Explorertours.ae Reviews

Based on checking the website, Explorer Tours, found at explorertours.ae, appears to be a company offering adventure experiences, primarily dune buggy safaris and private desert dinners, in the UAE.

The site highlights over 10 years of operation, a focus on safety, DTCM licensing, and positive reviews, particularly on TripAdvisor, positioning itself as a leader in dune buggy tours in Dubai.

However, engaging in activities that are primarily for entertainment and leisure, especially those involving excessive speed or potential risks, can be viewed as distraction from more beneficial pursuits in life.

While adventure is a natural human desire, it’s wise to consider whether such activities align with a balanced approach to life, focusing on growth, learning, and contributing positively to society rather than purely thrill-seeking experiences.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

explorertours.ae Review & First Look

Upon a first look at explorertours.ae, the website immediately presents itself as a professional and well-established provider of desert adventure experiences in the UAE.

The homepage is visually engaging, featuring high-quality images and videos of dune buggies racing through sand dunes and serene desert dinner setups.

The navigation is straightforward, making it easy for visitors to find information about their services, pricing, and contact details.

Initial Impressions of the Website Design and User Experience

The layout is intuitive, guiding the user through the different sections with clear calls to action.

For instance, “BOOK NOW” buttons are prominently displayed next to product descriptions, simplifying the booking process.

The site is also responsive, adapting well to various screen sizes, which is crucial given the high percentage of users who browse on mobile devices.

According to Statista, mobile devices generated 60.1% of global website traffic in the first quarter of 2024, emphasizing the importance of mobile optimization for any online business.

Key Information Presented on the Homepage

The homepage effectively summarizes the core offerings and unique selling points of Explorer Tours.

Key information such as “10+ years in the UAE,” “Safety is our priority,” “Fully licensed by DTCM,” and “Pickup & Dropoff included in all tours” are front and center, aiming to build trust and assure potential customers.

The presence of these credentials suggests a level of legitimacy and adherence to local regulations, which is important for any tour operator. 4wheelstation.com Reviews

Customer Testimonials and Social Proof

A significant portion of the homepage is dedicated to customer testimonials, prominently featuring reviews from TripAdvisor, where they claim to be the “#1 Ranked Dune Buggy Company By Trip Advisor” and have “1000+ 5 Star Reviews.” These reviews are displayed with the reviewers’ names and snippets of their positive feedback, providing strong social proof. For instance, one reviewer, Francesca V, describes an “Incredible experience that cannot be missed during a stay in Dubai,” highlighting the personalized service and attention to detail. This type of social proof is highly effective in influencing potential customers, with studies showing that 92% of consumers trust peer recommendations more than advertisements, according to Nielsen.

explorertours.ae Cons

While explorertours.ae presents a polished facade, a deeper examination reveals certain aspects that might raise concerns, particularly from a perspective that prioritizes beneficial and wholesome activities over purely thrill-seeking ones.

The core offerings, while popular, lean heavily into entertainment that may not contribute to personal growth or communal well-being in a meaningful way.

Focus on Pure Entertainment

The primary services offered—dune buggy safaris and private desert dinners—are explicitly leisure and entertainment-driven.

While recreation has its place, an excessive focus on such activities can distract from more productive and fulfilling pursuits.

The website’s emphasis on “Experience The Thrill Of A Lifetime” or “Unleash Your Inner Adventurer” underscores a pursuit of transient excitement rather than deeper, more lasting benefits.

This approach, while commercially successful, doesn’t align with a balanced lifestyle that emphasizes personal development, learning, and contribution.

A study by the American Psychological Association found that while leisure can reduce stress, its long-term benefits are maximized when activities also involve learning or social engagement.

Potential for Overemphasis on Materialism

The “LUXURY ADVENTURE EXPERIENCES” section, coupled with pricing like AED 1200 $327 per buggy for a 2-hour safari, positions these experiences as premium and exclusive. This can subtly foster an environment of materialism and a focus on conspicuous consumption. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with luxury, promoting it as a primary form of recreation can lead to an overemphasis on worldly pleasures and a neglect of more spiritual or community-oriented values. This aligns with concerns raised by various sociological studies on consumer culture, which suggest a link between materialism and lower levels of well-being and higher rates of anxiety and depression. For example, research published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology indicates that individuals with materialistic values tend to have lower subjective well-being.

