Bluewaters Island Family Travel Guide
Stay Here, Do That • Relaxed luxury for families on Dubai’s waterfront
Bluewaters Island feels like Dubai turned into a postcard: calm turquoise water, palm-lined promenades, and the huge wheel of Ain Dubai rising above everything. For families, it’s where resort-style comfort meets city convenience. You can wake up to sea views, walk to dinner without crossing a single road, and still be a short hop from JBR, Dubai Marina, and the rest of the city.
This Bluewaters Island family travel guide is built to plug directly into your wider Dubai plan. Use it for a few nights of relaxed luxury at the end of a busy city itinerary or as a soft landing at the start of your trip after a long flight. Everything here is chosen with parents in mind: stroller-friendly walks, easy food, safe water edges, and plenty of modern hotel comforts.
Quick Trip Tools for Bluewaters Island
In This Bluewaters Island Family Guide
Why Bluewaters Island Works So Well For Families
Resort-style calm, promenade walks, and instant access to JBR and Dubai Marina.
Bluewaters Island is an artificial island just off the coast from JBR, connected by a road bridge and a pedestrian link. It is modern and polished, but on a human scale: low- to mid-rise buildings, wide car-free promenades, and a compact footprint you can easily cross in ten to fifteen minutes. For parents, this translates into less stress and more freedom to wander without constantly scanning for traffic.
The island’s centerpiece is its luxury waterfront resorts and residences. You are never far from the sea, and most walks include some kind of view: the sparkling Arabian Gulf, the JBR skyline, or Ain Dubai’s enormous circular frame. At night, the wheel and surrounding buildings light up, giving the whole island a soft, almost theme-park glow without the crowds of an actual park.
Bluewaters Island feels exclusive and polished. Think resort vibe rather than traditional neighborhood. For “old Dubai” markets and history, pair this stay with Bur Dubai or Dubai Creek & Al Seef.
Vibe and atmosphere
Expect a calm, resort-like feel. Families stroll along the waterfront in the evening, teenagers take photos with the skyline behind them, and younger kids scooter along the promenade. Music from restaurants drifts into the open air, but it’s more “holiday soundtrack” than loud club scene. The whole island feels designed for wandering between hotel pool, beachfront, playgrounds, and restaurants without needing a car.
Who this neighborhood is best for
- Families who want a luxury, low-stress base with instant water views.
- Parents who prefer walking promenades at sunset to navigating busy streets.
- Older kids and teens who love skyline photography, big ferris wheels, and beach-club energy nearby but not under their bedroom window.
- First-time Dubai visitors who want an easy, resort-style landing spot while still staying close to JBR and the Marina.
Pros of staying on Bluewaters with kids
- Wide pedestrian promenades that work well for strollers and scooters.
- Short walks between hotel, restaurants, play spaces, and waterfront viewpoints.
- Easy connection to The Beach at JBR and Dubai Marina for more restaurants and activities.
- Many rooms and residences with sea views or skyline views that feel special for kids.
- Resort-style facilities: pools, private beach areas, and organized kids clubs depending on the property.
Things to consider
- Bluewaters is more expensive than many other parts of Dubai; budget accordingly.
- It is modern and polished rather than traditional; pair it with an Old Dubai neighborhood if you want souks and history.
- At certain times of year specific attractions, like Ain Dubai, may be closed for maintenance or upgrades, so always check current status before making promises to kids.
Where To Stay On Bluewaters Island With Kids
Three luxury bases that give you resort comfort, views, and family-friendly layouts.
On Bluewaters, your hotel choice shapes your entire stay. The island is compact, so all three of these properties give you easy access to promenades, dining, and nearby attractions. Think of them less as simple hotel rooms and more as mini-resorts at the edge of the city.
1. Caesars Palace Dubai (Bluewaters)
For classic “we’re really on Bluewaters” energy, look at Caesars Palace Dubai. This is the landmark luxury resort many people picture when they think of the island: pools, private beach areas, and dramatic views of the sea and skyline. Inside, rooms are modern and sleek, with enough space for families to move without tripping over suitcases.
- Resort-style pools plus direct access to the beachfront areas give kids plenty to do without leaving the property.
- On-site restaurants range from celebrity-chef experiences to more relaxed options, helpful when you do not want to travel far for dinner.
- Easy walking access to the main Bluewaters promenade, with views across to JBR and Dubai Marina.
2. The Residences at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai
If you like the resort setting but need more space, The Residences at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai provide apartment-style living with access to many of the same island advantages. Think separate bedrooms, living areas, and kitchen facilities framed by sea or skyline views.
