oasis, with changing rooms, lockers, showers, and a beachside BBQ. I also like the small group limit of 10, which matters when you need help with equipment or feel nervous in the water. The main drawback is the early start and long road time from Dubai, made less predictable by traffic.

Key points to know before booking

• Beginner-friendly instruction: You learn basic scuba skills in confined water before the first open-sea session.
• Two different water stops: Snoopy Island includes scuba and snorkeling, while Sharm Rocks is used for another snorkeling session.
• Turtles are possible: The sites can bring you close to turtles and schools of fish, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
• Photos are included: The instructors take underwater pictures and send them to you.
• A full day from Dubai: Hotel pickup begins between 6:00 and 7:00 AM, with about 1.5 hours in the van each way.
• Sightseeing on the return: Al Bidya Mosque, Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, and Khorfakkan Waterfalls add a little sightseeing after the sea time.

Why Fujairah is worth the early start

This is not a quick city activity. You leave Dubai early, ride east toward Fujairah, and spend much of the day around the water. That long transfer is the trade-off for reaching a more suitable coastal setting for beginner scuba and snorkeling.

The exact pickup time arrives one day before the trip, somewhere between 6:00 and 7:00 AM. From Dubai, the van ride is listed at about 1.5 hours, although traffic can stretch the day. I would not book this if you want a relaxed late morning or a tightly timed evening plan.

The reward is a change of pace. The day moves from hotel pickup to boat time, reefs, fish, a grilled lunch, and coastal sights. It feels more varied than a basic beach outing, but you should think of it as a full-day excursion rather than a short add-on.

Learning the basics before open water

You do not need previous scuba experience, but you do need to be medically fit and comfortable with the requirements of the activity. The instructor starts with basic skills in confined water, giving you time to become familiar with the mask, breathing equipment, and movement before heading farther out.

This first stage is especially important if you feel tense. Sarah’s account of the session with instructor Fahad describes him as calm, reassuring, and fun, helping a frightened beginner feel safe quickly. That kind of patience is more useful than a flashy presentation when you are trying to control your breathing.

The group is limited to 10 people. That is small enough to make questions practical, though it does not mean you will have a private instructor. English, Russian, Hebrew, Italian, and Arabic are available, so check that the language you need is covered when booking.

Non-swimmers should not book this activity. It is also unsuitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with heart problems, and people with respiratory issues. Bring your original passport, since it is specifically required, along with swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and light clothing.

Snoopy Island: your first underwater session

The first main water stop is Snoopy Island, where you take part in both the scuba session and snorkeling. The planned time here is about 1.5 hours, so you should expect a focused visit rather than an entire morning at one beach.

The attraction is the mix of easy instruction and access to marine life. Once you are comfortable, you can head below the surface with the instructor and look for coral, fish, and other sea life. The guide knows the local sites and can help point out things you might miss while concentrating on your breathing and equipment.

If you prefer to stay at the surface, snorkeling gives you another way to enjoy the same outing. You may see groups of fish, and turtles are possible in the area. The snorkeling option is also useful if one person in your group wants scuba and another prefers not to go below the surface.

The boat has a toilet and freshwater shower, which is a small but welcome comfort after saltwater time. You also have access to lockers, changing rooms, and a sunbed at the dive center. Towels are not included, so pack one rather than assuming the facilities will provide it.

Sharm Rocks adds a second look at the reefs

After Snoopy Island, the group heads to Sharm Rocks for another snorkeling session, listed at about 1.5 hours. This gives you more time in the water instead of treating the first stop as a single, rushed look.

A second site matters because marine conditions and animal sightings can change from place to place. You might see different fish or find that one location suits surface swimming better than the other. The guide can help you watch for turtles and fish, but the sea is not a wildlife exhibit, so no sighting should be treated as guaranteed.

The schedule may suit you best if you want variety. You get one location for beginner scuba and snorkeling, then another setting for snorkeling, rather than spending the whole day doing only one activity. The trade-off is that changing sites and equipment takes time, and much of the itinerary is structured around the group.

Underwater photos make the day easier to remember

Underwater photos are included, and this is one of the most useful extras in the package. The instructors take pictures during the session and send them to you, according to the details provided and the firsthand account of the trip.

That means you can concentrate on breathing, listening, and watching the marine life instead of trying to operate a camera. It also helps if this is your first scuba experience and you want a record of the moment without bringing your own equipment.

Photo quality and the number of images are not specified, so I would treat this as a pleasant inclusion rather than the main reason to book. The real value is avoiding the need to buy or carry a separate underwater camera.