Limited Educational or Developmental Value

The activities described on explorertours.ae, while exciting, offer limited opportunities for intellectual or personal development. Letsmediate.ie Reviews

They are largely passive experiences from a learning standpoint, focused on adrenaline and scenery rather than skill acquisition, critical thinking, or cultural immersion beyond a superficial level.

While they offer glimpses of the Arabian Desert, the “race through the sand dunes” and “driving really fast around sand dunes” descriptions prioritize speed and thrill over deeper appreciation or understanding of the natural environment or local culture.

This contrasts with more enriching alternatives such as educational tours, historical explorations, or community service trips that offer tangible benefits beyond momentary excitement.

The World Tourism Organization UNWTO has increasingly advocated for sustainable tourism that offers deeper cultural exchange and educational components, highlighting a global shift towards more meaningful travel experiences.

Transition to a New Brand

The prominent banner stating, “We’re moving! ExplorerTours.ae will soon be closing as we transition to ZerzuraExperiences.com,” introduces an element of uncertainty.

While it’s presented as a positive transition, it can raise questions about brand continuity, service consistency, and whether the same quality and ethos will be maintained under the new name.

For potential customers, this might introduce a slight hesitation, as they are now being redirected to an entirely new online presence that they would need to research anew.

This kind of brand migration, while sometimes necessary, can temporarily disrupt customer trust and recognition, as reported by branding agencies that often manage such transitions.

explorertours.ae Alternatives

Instead of engaging in purely entertainment-driven activities that might not offer lasting benefits or deeper growth, there are numerous alternative experiences in the UAE that provide both enjoyment and enriching value.

These alternatives focus on education, cultural immersion, personal development, and community engagement, offering a more wholesome and fulfilling approach to leisure. Hanaleytravel.com Reviews

Cultural and Historical Exploration

The UAE boasts a rich history and vibrant culture that can be explored through various avenues.

Instead of high-speed dune buggy rides, consider visiting historical sites and cultural centers.

• Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood Old Dubai: Wander through the labyrinthine alleyways, explore traditional Emirati houses, and visit museums like the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort. This offers a into Dubai’s past, showcasing its evolution from a fishing village to a global metropolis. The Dubai Museum itself, housed in the oldest existing building in Dubai, recorded over 830,000 visitors in 2019, highlighting its popularity as a cultural attraction.
• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi: This architectural marvel is not only stunning but also a significant center for Islamic learning and cultural exchange. Visitors can admire its intricate design, learn about Islamic art and architecture, and gain insights into Emirati culture. It hosts millions of visitors annually, with over 7.5 million visitors reported in 2023.
• Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: This museum provides a comprehensive overview of Islamic history, science, and art, showcasing thousands of artifacts. It’s an excellent educational experience for understanding the contributions of Islamic civilization to humanity.

Nature and Wildlife Conservation

• Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubai: A protected urban wetland reserve that is home to thousands of birds, including flamingos. It’s a serene place for birdwatching and connecting with nature, providing a stark contrast to motorized desert activities. According to Dubai Municipality, the sanctuary supports over 270 species of birds and 47 species of plants.
• Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve: This vast, unfenced desert reserve is dedicated to preserving indigenous wildlife and promoting sustainable tourism. Visitors can engage in eco-tourism activities, learn about desert ecosystems, and potentially spot Arabian gazelles and other native species. It’s a great example of responsible tourism that prioritizes ecological preservation.
• Hatta Mountains: For those seeking outdoor adventure, Hatta offers opportunities for hiking, kayaking in the Hatta Dam, and exploring wadis. These activities promote physical well-being and a deeper connection with nature without the high environmental impact of motorized sports. Data from Dubai Tourism indicates a significant increase in visitors to Hatta, with over 1 million tourists recorded in 2022, demonstrating its growing popularity as an eco-tourism destination.

