Moon Island Dubai is one of those places locals whisper about and travellers brag they “discovered first”. Floating in the Arabian Gulf about 70 km off the Dubai coast, this tiny crescent-shaped sandbar delivers glassy turquoise water, empty horizons and a totally undeveloped beach—yet it’s only a short boat ride from Dubai Harbour or Dubai Marina.

There are no cafés, hotels or beach clubs at Moon Island. Instead, you get raw sand, clear water and your own setup, whether that’s a day of snorkelling, deep-sea fishing or a simple barbecue on the shore. Several yacht and watersports companies now run Moon Island Dubai tours, turning this offshore sand crescent into one of the city’s favourite boat-only playgrounds.

If you’re planning a Dubai holiday—or you already live here and want a new weekend adventure—this guide covers everything you need to know about Moon Island: location, tours, activities, facilities and who it actually suits.

What is Moon Island Dubai?

Crescent-shaped sandbar 70 km off the coast

Moon Island (often called Crescent Moon Island) is a natural-looking sandbar that curves in a perfect crescent out in the Arabian Gulf. Aerial photos show a long, pale ribbon of sand hugging a turquoise lagoon, with the open sea on the outside and calm shallows on the inside.

Most sources place Moon Island Dubai around 70 km offshore, roughly 29 nautical miles from the coast, which translates into about a 45–60 minute trip by fast yacht from Dubai Marina or Jumeirah.

Why it’s still a hidden gem in 2025

Unlike Palm Jumeirah or Bluewaters Island, there’s no built-up infrastructure here—no hotels, boardwalks or public beach facilities. That’s exactly why many locals and yacht owners love it. Recent guides still describe Moon Island as one of Dubai’s top hidden islands, only accessible by private boat, charter or organised tour.

For travellers who have already ticked off Dubai’s big-name attractions, Moon Island offers something different: a wild-feeling beach day without leaving the emirate.

Where is Moon Island Dubai and how to get there

Location and distance

• Roughly 70 km off the Dubai coastline, north of the main city beaches.
• Coordinates often listed around 25°18’N, 54°39’E by yacht clubs and sailing sites.
• Not connected by any road—boat-only access.

On a clear day you can see the Dubai skyline fading behind you as you head out, then the island’s pale crescent appears in front like a sandbar drawn with a single brushstroke.

Departure points: Dubai Harbour & Dubai Marina

Most Moon Island Dubai tours depart from:

• Dubai Harbour – major new marina hub with large yachts, charter desks and parking.
• Dubai Marina – busy waterfront district where multiple charter companies operate daily trips.

Companies named in your source article and recent guides include:

• Sky & Sea Adventures
• Seven Yachts
• Cozmo Yachts
• Arabian Diver

Boat / yacht duration and typical costs

• Travel time: 45 minutes to ~2 hours depending on boat size and speed.
• Pricing:
  • Shared / group Moon Island tours: usually priced per person.
  • Private yacht charters: priced per hour or per package, often including fuel, crew, water and basic gear.

Some travel blogs estimate private charters to Moon Island in the AED 4,000–8,000+ range for a boat that can carry a small group, depending on yacht category and duration.

Best activities at Moon Island Dubai

Swimming and snorkelling in clear Gulf waters

Moon Island’s inner curve forms naturally calmer water, making it ideal for:

• Gentle swimming and paddling
• Snorkelling over sandy seabeds and light marine life
• Floating with a view of the open Gulf

Recent guides describe Moon Island as a snorkelling and swimming hotspot with warm, relatively shallow water close to the beach.

Jet skiing and towable watersports

Charter companies often bundle:

• Jet skiing
• Banana boat rides
• Donut rides
• Wakeboarding or water-skiing

Because there’s much less traffic around Moon Island than at JBR or Palm Jumeirah, it feels like a private watersports playground—as long as you’re with an operator who knows the local currents and rules.

Fishing, barbecues and beach picnics

Moon Island is also known for:

• Offshore fishing in deeper water around the island
• Bringing your own fishing gear to try your luck from the boat
• Grilling your catch (or pre-marinated food) on portable barbecues on the sand

Many charter operators highlight deep-sea fishing plus Moon Island beach time as their signature combination.

Camping and sunset photography

Because the island is undeveloped and far from light pollution, some travellers arrange overnight camping trips under the stars—usually via private charters or sailing clubs, and always at their own risk.

