REVIEW · DUBAI
CAN AM 04 Seater Self Drive with Camel Riding and Sand Skiing
Book on Viator →Operated by Royal Adventure Travel & Tourism LLC · Bookable on Viator
Skip the dunes lines for real speed. This Dubai desert adventure puts you behind the wheel of a Can-Am 1000cc 4-seater, so your group can explore on your own terms before heading into the untamed desert. I also love the plan to pause for time around sunset, with the option of a more private setup out in the middle of the dunes.
You’ll likely want this for the thrill parts: desert driving, plus included desert add-ons like camel riding and sand skiing. One thing to keep in mind is the timing: it runs about 3 hours total, and some of that gets eaten by pickup and travel between desert activities—so it’s intense, not all-day.
In This Review
- Quick hits: what makes the CAN AM 04 safari work
- The Can-Am 1000cc 4-seater: driving Dubai’s desert, not just touring it
- Pickup at 8:00am and the 3-hour reality check
- Stop in the middle of the desert: hidden rocks, tight turns, and sunset time
- Camel riding + sand skiing: variety without leaving the dunes
- Guides who help the day feel smooth: Subhan, Kashif, Nabil, and more
- What “private setup in the middle of the desert” really means for your photos and mood
- Price and value: $420 per group for up to 4
- Who this tour fits best (and who might prefer a different style)
- Small practical tips that help you enjoy it more
- Should you book the CAN AM 04 with camel riding and sand skiing?
- FAQ
- What time does the desert safari start?
- How many people are in the group?
- What’s included besides the Can-Am ride?
- Is pickup included?
- Do I get a ticket on my phone?
- What happens if the weather isn’t good?
Quick hits: what makes the CAN AM 04 safari work

- Can-Am 1000cc 4-seater self-drive means you’re not just watching from the back seat
- Sunset time in the desert can be set up privately in the middle of the dunes
- Camel riding + sand skiing add variety beyond pure buggy time
- Pickup offered helps you start at 8:00am without doing guesswork
- Max 16 travelers keeps the day from feeling like a cattle-drive
The Can-Am 1000cc 4-seater: driving Dubai’s desert, not just touring it

If you’re picturing a desert safari where you sit, smile, and bounce along for someone else’s schedule, this one feels different. The core is a 4-seater Can-Am (1000cc), built for fast desert movement and quick turns on uneven sand and rocky patches. In plain terms: it’s more active than a standard safari, because you’re steering through the desert itself.
The 4-seater layout matters, too. If you’re traveling with your family or a small squad, you get space for your people rather than packing everyone into one vehicle. That usually makes it easier to keep small kids calmer, or to keep friends talking instead of shouting over distance.
Self-drive also changes the pacing. You’re not waiting for a guide to drive the line; you’re moving with intention. That’s fun, but it also means you should treat the start briefing seriously. In a place like this, your best “upgrade” is simply driving the way you’re instructed—smooth control beats heroic speed.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Dubai.
Pickup at 8:00am and the 3-hour reality check

Start time is 8:00am, and the whole adventure runs about 3 hours. The big practical takeaway: the clock matters. The schedule includes time for pickup and travel between desert activities, so you’ll spend some of the morning on the road before you get to the dunes.
That’s not a downside if you like efficient tours. A morning start often helps with comfort, and it lets you get back to Dubai with your day still intact. But if you’re the type who wants a long, slow experience with lots of downtime, you may feel it’s a sprint.
There’s also a max group size of 16 travelers. That’s a nice sweet spot: big enough that you’re not stuck in silence, but small enough that the day doesn’t feel chaotic.
Stop in the middle of the desert: hidden rocks, tight turns, and sunset time

The desert driving portion happens with Dubai Buggy Riders in the middle of the desert. The focus isn’t just on sand speed—it’s on exploring the “in-between” areas: hidden places in the dunes, rock patches, and the kind of terrain that makes desert driving feel alive.
This is where the 4-seater setup shines. When the terrain turns rough or you’re steering around rock formations, you feel it immediately through the vehicle’s movement. Instead of a distant view, you’re in the action.
Then comes the part most people really remember: time around sunset. The operator can arrange a private setup in the middle of the desert so you can slow down and spend time there. Even if you’re not a big photographer, sunset time is still about atmosphere—cooler light, dramatic dune shadows, and that quiet desert feeling that makes the whole drive feel worth it.
One consideration: sunset time is included as part of the experience structure, but your exact “hanging out” length will depend on how the day flows and when the desert route lines up. Plan to stay flexible and let the guide’s timing guide you.
Camel riding + sand skiing: variety without leaving the dunes
The tour title includes camel riding and sand skiing, and those are part of the package experience. This is smart because it breaks the day into different textures.
- Camel riding gives you a slower, more traditional desert pace. It’s a change from the engine noise and fast movement of the Can-Am.
- Sand skiing shifts you again—more playful, more physical, and very “I can’t believe we’re doing this in Dubai” energy.
I like this combination because it avoids a one-note safari. If you’re only doing buggy driving, you can end up feeling like the day was one long adrenaline streak. Camel riding and sand skiing give you contrast: sit-and-sway time, then action time again.
Because the exact flow and durations of those activities aren’t spelled out here, I’d treat this as a “package of desert moments” rather than a timed checklist. You’ll want to keep water handy and stay ready for a bit of changing activity levels over the 3 hours.
Guides who help the day feel smooth: Subhan, Kashif, Nabil, and more
What makes any desert safari feel easy is the human factor—someone who keeps things organized, checks on your comfort, and makes sure you’re set for each step.
From the names associated with this operator, a pattern shows up: the guides are described as personable, caring, and focused on making the experience run right. You might be paired with someone like Mr. Subhan, Kashif, Mujahid, Nabil, Qasim, Armani, Rajaa, Asad Hameed, or Muhammad. I can’t promise which name you’ll get, but it’s still useful: these are the kinds of guides people highlight for being professional and friendly.
A couple specific strengths stand out from the overall vibe:
- Comfort and safety attention, especially when kids are involved (a guide like Muhammad is described as taking excellent care of families).
- Sociable, caring guiding, not just a checklist style. Mujahid, for example, is highlighted as making sure things are in order and bringing a friendly tone.
- Extra touches during transit, like music on the way, which Asad Hameed is noted for.
Even if your guide isn’t one of these exact names, the takeaway for you is clear: choose this operator if you want the day to feel guided and looked after, not thrown together.
What “private setup in the middle of the desert” really means for your photos and mood

