1. Choose your route and date
Open the booking portal and select the Dalma route and direction. Check the departure and arrival terminals and date before continuing. Do not rely on a timetable saved from an earlier visit.
DELMA / LEVEL 01
Dalma ferry: fares, sailing times and day trips
Travel from the mainland ferry terminal at Al Dhannah to Dalma Island. Use the Abu Dhabi Maritime booking portal or Al Nalia app, and arrange your return before planning your island stops.
اقرأ بالعربيةDalma ferry fares
| Category | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 20 AED | 40 AED |
| Infants (0–2) and kids (2–12), as categorised by the portal | Free | Free |
| Emirati citizens above 60 | Free | Free |
| People of Determination and their assisting companion | Free | Free |
| Saloon or 4×4 car — vehicle fare | 100 AED | 200 AED |
These are the Dalma–Al Dhannah fares displayed by Abu Dhabi Maritime on 12 October 2026. The portal lists passenger and vehicle fares separately; check your booking total and how the driver and passengers are included before paying. Include children and eligible free travellers in your booking. Official tariffs
Sailings and the best day to visit
Friday and Sunday offer the most time for a day trip in the official weekly timetable reviewed on 12 October 2026, published for 9 September–31 October 2026. Saturday follows the Monday–Thursday times. This is a published timetable, not live booking availability; a new timetable must be checked after this period. Confirm both sailings and weather/service notices for your date.
All times are UAE local time (UTC+4), in 24-hour format. The crossing is approximately one hour; the published weekly timetable shows arrival one hour after departure.
| Day | Mainland → Dalma departures | Dalma → mainland departures |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 · 16:00 | 07:00 · 13:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 · 16:00 | 07:00 · 13:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 · 16:00 | 07:00 · 13:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 · 16:00 | 07:00 · 13:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 · 13:30 · 17:00 | 07:00 · 11:30 · 15:15 |
| Saturday | 10:00 · 16:00 | 07:00 · 13:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 · 13:30 · 17:00 | 07:00 · 11:30 · 15:15 |
Official weekly timetable — select the Dalma route
How much time can you spend on Dalma?
| Days | Arrive on Dalma | Latest return | Arrival to departure | After a 45-minute buffer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00 | 13:00 | 2h | 1h 15m |
| Tuesday | 11:00 | 13:00 | 2h | 1h 15m |
| Wednesday | 11:00 | 13:00 | 2h | 1h 15m |
| Thursday | 11:00 | 13:00 | 2h | 1h 15m |
| Friday | 11:00 | 15:15 | 4h 15m | 3h 30m |
| Saturday | 11:00 | 13:00 | 2h | 1h 15m |
| Sunday | 11:00 | 15:15 | 4h 15m | 3h 30m |
Calculated from the 10:00 outward sailing, arriving at 11:00, to the day's latest return. The suggested 45-minute buffer includes arriving 20 minutes before the return and 25 minutes for disembarking and some travel; increase it for your location, vehicle and booking instructions. The remaining time includes travel between stops. A two-hour window suits one nearby stop, rather than a full museum, lunch and coast itinerary. Later outward sailings leave too little time for a day tour with these returns.
The operator advises passengers to arrive 15–20 minutes before departure. Allow extra time with a vehicle and follow your booking instructions. Operator FAQ · Check sailings for your date
Before booking your ferry
Official fares, FAQ and weekly timetable reviewed on 12 October 2026. The published timetable covers 9 September–31 October 2026; confirm both sailings for your date in the booking portal, which remains the final reference.
2. Add passengers and your car
The route's ferries carry passengers and cars. If bringing a car, check vehicle availability and conditions, and enter the passenger and vehicle details requested by the operator.
3. Check your return and total fare
Choose a return that gives you enough time on the island. Review the total price and change or cancellation terms before paying, then keep your booking confirmation.
4. Prepare for departure
Bring your ID, booking confirmation and any documents requested by the operator. Check the terminal location, your booking's check-in deadline and service notices before leaving.
Download the booking app
Download Al Nalia ferry booking app (iPhone)Download Al Nalia ferry booking app (Android)Questions before your visit
Where does the Dalma ferry leave from?
The route connects Dalma Island with Jebel Dhannah ferry terminal on the mainland in Al Dhafra. Confirm the terminal name and location in your booking confirmation.
Can I bring my car?
Yes, the route's ferries carry passengers and cars. Space and acceptance of your vehicle type depend on the sailing and operator conditions. Check the vehicle option when booking.
How much does it cost, and how long is the crossing?
An adult fare is AED 20 one way or AED 40 return. A saloon or 4×4 car vehicle fare is AED 100 one way or AED 200 return. The operator gives an approximate one-hour crossing. Check the category table and your booking total before paying.
Can I visit and return on the same day?
Yes. Friday and Sunday offer the most time in the published timetable: arrival at 11:00 and return at 15:15 give 4 hours 15 minutes. Monday–Thursday and Saturday give only two hours (11:00–13:00). Deduct boarding and travel time, and confirm both sailings for your date.
When should I arrive at the terminal?
Abu Dhabi Maritime advises passengers to arrive 15–20 minutes before departure. Allow extra time for your vehicle, the drive and the terminal, and follow any more specific instructions in your booking.
Official sources
Trip details
Start on the mainland
Head to Al Dhannah port and choose the Dalma route when booking. Check the port location before you leave.
Port location ↗Book a round trip, or book each journey separately
Open the official Abu Dhabi Maritime portal. Choose your date, passenger count and vehicle if needed, then review current availability and prices.
Official booking ↗Prepare for departure
Keep your ticket and ID handy. Check the operator’s vehicle boarding rules and port arrival time.
Check ferry times ↗Check schedules, permissions and weather with official sources before your trip.