- Ideal for longer stays, families traveling with grandparents, or anyone who appreciates a little extra privacy.
- Having a kitchen makes jet-lagged breakfasts, picky eaters, and snack breaks much easier.
- You still stay within easy reach of promenades, pools, and waterfront cafés.
3. Côte d’Azur Monaco Hotel (The Heart of Europe alternative)
While not physically on Bluewaters Island, the Côte d’Azur Monaco Hotel in The Heart of Europe often appears in the same luxury conversation. It brings a Riviera-inspired atmosphere to Dubai’s offshore island cluster, making it an interesting add-on if you want to pair Bluewaters with another high-end island experience.
- Beachy, Mediterranean aesthetic that feels very different from the main city.
- Better suited to families with older kids and teens who enjoy resort environments and boat transfers.
- Consider it as an add-on night or two after a core Bluewaters and city stay.
If you can, book Bluewaters at the end of your Dubai trip. After souks, malls, and day trips, landing in a resort-style bubble with sea views and wide promenades is the easiest way to slow everyone down before the flight home.
Top Things To Do On Bluewaters Island With Kids
Waterfront walks, skyline views, and easy add-ons to beaches and marinas.
1. Stroll the promenade at sunset
Bluewaters comes alive when the sun goes down and the heat softens. Take an early evening walk along the main promenade, let kids scooter or walk ahead a little, and stop for photos with the JBR and Marina skyline behind you. The reflections of the skyscrapers and the wheel across the water give everything a calm, cinematic feel.
2. Take in views of Ain Dubai
Whether or not Ain Dubai is operating during your visit, it still makes an impressive backdrop. Use it as a landmark for orienting kids (“we’re meeting back under the big wheel”) and as a talking point about engineering, city-building, or simply “how big is that?” selfies.
3. Enjoy pool and beach time
Many Bluewaters properties give you access to pools and designated beach areas. Plan at least one full morning or afternoon where you do nothing except rotate between pool, shade, snacks, and the sea. Dubai offers a lot of stimulation; intentionally unstructured water days often become the highlight of a family trip.
4. Walk or ride over to JBR and The Beach
From Bluewaters, you can walk or take a short ride over to The Beach at JBR, which adds playgrounds, additional dining options, and a slightly livelier waterfront scene. This is a great way to give kids a change of scenery without committing to a full cross-city trip.
5. Add a dhow cruise or city tour
If you prefer to have one structured activity on your Bluewaters day, consider a dhow cruise, Marina boat ride, or family-friendly city tour that departs from nearby areas. You can browse options on curated platforms like this Dubai tour list and filter for shorter durations or kid-suitable start times.
Sample 1 Day Bluewaters Island Itinerary With Kids
Use this as a resort-style recovery day inside a bigger Dubai itinerary.
Morning – Slow breakfast and pool time
Start the day gently. Have breakfast at your hotel or residence, ideally on a terrace or by a window where you can already see the water. Afterward, head straight to the pool or beach area. Give everyone explicit permission to relax: swim, read, play, or simply lie in the shade. This is especially valuable after heavy sightseeing days in other neighborhoods.
Midday – Rest, snacks, and indoor time
By late morning or midday, the sun will be stronger. Retreat to your room for showers, cartoons, naps, or quiet screen time. Use this break to reset energy levels and avoid mid-afternoon meltdowns. If you have a kitchen, this is a great time for simple lunches and familiar snacks from the supermarket.
Afternoon – JBR, Marina, or short city outing
Mid- to late afternoon, decide how adventurous everyone feels. You can:
- Walk across to The Beach at JBR for playground time and ice cream.
- Take a short taxi to Dubai Marina for a boat ride or early dinner on the waterfront.
- Stay on Bluewaters and explore more of the promenades and small play areas.
Keep this window flexible. If younger kids are still tired, there is no harm in keeping it very simple and close to your hotel.
Evening – Promenade walk and waterfront dinner
As the lights come on and the air cools, head back to the Bluewaters promenade. Choose a restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can adjust based on the breeze and noise level. Look for menus with kid-friendly options alongside regional dishes for parents who want to taste more of the local flavors.
After dinner, take one last slow walk for photos with Ain Dubai and the skyline in the background. This is a good time to talk with kids about the contrast between this modern island and any historic districts you have visited elsewhere in Dubai.
Where To Eat On Bluewaters Island With Kids
Waterfront restaurants, easy menus, and nearby JBR back-up options.