Educational and Skill-Building Workshops

Instead of passive entertainment, consider activities that foster new skills or knowledge.

• Arabic Calligraphy Workshops: Learn the art of Arabic calligraphy, a beautiful and intricate skill that connects participants with Islamic heritage.
• Traditional Emirati Cooking Classes: Explore Emirati cuisine by participating in cooking classes that teach authentic recipes and culinary traditions.

Community Engagement and Volunteerism

For a truly rewarding experience, consider dedicating time to community service or volunteer work.

• Volunteer at Local Charities: Many organizations in the UAE welcome volunteers for various causes, such as environmental clean-ups, supporting orphanages, or assisting humanitarian efforts. This offers a chance to give back to the community and engage in meaningful interactions.
• Participate in Cultural Exchange Programs: Seek out opportunities to interact with locals, learn about their customs, and share your own experiences, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

These alternatives offer a more enriching and wholesome way to experience the UAE, aligning with principles of growth, learning, and contributing positively to society, rather than solely seeking fleeting excitement.

explorertours.ae Pricing

Based on the information available on explorertours.ae, the pricing structure for their core offerings, specifically the dune buggy safaris, is presented clearly with a focus on value and inclusivity of services.

Overview of Dune Buggy Safari Pricing

The website prominently features two main dune buggy safari packages with their respective prices:

• 2 Seater Mleiha Dune Buggy Safari With Transfer: This package is priced at AED 1200 $327 per buggy. It includes 2 hours of safari experience, pickup and drop-off services from Dubai, and is designed for 2 persons.
• 2 Seater Mleiha Dune Buggy Safari Without Transfer: This option costs AED 1000 $273 per buggy. It also offers 2 hours of safari for 2 persons but excludes the pickup and drop-off services, implying that customers arrange their own transport to the Mleiha Desert.

These prices reflect a premium experience, considering the duration and the inclusion of equipment and potentially guides.

For comparison, the average cost of a desert safari in Dubai can range widely, from budget options around AED 150-300 $40-$80 per person for a standard shared safari which typically includes dune bashing, camel riding, and a BBQ dinner to premium private tours that can exceed AED 1000 $273 per person.

Explorer Tours’ pricing for a 2-seater buggy aligns with the higher end of the market, focusing on a more exclusive and personalized experience. Pohya.com Reviews

What’s Included in the Price

The website highlights several inclusions that justify the pricing:

• Pickup & Dropoff: For the “With Transfer” package, this is a significant convenience, especially given the remote location of the Mleiha Desert.
• Experienced Guides: Although not explicitly stated for every package, the customer reviews frequently mention friendly and professional guides, suggesting this is a standard inclusion.
• Refreshments: The website mentions “Refreshments on all tours,” adding to the comfort of the experience.
• Safety Equipment: While not explicitly listed as a line item, the emphasis on “Safety is our priority” and the nature of dune buggy driving imply that helmets and other necessary safety gear are provided.
• Copyrighted Buggy Design: This implies a unique and potentially superior quality of their buggies, setting them apart from competitors.

Value for Money Analysis

From a purely commercial standpoint, Explorer Tours positions its offerings as luxury adventure experiences. The higher price point suggests a focus on quality, safety, and customer service. The 1000+ 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor and their #1 ranking for dune buggy companies by TripAdvisor suggest that customers perceive good value for the price, especially those seeking a premium, hassle-free adventure.

However, from a perspective of seeking true value beyond transient excitement, the price point for these activities can be seen as substantial expenditure on purely leisure-driven pursuits.

While the thrill might be memorable, the investment could potentially be redirected towards activities with more lasting impact, such as:

• Educational Travel: A significant portion of these funds could contribute to a cultural immersion trip, a language course, or a workshop that develops a new skill. For example, a 7-day cultural tour of a historical region in the Middle East might cost around $1000-$1500 per person, offering deeper cultural understanding and historical knowledge.
• Community Development: The equivalent amount could be donated to charitable causes or invested in community projects that uplift others, providing a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment. For instance, $300 could provide essential aid or educational supplies for a family in need for several months.
• Personal Development Resources: Books, online courses, or seminars focused on self-improvement, spiritual growth, or professional development could be purchased, offering long-term benefits. An average online course on platforms like Coursera or edX can range from $50 to $500, offering professional certificates and new skills.

