A yacht charter in Dubai is, quite simply, the most memorable way to see the city. Nothing else puts you within photograph distance of Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis in a single afternoon — and nothing else turns a birthday, proposal or corporate day into a story your guests will still be telling a year later.

This guide covers everything Private Yacht Dubai has learned after fifteen years of hourly and day charters from Dubai Marina Yacht Club. If you'd rather skip to the practical part, WhatsApp us for a quote or browse the fleet.

Most popular yacht charter routes in Dubai

There are five routes we sail daily — each takes between 90 minutes and 4 hours depending on yacht size and how long you linger at landmarks.

1. The Classic Marina → Atlantis → Burj Al Arab

Starting at Dubai Marina Yacht Club, your captain will cruise past Bluewaters Island and Ain Dubai, out around the tip of Palm Jumeirah, along Atlantis The Palm, and then south past Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach. This is the one you want for first-time guests and for photos. Allow 2.5–3 hours.

2. Sunset Cruise (90 mins)

Same start, shorter route — out to the Palm tip for golden hour, then back via Ain Dubai as the Marina skyline lights up. Perfect for engagements, anniversaries and end-of-day corporate wind-downs.

Sunset cruise from Dubai Marina towards Palm Jumeirah

3. Dubai Water Canal Evening

Available on 65+ foot yachts only (canal clearance). Cruise past Downtown, Burj Khalifa (visible from the canal mouth) and the illuminated waterfall feature. Best after 19:30 when the canal lights are at full power.

4. Deep Sea Fishing

Heading 8–12 km offshore from the Marina for barracuda, queenfish, hammour and occasional sailfish. Rods, bait, ice and a cleaning service are included. 4-hour minimum, best booked between November and March.

5. Sightseeing + BBQ Day Charter

A 4 to 6-hour charter that includes the classic route plus a stop at a quiet spot near Palm Jumeirah for swimming, snorkelling and an on-board BBQ from our e-grill. Our most popular day-charter format for families and friend groups.

How much does a yacht charter cost in Dubai?

Transparent pricing — no fuel surcharge, no marina fees, no hidden extras. What you see is what you pay.

Yacht sizeMax guestsHourly rateBest for
35 ft Sport10AED 500/hrEngagements, intimate gatherings
42 ft Luxury14AED 650/hrFamily day out
50 ft Luxury17AED 750/hrSmall parties
56 ft Luxury25AED 850/hrBirthdays, celebrations
65 ft Luxury28AED 950/hrCorporate days
70 ft Luxury30AED 1,100/hrPremium events
85 ft Luxury50AED 1,500/hrMid-size weddings
100 ft Mega80AED 2,800/hrLarge weddings, product launches
150 ft Super120AED 4,500/hrGala dinners, conferences

Add-ons — catering, BBQ packages, flower decorations, DJ, limousine transfer — are quoted separately and never marked up.

What's included on every charter

  • A licensed captain + uniformed crew ratio of at least 1:15 guests
  • Still and sparkling water, paper napkins, disposable plates, cups and cutlery
  • Fresh towels for every guest
  • Bluetooth / AUX audio system, air-conditioned saloon
  • Life jackets (adult + child), first-aid kit, emergency VHF
  • All marina and fuel costs
  • Complimentary upgrade if a larger yacht is available and your guest count increases

What to bring

  • Light layers — breeze can be cool even in summer once you're past the breakwater
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, hats
  • Swimwear if you plan to swim or snorkel
  • A camera (though the captain always takes photos too)
  • Reef-friendly sunscreen if you plan to snorkel at the Palm

Popular charter occasions

Our most frequent bookings fall into five categories — check the dedicated pages for what we include:

"The best yacht charter we've ever done — and we've done quite a few. Transparent quote, perfect crew, stunning route, memorable photos. Five stars." — Olivia R., London

How to book a yacht in Dubai

  1. WhatsApp +971 55 572 7876 with your date, guest count and preferred yacht size. Most enquiries are answered within 10 minutes.
  2. We send a single-line quote in writing.
  3. Pay a 25% deposit by bank transfer, credit card or Apple Pay to lock the date.
  4. Arrive at Dubai Marina Yacht Club 15 minutes before charter start. Balance settled on the day.

WhatsApp for an instant quote