There’s an unspoken pull towards the sea – something timeless, instinctive, and deeply restorative. Long before science revealed the calming effects of water, we felt it intuitively. The gentle rhythm of waves, the mystery of hidden coral gardens, the quiet stillness of an early morning swim – all speak to a sense of peace found only at the water’s edge.

Across Jumeirah’s coastal retreats, the ocean isn’t just a setting, it’s an essential part of the experience. From the sun-drenched cliffs of Mallorca to the islands of Tanzania, these are destinations where life moves with the tide. Where the boundary between land and water fades, and each moment offers a chance to deeper connection – with nature, with self, and with something far greater. 

Jumeirah Mallorca
The rugged coast by sail

Perched above the bay of Port de Sóller, Jumeirah Mallorca is the starting point for a private boat tour along Mallorca’s dramatic northern coastline. With the UNESCO World Heritage Tramuntana Mountains as your backdrop, cruise past rocky cliffs, quiet coves, and some of the island’s most captivating natural landmarks, including Sa Foradada, the unique rock formation near Deia, and Torrent de Pareis, a breathtaking gorge carved through the mountains, where towering cliffs and a winding canyon lead dramatically to the sea. There’s time to pause for a swim in crystalline waters before the sun begins to set, as the light softens and the sea stills. Onboard, canapés and cava are served by the crew, letting you unwind to the rhythm of the waves. Choose between a traditional sailing boat or a sleek motor yacht.

Jumeirah Muscat Bay
Dive into Oman’s wild coastline

Tucked between dramatic cliffs and serene bays, Jumeirah Muscat Bay invites guests to discover Oman’s untamed beauty, both above and below the surface. Here, the sea tells stories - of coral gardens and submerged rock formations, and of the 3,000-ton Al Munassir wreck now transformed into a thriving marine habitat. Guests can dive into these depths or take a gentler route, snorkelling through the crystalline waters of the Dimaniyat Islands, where turtles, dolphins, and even whale sharks make seasonal appearances. For those drawn to adventure, weekly open water swims reveal resident rays and turtles gliding through the bay, while glass kayak excursions and scenic hikes end with bespoke beach picnics tucked away from the world. Grounded in local culture, the experience continues onshore, whether joining fishermen as they haul in the morning catch or unwinding with sunrise yoga, guided meditations, or a restorative massage in a waterfront spa cabana. 

Jumeirah Capri Palace
Cove-studded shores by Gozzo boat

Capri reveals its quieter side from the deck of a traditional Gozzo boat. Leaving the bustle behind, guests of Jumeirah Capri Palace glide past limestone cliffs and fragrant groves, tracing a coastline carved by time. Swim in hidden coves or drift beneath the arch of the Blue Grotto, where sunlight refracts into an otherworldly glow. With each curve of the island, a new vista appears - from cliffside villas to sea caves only accessible by boat. It’s a timeless way to experience Capri: unhurried, elemental, and entirely of the sea.

Jumeirah Olhahali Island
A window into the reef

Surrounded by the jewel-toned waters of the North Malé Atoll, Jumeirah Olhahali Island offers a front-row seat to the Maldives’ underwater world. Snorkel from the shore or dive deeper into coral gardens teeming with butterfly fish, reef sharks, and kaleidoscopic life. For those captivated by the mysteries of the deep sea, the resort’s Dive Centre presents a gateway to exploration with a range of PADI courses suited to non-divers, beginners, and certified divers looking to enhance their skills. With over 20 nearby dive sites, including highlights like Mahal Caves, Olhahali Ugol, and Olhahali Thila, each underwater journey reveals new and exciting discoveries.

Macro enthusiasts will find a treasure trove of small wonders, from nudibranchs and shrimp to other fascinating marine creatures that dwell in these vibrant waters. For a gentler perspective, a semi-submarine offers a dreamlike glimpse just below the surface - ideal for families, non-swimmers, or those wishing to stay dry. 

Jumeirah Thanda Island
Swim, snorkel, and restore the reef

Nestled within a turquoise archipelago off Tanzania’s southern coast, Jumeirah Thanda Island offers a rare sense of privacy and purpose. As one of the only private islands in the world with exclusive access to its own coral reef and a protected marine reserve, the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, this five-hectare sanctuary blends barefoot luxury with conservation at its core.

Snorkel through warm shallows alongside sea turtles, or swim with majestic whale sharks during their seasonal migration. Join the island’s resident marine biologist for guided explorations beneath the surface or take part in coral restoration efforts, turtle protection, and whale shark research – all initiatives that honour and preserve the island’s vibrant eco-systems. 

Adventure continues above the waters, with a boathouse brimming with water sports equipment, from scuba gear and kayaks to windsurfers, jet skis, and stand-up paddleboards. Sunset cruises are reimagined aboard a traditional East African dhow or a 45-foot catamaran, while helicopter flights and dhow excursions reveal the unspoiled beauty of the surrounding marine paradise, including the well-known dive sites of Chloe Bay and Mafia Island. 

Jumeirah Al Naseem
A closer bond with sea turtles

Set along the shores of the Arabian Gulf, Jumeirah Al Naseem invites guests into the world of marine conservation. In partnership with Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, the experience begins with a private tour of the aquarium, before moving to the Turtle Rehabilitation Lagoon - a calm, sunlit space where injured turtles are nursed back to health. Guided by marine specialists, guests observe a feeding session and can follow the journey of released turtles as they return to the wild.

Return to the Water

Whether it’s along a windswept shore, beneath the stillness of a reef, or mirrored in the gaze of a passing whale shark, the ocean has a quiet way of bringing us closer to what truly matters. And even after we’ve returned to the rhythm of everyday life, a part of us lingers there—forever dreaming of the water.

From coral conservation to dhow journeys, explore the water with Jumeirah across our collection of coastal escapes.