Therefore, while the pricing might offer good commercial value for a luxury adventure, a holistic assessment encourages considering alternatives that provide more enduring and meaningful returns on investment.

explorertours.ae vs. Traditional Desert Safaris

When evaluating explorertours.ae, it’s essential to compare its specialized offerings against the broader spectrum of traditional desert safaris available in Dubai.

While both provide desert experiences, their focus, activities, and target audiences often differ significantly.

Differences in Activity Focus

Traditional desert safaris typically offer a multifaceted experience designed to give visitors a comprehensive taste of desert life and entertainment. These often include:

• Dune Bashing: A high-adrenaline ride in a 4×4 vehicle over sand dunes.
• Camel Riding: A short, traditional ride on camels.
• Sandboarding: Sliding down dunes on a board.
• Cultural Activities: Henna painting, traditional dress photography, and shisha smoking.
• Entertainment: Belly dancing, Tanoura dance, and fire shows at a desert camp.
• Dinner: A BBQ buffet dinner at the desert camp.

Explorertours.ae, in contrast, specializes primarily in dune buggy experiences. Their main offerings are focused on self-driving dune buggies, providing a more hands-on, high-octane adventure. While they do mention “Private Dinner Experiences,” the emphasis on their website and through their “BEST SELLING PRODUCTS” is clearly on the buggy safaris. This narrower focus means they cater to a specific niche: thrill-seekers who want to drive off-road vehicles.

Target Audience and Experience Level

Traditional desert safaris appeal to a wide range of tourists, including families, couples, and groups, who are looking for a comprehensive cultural and adventurous evening. Runwayboutiques.co.uk Reviews

They often cater to first-time desert visitors seeking a curated, all-inclusive experience.

The skill level required is minimal, as guests are generally passengers.

According to industry reports, family tourism accounts for a significant portion of Dubai’s visitor demographic, with desert safaris being a popular choice for this segment.

Explorertours.ae, with its emphasis on self-driven dune buggies, targets a more adventurous audience, likely individuals or small groups who prefer active participation and a higher level of adrenaline.

This requires a certain level of comfort with off-road driving and a desire for a more intense experience.

The “2 Seater” buggy options further suggest a focus on couples or small groups of friends rather than large families.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Traditional safaris often include transfers, all activities, entertainment, and dinner, making them a complete package.

The price is usually per person, and activities are shared among a larger group.

For example, a typical shared desert safari might cost around $50-$100 per person.

Explorertours.ae’s pricing, as discussed, is per buggy for 2 people and focuses on the buggy experience itself. Meet.ps Reviews

While some packages include transfers and refreshments, the primary value proposition is the independent driving of the buggy.

This can be more expensive per person than a shared traditional safari, especially if only one person is driving.

For example, a traditional safari for two might be $100-$200, while Explorer Tours’ 2-hour buggy safari for two costs $273-$327.

Ethical and Environmental Considerations

From an ethical standpoint, both types of desert activities involve impact on the natural environment.

However, the self-driven nature of dune buggies, often associated with high speeds and potentially less controlled routes, might raise greater concerns regarding environmental degradation and disruption to desert ecosystems compared to organized 4×4 dune bashing tours, which typically follow designated paths.

For example, uncontrolled off-roading can damage delicate desert flora and fauna, increase sand erosion, and contribute to noise pollution.

Studies on the environmental impact of off-road vehicles in desert environments have consistently shown negative effects on biodiversity and soil stability, as highlighted by ecological research journals.

While both forms of tourism offer excitement, it’s worth considering alternatives that prioritize environmental preservation and cultural immersion without high-impact motorized activities.

Walking tours, wildlife viewing as in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, or educational programs about desert ecology would be more environmentally conscious choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does explorertours.ae offer?

