Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey
Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey
Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey
4.5
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Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
32 reviews
Excellent
25
Very good
4
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Monique J
Paris, France3 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
I came to Abu Dhabi with my fiance . We were looking for something we could remember all our life.
To be honest it was not easy to find.. there are many places to visit though i felt it is not that unique. We tried everything from museums to ferrari but when concierge told us about Abu Dhbai Pearl Journey we though that this might be something unique.
First of all we could experience Emirati culture and learn something new for us... for example that pearling was the main source of the income before oil, and secondly... it sounded kind of romantic ! so we got the contact details and came to the place at Eastern mangrove 5 star hotel. (By the way, they have in their lobby a Quran made from the gold!! So luxury country!)
The boat had an arabic majlis sitting indeed very unique and romantic! Loved it! a very cute and traditionally looking guide was telling about the life in the past i literally felt it on my skin.. open air , nice breeze and warming from the sun.
Then when we was given the oysters to find some pearl, i though they were just joking, but when i did it, I found! I felt soo happy. My fiance said that we will pass over this treasure to our future children, and them to their own ones...OMG, I am going to use this pearl on my wedding ring! I feel so enriched and happy you helped connect us to the past and see future!
Thank you Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey for this great experience! We found what we were looking for!
To be honest it was not easy to find.. there are many places to visit though i felt it is not that unique. We tried everything from museums to ferrari but when concierge told us about Abu Dhbai Pearl Journey we though that this might be something unique.
First of all we could experience Emirati culture and learn something new for us... for example that pearling was the main source of the income before oil, and secondly... it sounded kind of romantic ! so we got the contact details and came to the place at Eastern mangrove 5 star hotel. (By the way, they have in their lobby a Quran made from the gold!! So luxury country!)
The boat had an arabic majlis sitting indeed very unique and romantic! Loved it! a very cute and traditionally looking guide was telling about the life in the past i literally felt it on my skin.. open air , nice breeze and warming from the sun.
Then when we was given the oysters to find some pearl, i though they were just joking, but when i did it, I found! I felt soo happy. My fiance said that we will pass over this treasure to our future children, and them to their own ones...OMG, I am going to use this pearl on my wedding ring! I feel so enriched and happy you helped connect us to the past and see future!
Thank you Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey for this great experience! We found what we were looking for!
Written September 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madelein S
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates8 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
My boyfriend took me on the tour yesterday and from the moment we arrived I was impressed with the friendliness and professionalism of the tour staff, especially Mohammad our tour guide. We took the cruise into the Mangroves where Mohammad told us all about the heritage of pearl diving. It was interesting and informative. We then got the chance to open an oyster hoping to find a pearl. On opening my oyster, l did not find a pearl BUT an engagement ring! I was completely surprised, shocks and speechless. I had no idea! Mohammed brought out a beautiful bouquet of red roses while my boyfriend asked the question and I said yes. We got spoiled with wonderful food and desserts. Just went I thought this day could not get any better Mohammed offered me another oyster and I found a beautiful pearl. I will use my pearl and mother of pearl for a necklace. They made me feel like a queen and I will always be eternally grateful to Mohammed and the Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey for helping my wonderful fiance to pull off the most romantic proposal ever! I highly recommend the Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey to all families and all romantics at heart :)
Written December 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lettie B
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia2 contributions
Oct 2014 • Solo
From booking the trip through to arriving on the day was a very pleasant experience. The duration of the trip including the understanding of pearl diving in the past, opening an oyster and finding the pearl inside, and ending the trip with having delicious Arabic coffee and snacks, was a wonderful experience. Definitely a 'must do' in Abu Dhabi.
Written October 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UkJo-c
Altrincham, UK23 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
We went on this tour on 8th April 2014. The boat is authentic and the guide was friendly and informative.
However, we were quoted by email a price of 500 AED each and were told that the trip would last for "up to 90 minutes" And the guide told us that we would see many animals.
we were taken along the waterway from the hotel between a busy road and the mangroves. We didn't see any animals, a few birds only. We were given an oyster each and found a pearl in each one. When we got back to the hotel and berthed the guide left whena boy came on board and we were given a bread type snack each. One had cheese on it and the other sesame seeds and herbs. There were small bottled drinks available and also some dates. The food took 5 minutes at most to eat, the whole trip lasted for 45 tops. when we questioned the charge considering that we had been out for half of the promised time the guide, by phone as he had left, offered the extra time with the assistant to sail us. We refused for the reason that the tour was obviously over. After some negotiation we reluctantly agreed to pay 800AED for the two of us.