Even if you only stay for the day, the sunset over the crescent sandbar makes Moon Island a dream spot for:

• Drone photography
• Long-exposure shoreline shots
• Yacht + skyline combo photos on the ride back

Moon Island Dubai tours and charter options

Group tours and day packages

Several watersports companies offer group trips that include:

• Return boat / yacht transfer
• Time anchored off Moon Island
• Use of snorkelling gear and basic inflatables
• Soft drinks and water; sometimes snacks or BBQ

These are ideal if you’re visiting Dubai on holiday and just want to join an existing group rather than chartering a full yacht.

Private yacht charters

If you’re travelling as a family or group of friends, a private charter can work out surprisingly good value per person. Companies such as Seven Yachts, Cozmo Yachts and others promote Moon Island as one of their signature routes for:

• Birthday or anniversary trips
• Engagements or romantic getaways
• Corporate team-building or incentive days
• Content creators filming in a unique setting

Charters usually include:

• Licensed captain and crew
• Safety equipment
• Drinking water and ice
• Onboard sound system
• Washroom facilities

Sailing clubs and “bring your own boat”

If you own a boat or are part of a sailing club, Moon Island becomes a natural weekend destination. Some clubs organise:

• Regattas or flotillas that anchor there
• Training trips combining navigation, anchoring and seamanship drills

With no marina infrastructure, you’ll be anchoring offshore and shuttling to the beach in a dinghy or swimming, so you need a crew that’s comfortable with open-water conditions.

What to expect on the island: facilities, safety and rules

No public facilities – bring-your-own-everything

Every reliable guide agrees on one thing: Moon Island has no public infrastructure. No:

• Restaurants or cafés
• Shops or kiosks
• Changing rooms, showers or lifeguard towers

Think of it as a “bring your own everything” beach—towels, umbrellas, iceboxes, food, water and rubbish bags. Tour operators emphasise this in their descriptions, asking guests to pack smart and take all waste back to Dubai.

Safety, weather and sea-conditions checklist

Because this is an offshore trip, it’s wise to:

• Check wind and sea forecasts before booking
• Avoid days with strong swells or dust storms
• Follow the captain’s guidance on where it’s safe to swim
• Wear a life jacket when instructed and keep an eye on children at all times

Some sources mention local conservation efforts to protect turtles and reefs, so always follow your operator’s instructions on where to anchor and how close to come to the shore.

Responsible tourism and marine protection

To keep Moon Island a true hidden gem:

• Leave no trace – pack all trash back into the boat
• Avoid loud music late at night if camping
• Don’t damage coral or seagrass when anchoring
• Don’t disturb nesting birds or turtles

Who is Moon Island Dubai perfect for?

Families and groups

For families living in communities like Dubai Marina, JBR or Palm Jumeirah, Moon Island is an easy upgrade from a normal beach day—especially for older kids who love boat rides and watersports.

Divers, anglers and watersports lovers

The combination of deep-sea fishing, snorkelling and jet skiing makes Moon Island a great “one day, many activities” destination for:

• Diving clubs
• Fishing groups
• Adrenaline seekers who are bored of standard beach rentals

Photographers and couples

If you’re chasing unique Dubai content or a romantic backdrop with no crowds, Moon Island’s empty sand curve and open horizon are hard to beat—especially at sunrise or sunset.

FAQs about Moon Island Dubai

Conclusion: Is Moon Island Dubai worth visiting in 2025?

If you’ve already done Dubai’s classic beaches and want something more wild and exclusive, Moon Island Dubai is absolutely worth the trip. In less than an hour by boat, you swap skyscrapers and traffic for a quiet crescent of sand, turquoise water and empty horizons. It’s not a polished resort; it’s a raw, bring-your-own-everything island, which is exactly what makes it special.

For visitors, Moon Island works perfectly as a day trip tied into a stay in Dubai Marina, JBR or Palm Jumeirah. For residents, it’s the kind of place you show off to visiting friends when you want to prove that Dubai still has real hidden gems.

Planning to move closer to Dubai Harbour or Dubai Marina so your favourite islands are just a short drive away?
OPlus Realty can help you find sea-view apartments and villas with easy access to yacht clubs and marina life.
Contact OPlus Realty – Marina & Waterfront Properties Team