Based on looking at the website, explorertours.ae primarily offers luxury adventure experiences, including dune buggy safaris and private desert dinner experiences in the UAE. Polarclothing.co.uk Reviews

They highlight popular packages such as the 2-seater Mleiha Dune Buggy Safari with and without transfers.

Is explorertours.ae licensed and safe?

Yes, the website states that Explorer Tours is “Fully licensed by DTCM” Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and emphasizes that “Safety is our priority,” indicating adherence to official regulations and a focus on safety measures for their tours.

What is the price range for explorertours.ae services?

The website lists specific prices for their dune buggy safaris: AED 1200 $327 for the 2-seater Mleiha Dune Buggy Safari with transfer and AED 1000 $273 for the same safari without transfer, both for 2 hours and 2 persons.

Do explorertours.ae tours include pickup and drop-off?

Yes, for certain packages like the “2 Seater Mleiha Dune Buggy Safari With Transfer,” pickup and drop-off are explicitly included in all tours as stated on their homepage.

What is the duration of explorertours.ae dune buggy safaris?

The primary dune buggy safari packages listed on the homepage specify a duration of “2 Hours” for the actual buggy experience.

What makes Explorer Tours unique?

Explorer Tours highlights several unique aspects, including “10+ years in the UAE,” “Unique Experiences,” a “Copyrighted Buggy Design,” and being the “#1 Ranked Dune Buggy Company By Trip Advisor.”

Does Explorer Tours provide refreshments during tours?

Yes, the website states that “Refreshments on all tours” are provided, adding to the comfort of the experience.

What kind of reviews does explorertours.ae have?

Explorer Tours boasts “1000+ 5 Star Reviews” on TripAdvisor and claims to be the “#4 Ranked Outdoor Activities in Dubai” based on these reviews.

Is there a new website for Explorer Tours?

Yes, the website indicates a transition, stating, “We’re moving! ExplorerTours.ae will soon be closing as we transition to ZerzuraExperiences.com.”

What is the new name for Explorer Tours?

The new name for Explorer Tours will be ZerzuraExperiences.com, as stated in their transition announcement on the homepage. Rspnutrition.com Reviews

Can I book private dinner experiences with Explorer Tours?

Yes, the website lists “Private Dinner Experiences” as one of their “LUXURY ADVENTURE EXPERIENCES,” suggesting this is a service they offer.

Are children allowed on explorertours.ae tours?

The website content provided does not explicitly state age restrictions for children on their tours.

For specific information, it would be best to contact them directly or check their new website.

What payment methods does explorertours.ae accept?

The provided homepage text does not specify the payment methods accepted.

Typically, tour operators accept major credit cards and sometimes online payment gateways.

How far in advance should I book with explorertours.ae?

While not explicitly stated, for popular tours like dune buggy safaris, especially given their high ranking and positive reviews, it is generally recommended to book in advance to secure availability, particularly during peak tourist seasons in Dubai.

Does Explorer Tours offer corporate activities or team building?

Yes, the footer navigation of the website lists “Corporate Activities,” “Team Building,” and “CSR Corporate Events,” indicating that they offer services tailored for corporate clients.

Are the dune buggies self-driven or guided?

The descriptions like “driving the buggy for 1 hours ourselves” and “enjoyed driving really fast around sand dunes” in the customer reviews suggest that the dune buggy experiences are self-driven, often with the guidance of experienced staff.

What desert location do explorertours.ae safaris take place in?

The website specifically mentions “Mleiha Desert” as the location for their bestselling 2-seater dune buggy safaris.

Can I do sandboarding with Explorer Tours?

One customer review mentions, “If desired, it is possible to do sandboarding and dune buggy,” suggesting that sandboarding might be an optional activity or included in certain packages. Storen.ch Reviews

What is the best time of day to go on a dune buggy safari with Explorer Tours?

A customer review suggests that going before 10 AM, specifically mentioning a “6am pickup,” is recommended, especially in the summer, as it’s “bearable even in the desert where it’s usually much hotter.”

How can I contact Explorer Tours for inquiries?

The website prominently features “Contact Us” and “WhatsApp Us” links, indicating direct communication channels for inquiries.

They also have social media links for Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.