It was a pity that we left feeling that we had been unfairly overcharged.
When I complained by email our reasons were rejected and we were told that they would provide a better service next time!
However, we were quoted by email a price of 500 AED each and were told that the trip would last for "up to 90 minutes" And the guide told us that we would see many animals.
we were taken along the waterway from the hotel between a busy road and the mangroves. We didn't see any animals, a few birds only. We were given an oyster each and found a pearl in each one. When we got back to the hotel and berthed the guide left whena boy came on board and we were given a bread type snack each. One had cheese on it and the other sesame seeds and herbs. There were small bottled drinks available and also some dates. The food took 5 minutes at most to eat, the whole trip lasted for 45 tops. when we questioned the charge considering that we had been out for half of the promised time the guide, by phone as he had left, offered the extra time with the assistant to sail us. We refused for the reason that the tour was obviously over. After some negotiation we reluctantly agreed to pay 800AED for the two of us.
It was a pity that we left feeling that we had been unfairly overcharged.
When I complained by email our reasons were rejected and we were told that they would provide a better service next time!
Written April 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear guest,
first of all, allow me to thank you for your good review and for sharing your feedback, i'm very glad to get the opportunity to be aware more of any down side that could come across from our side, so once again thank you.
I hope we get the chance to also share our reply to you to make sure we explain our side as well, in all of our booking details from the website to our quotations that comes via our office emails.
as you may know and aware our product is based on "mother nature status" from sea water waves, to windy weather and sometimes its based on the mangrove health status on that channel.
Hence, each tour from our abu dhabi pearl journey is estimated to be between 60 minutes to 90 minutes, its very clear that we are not promising "A 90 minutes" tour per say but if that came across then kindly accept our apology and its something we learn from to assure that its crossed correctly to all of our guests.
our journey is based on opening the "oysters" to search for pearls, and to experience the mangrove scenery and get the opportunity to see some "rare red foxes" as well as "flamingos" and many other marine life, if none of that showed up its not really in our hand, but we would imagine our guests will always appreciate the nature surrounding you while cruising via the traditional boat the "Jalboot"
in terms of the Fee, some might value the product expensive and some see it very fair, however we know that for such an authentic and unique product our price is really fair taking in consideration that we are offering real cultured oysters and the pearl quality is a 5star class, on top of that you are experiencing an authentic sea cruise via a real traditional boat with professionals all of that adds up to our suggested fee.
I'm Glad that our team have offered you a discount and I hope you will get to visit us again in the future to experience the journey and i'll be more than honored to be your guide during this tour..
Once again thank you for your kind review and we promise to continue improve our unique product and make Abu Dhabi Proud....
God bless us all,
@li
ADPJ Management
Written April 20, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gérald P
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates46 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
Regarding the very expensive price (same as one Abu Dhabi helicopter discovery tour), this "jouney" was disappointing. The guide was friendly and he knew about his topic. But the concept of the tour itself is not good. You don’t discover anything from the Mangrove, you just make 800m boat trip along the motorway (!). Ok, you will open an oyster, and ok you will keep the pearl (no idea and no quality certificate from the oyster farm...), but oyster are travelling with us in the boat ! (It should be better to hide them somewhere deeper in the mangrove and to "fish" them almost on live. For me, too expensive and concept to be reviewed.
Written December 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kelly l
Florida1 contribution
Jul 2014 • Friends
We booked the pearl journey online and were happy on how professional they were specially when we asked for a special need service. Their staff super friendly and guide is very professional & knowledgeable, we indeed felt how was the life in the past. In general the tour really made our experience in AD very special.
We highly recommend it, specially if you are searching for something new and unique.
make sure your camera is with you, because they are absolutely right about the environment surrounding you when you arrive... i cant forget those Flamingos flying over & around (unusual!) and peaceful mangrove trees view. The most unique and remembering thing is the pearl! I found one too!! Now its on the shelf in the living room, all passing by and ask, is it real?! I happily answer not only! But i found it myself!
we highly recommend it for families as much as for friends and tourists..