BBQ lunch at Reef Oasis Dive Club

After the morning on the water, lunch is served at Reef Oasis Dive Club. You have about 40 minutes for the meal, with BBQ chicken tikka and meat tikka listed as the main food. Unlimited soft juice and water are included.

This is a practical end to the water portion of the day. You can change, use the facilities, and eat before the return drive. The lunch is not presented as a long restaurant meal, so do not expect a leisurely food tour or a wide menu.

You also have access to a sunbed for tanning, which gives you somewhere to rest after snorkeling. Bring sunblock because it is not included. The same goes for towels and swimwear, which you must supply yourself.

The return route includes three short UAE stops

The trip does not simply turn around after lunch. On the way back to Dubai, the schedule includes three brief sightseeing stops.

Al Bidya Mosque receives about 10 minutes. That is enough for a short look and a photograph, but not a detailed visit. If you want a long cultural stop, this itinerary will feel too quick.

Khorfakkan Amphitheatre gets about 15 minutes, followed by another 15 minutes at Khorfakkan Waterfalls. These stops break up the road journey and give you a glimpse of the east coast beyond the beach. They are short sightseeing pauses, not full tours, so keep your expectations in line with the clock.

I like this addition because it makes the return trip feel less like dead time. Still, after an early pickup and several hours in the water, you may be ready for a nap in the van rather than a busy sightseeing schedule.

What the $163 price includes

At $163 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a beach from Dubai. The price makes more sense when you add up the included parts: hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, scuba and snorkeling equipment, a certified instructor, underwater photos, boat facilities, BBQ lunch, unlimited soft drinks and water, and the coastal sightseeing stops.

You are also paying for a guided beginner session rather than simply renting a mask and fins. For someone who wants instruction, equipment, transport, and food handled in one booking, the package can offer solid value.

The value is weaker if you already own your equipment, want only snorkeling, or can reach Fujairah independently. In that case, you may be paying for services you do not need. The trip suits people who prefer a planned day and want help with the practical details.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The exact starting time is confirmed the day before, so keep your morning open.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this for a first-time scuba participant who can swim, wants instruction, and does not mind a very early start. It also works well for mixed groups, since one person can take the beginner scuba session while another enjoys snorkeling.

The small group, multilingual instructors, included photos, and patient approach described for Fahad are strong points for nervous beginners. You do not need to arrive as an expert. You do need to be medically fit and ready to follow instructions.

This is less suitable for non-swimmers, anyone with the listed medical concerns, or people who dislike long vehicle transfers. It is also not the right choice if you want a quiet beach day with no timetable. The 8-hour schedule has a clear rhythm, and the group will move on when each stop ends.

Practical packing advice for the morning

Pack your original passport, swimwear, towel, comfortable shoes, and comfortable clothes. Add sunblock, since it is not supplied, and bring anything you need for a long day that begins early.

You do not need to bring scuba or snorkeling equipment, as both are included. The boat has a toilet and freshwater shower, while lockers and changing rooms are available at the dive center. Still, keep your personal items organized because this is a group outing with several changes between van, boat, water, and shore.

Plan for a full day away from your hotel. The return time can depend on Dubai traffic, so avoid booking a fixed evening commitment immediately after the scheduled end.

Should you book this Fujairah water trip?

Book it if you want a structured introduction to scuba, enjoy snorkeling, and value having transport, equipment, photos, lunch, and instruction in one package. The chance to see turtles, the small group, and the patient help from instructors such as Fahad make it particularly appealing for cautious beginners.

Skip it if you are a non-swimmer, need a later start, or want a short activity close to Dubai. For the right person, the $163 cost buys a full day with plenty included, not just time in the water. Just remember that the road journey is part of the deal.

FAQ

Where does this activity take place?

The activity takes place in Fujairah, with water sessions at Snoopy Island and Sharm Rocks. Lunch is served at Reef Oasis Dive Club.

Is hotel pickup from Dubai included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from Dubai or Fujairah hotels are included.

How early is pickup from Dubai?

Pickup takes place between 6:00 and 7:00 AM. You receive the exact pickup time one day before the activity.

Is this suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. Beginners learn basic scuba skills in confined water before taking part in the sea session. You must still be medically fit and able to swim.

Can non-swimmers join?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Are snorkeling and scuba equipment included?

Yes. Both scuba equipment and snorkeling equipment are included.

Are underwater photos included?

Yes. Underwater photos are included, and the instructors take pictures during the experience.

Is lunch included?

Yes. BBQ chicken tikka and meat tikka are provided at Reef Oasis Dive Club. Unlimited soft juice and water are also included.

What should I bring?

Bring your original passport, comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, comfortable clothes, and sunblock. Towels and sunblock are not included.

How many people are in the group?

The activity is limited to 10 participants.