People say sunset in the desert, but the difference is where you wait. A private setup in the middle of the dunes usually means fewer distractions and less foot traffic around you. You get to experience that open desert feeling rather than standing near a crowd.
Even if you skip photos, your mood changes. The desert at sunset is quieter and more dramatic. You’ll notice the dunes look different—shadows lengthen and the terrain becomes more textured. That’s a real part of the experience, not just a visual perk.
Practical note: private doesn’t mean “unattended.” You still want to follow the guide’s cues about timing and where to stand or sit. It’s your best bet for staying comfortable and avoiding any last-minute scramble.
Price and value: $420 per group for up to 4
The price is $420 per group (up to 4). If you’re splitting with three others, that’s roughly $105 per person, and that’s where the value math gets interesting.
You’re paying for:
- A 4-seater Can-Am experience rather than one bike/one seat
- Pickup offered
- A desert plan that includes more than one activity (camel riding and sand skiing)
- A small max group size (16 travelers) which often translates to smoother coordination
If you’re traveling solo, this isn’t the cheapest way to do a desert day, because you’d be paying for unused seats. But if you’re a couple plus friends, or a family unit with kids, splitting the group makes the offer look much more reasonable.
My rule: if you want the thrill of driving and you can share the group cost, this becomes a strong value pick. If you’re okay with watching more than driving, you might find cheaper options elsewhere—but you’ll likely lose the “we’re in control” vibe.
Who this tour fits best (and who might prefer a different style)
This experience is well-suited for:
- Families and friend groups who want to do something active together, not separate and rotate through activities
- People who like the mix of driving + traditional desert moments
- Travelers who want a day that’s focused and efficient (about 3 hours, starting 8:00am)
It may be less ideal if:
- You want a long desert retreat with lots of downtime
- You dislike any “schedule rotation” (you’ll be moving between different activity types inside the same short window)
- You want a completely passive ride where someone else handles everything, start to finish
The nice part: the day is designed for many travelers to participate, and it’s also described as near public transportation. So even if you’re not staying right next to your pickup point, you’re not necessarily stuck.
Small practical tips that help you enjoy it more
A desert safari is one of those days where small prep turns into a smoother experience. Based on the nature of a self-drive Can-Am, plus camel riding and sand skiing, I’d plan like this:
- Wear comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting dusty.
- Bring sun protection, because the desert sun can be intense even in cooler months.
- Keep your phone and valuables secure; sand can be unpredictable around moving activities.
- If you’re doing sand skiing, expect it to be a bit playful and messy—plan accordingly.
Also, because the operator notes that a good-weather day is required, check conditions when you’re close to travel time. Weather can affect whether the plan runs as scheduled.
Should you book the CAN AM 04 with camel riding and sand skiing?
If your idea of the perfect Dubai desert day includes actual driving, a small-group feel, and a sunset moment out in the dunes, I think this is a strong choice. The price makes sense when you fill up the up-to-4 seats, and the mix of camel riding + sand skiing keeps the day from becoming one long adrenaline theme.
Book it if:
- you’re traveling with people you trust enough to split the group cost
- you want a more active safari that feels like an experience, not a bus tour
- you like the idea of a sunset pause in the middle of the desert
Skip it if you want a slower, longer, no-pressure desert retreat. This one is built to be fast, focused, and fun.
FAQ
What time does the desert safari start?
The start time is 8:00am, and your total activity runs about 3 hours including pickup and travel between desert stops.
How many people are in the group?
This experience has a maximum of 16 travelers, so it’s not set up like a huge crowd day.
What’s included besides the Can-Am ride?
The package is listed as CAN AM 04 Seater Self Drive with Camel Riding and Sand Skiing, and the desert driving stop includes entry/admission as part of the plan.
Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered, and some of your total time is allotted for pickup and travel between activities.
Do I get a ticket on my phone?
Yes, you’ll receive a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.
What happens if the weather isn’t good?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time.