We highly recommend it, specially if you are searching for something new and unique.
make sure your camera is with you, because they are absolutely right about the environment surrounding you when you arrive... i cant forget those Flamingos flying over & around (unusual!) and peaceful mangrove trees view. The most unique and remembering thing is the pearl! I found one too!! Now its on the shelf in the living room, all passing by and ask, is it real?! I happily answer not only! But i found it myself!
we highly recommend it for families as much as for friends and tourists..
Written August 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChristineCat1960
Wing, UK66 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
We were greeted by friendly and helpful staff at the hotel and led to the Jalboot. Shoes off we boarded the boat and the traditional culture embraced us and began to teach us wonderful things. Joy captained the ship and took us out into the Mangroves as Mizan, supported by Nadir, taught us about the history of pearl diving and some of the cultures of the Arab world. Treated to light refreshments as we went despite being by the side of a main road it was very peaceful and relaxing. We then were able to open an oyster each and search for a pearl, and if at first you don't succeed, then try again, as did two of us in the group of four. We found our pearls, salted and washed them and the shell and put them inot our pouches to keep. I was fortunate as I did not find a pearl in first oyster but did get to eat the oyster it was lovely, however the second shell gave me not one but two pearls mother and baby, which I am now the proud owner of. A lovely way to spend an hour or tow and now the only dilemma is what to do with my pearl.
Written April 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tanja I
1 contribution
Jan 2015 • Couples
First of all, this is the only tour in the entire country where you will get to do something like this. It starts of with a kind greeting at the lovely hotel marina. Then you take a tour along the canal alongside the mangroves while Mohammed gives a summary of the history of pearl-diving in the UAE. Very insightful!
After about half an hour, the boat stops and you get a great view of the city skyline (btw, there is quite an interesting reason as to why the boat isn't allowed to go on further...). Here, Mohammed will show how to open and clean an oyster. If you're lucky, you will find one immediately.
Yes, the pearls are real and yes, they are quite valuable. Mohammed will tell you the retail price of pearls, so it's not hard to understand why this tour costs 500 AED.
When everyone has gotten their hands on a pearl, the boat turns around and makes it way back to the hotel. All in all, we were out on the canal for approx. 90 minutes. There were just four of us, but the good thing is that there is no minimum required - even if there is just one person interested in taking the tour, they will be able to. This was definitely worth the money!
After about half an hour, the boat stops and you get a great view of the city skyline (btw, there is quite an interesting reason as to why the boat isn't allowed to go on further...). Here, Mohammed will show how to open and clean an oyster. If you're lucky, you will find one immediately.
Yes, the pearls are real and yes, they are quite valuable. Mohammed will tell you the retail price of pearls, so it's not hard to understand why this tour costs 500 AED.
When everyone has gotten their hands on a pearl, the boat turns around and makes it way back to the hotel. All in all, we were out on the canal for approx. 90 minutes. There were just four of us, but the good thing is that there is no minimum required - even if there is just one person interested in taking the tour, they will be able to. This was definitely worth the money!
Written January 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VirginieNomad
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates6 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
The journey starts when you get on the traditional dhow (boat) and ends with leaving with your own gulf pearl you have found in one of the oysters you are opening...
Between this, you get to be welcomed by a smily and friendly staff, proposing traditional snacks & beverages, enriching your knowledge about the pearl industry in the Arabian Gulf region. All this in an wonderful and preserve environment : the East Mangrove. So peaceful!
Between this, you get to be welcomed by a smily and friendly staff, proposing traditional snacks & beverages, enriching your knowledge about the pearl industry in the Arabian Gulf region. All this in an wonderful and preserve environment : the East Mangrove. So peaceful!
Written February 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mookie9332
Ruwais, United Arab Emirates18 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
It was a wonderful experience. Everyone really enjoyed it and highly recommend going. Getting to lean the culture was great. The stories and history we're good to see and enjoy.
Written July 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hallo. I stay in Al Reef Abu Dhabi. Do I have to take a taxi to the pickup (where is it) for the Pearl Journey and what is it going to cost me.
Thank you
Barbara
Written February 20, 2016
Thank you for your information. I do appreciate it.
I really want to do this when I'm back in Abu Dhabi.
Have a nice day!
Written April 28, 2016
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