Bluewaters is designed for dining. Restaurants line the promenades, many with floor-to-ceiling windows or outdoor terraces. You will find a mix of international chains, regional concepts, and more upscale options. The key is to prioritize places with clear menus, child-friendly seating, and easy access to restrooms.
Family-friendly dining tips
- Scan menus during daytime walks so you already know where you want to go when kids are tired and hungry.
- Choose earlier dinner times; evenings can be busier and louder later on.
- Look out for spots that offer simple grilled meats, pasta, and flatbreads alongside more adventurous dishes.
- For picky eaters or very young children, keep a few familiar snacks in your day bag as a back-up plan.
If you do not find exactly what you want on Bluewaters, remember that JBR and Dubai Marina are a short walk or ride away and have extensive restaurant choices. You can keep Bluewaters as your quiet base while using nearby districts as your expanded dining room.
Getting Around Bluewaters Island As A Family
Walk inside the island, then use short rides to connect with the rest of Dubai.
The beauty of Bluewaters is that once you are there, you do not need much transport. The island itself is entirely walkable, and distances are short enough for even younger children with the promise of snacks or playground stops.
Walking and strollers
Promenades are wide, smooth, and stroller-friendly. There are railings along most water edges, which adds a layer of comfort for parents, though you will still want to keep younger kids within arm’s reach. Bring a compact stroller or travel-friendly wagon if you have toddlers; it will make evening walks much easier.
Taxis and ride services
For anything beyond the island, taxis and ride services are your main tools. Rides to JBR, Dubai Marina, or nearby malls are usually short. Ask your hotel for the best pick-up points and always allow a little extra time for traffic when you have fixed-time activities or dinner reservations.
Metro and city connections
Bluewaters is closest to the JBR and Dubai Marina area stations. You may need a short taxi ride or walk to reach them, depending on your property and comfort level with kids. The metro is most useful for longer journeys to Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Mall, or older districts if you want to avoid being in traffic at busy times.
Safety, Dress Code, And Cultural Etiquette
Easy-going waterfront vibes, with the same respect and awareness you would bring anywhere in Dubai.
General safety on Bluewaters
Bluewaters feels very safe, with a controlled island environment and a steady presence of staff and security around resorts and promenades. Usual city sense still applies: keep an eye on bags, agree on a meeting point if teens are walking slightly ahead, and supervise children near water and railings.
Dress code
Resort wear is normal here. Lightweight clothing, swimsuits at the pool or beach, and casual outfits for dinners are all acceptable. When walking in shared public spaces away from the pool, it’s still considerate to throw on a cover-up or T-shirt over swimwear, especially during the day.
Helping kids navigate cultural differences
- Explain that Dubai is international but still values respectful behavior and modesty in public spaces.
- Encourage inside voices in elevators, hotel corridors, and quieter promenade areas.
- Remind children not to photograph other people without permission, especially staff or locals relaxing with their own families.
Sun, heat, and hydration
The sun reflects strongly off water and pale surfaces. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential, even on apparently hazy days. Keep reusable water bottles filled and encourage kids to drink regularly, not just when they feel thirsty. Build very short walks between shady pockets or indoor air conditioning, especially in hotter months.
Best Time To Visit Bluewaters Island With Kids
Pick cooler months for long promenades and waterfront dinners.
Like the rest of Dubai, Bluewaters is most comfortable from roughly November through March. During this window, you can walk more, spend longer by the pool or beach without retreating indoors, and truly enjoy those long sunset strolls along the promenade.
If you are visiting outside the cooler months, embrace a different rhythm: early morning swims or walks, a long late-morning brunch inside with air conditioning, and another wave of outdoor time after the sun starts to drop. With younger children especially, schedule activities around the heat rather than trying to push through it.
Connect Bluewaters With Other Dubai Family Guides
Use Bluewaters as your relaxed luxury base and link it to the rest of the city.
Bluewaters Island works beautifully as part of a bigger Dubai puzzle. Once you’ve settled into your resort rhythm here, use these guides to expand outwards:
- JBR – Family Travel Guide with Kids (your closest neighbor, just across the water)
- Dubai Marina – Family Travel Guide with Kids
- Palm Jumeirah – Family Travel Guide with Kids
- Jumeirah & Kite Beach – Family Travel Guide with Kids
- Downtown Dubai – Family Travel Guide with Kids
- Bur Dubai – Family Travel Guide
- Dubai Creek & Al Seef – Family Travel Guide with Kids
- Al Barsha – Family Travel Guide with Kids
Tiny note: This guide may include carefully chosen booking links that support Stay Here, Do That at no extra cost to you. Every place, service, and experience mentioned here is selected for families first.
