Private Yacht
Charter in Dubai
The whole boat, by the hour, with crew.
A private yacht charter in Dubai costs about AED 600–1,100 an hour for a 40–55 ft boat and AED 1,100–2,200 for 55–75 ft, captain and deckhand included. The whole boat, with a captain and deckhand, for a block of hours you choose. This is how most charters in Dubai are sold — there is effectively no bareboat market here, so a crew is part of the price rather than an extra.
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What Does a Private Yacht Charter in Dubai Include?
Minimum charter
Two hours on most boats up to 65ft, three hours once you go above 80ft. The minimum is set by the operator, not by the marina.
What the hour includes
Captain, deckhand, fuel for a normal cruising route, soft drinks and ice. Food, alcohol and watersports are quoted separately.
Guest limit
Set by the boat's licence and not negotiable — a boat licensed for twelve cannot take thirteen, whatever the operator says on the phone.
Where it leaves from
Dubai Marina and Dubai Harbour handle most charters. Confirm the berth, not just the marina: the Marina alone has several, a twenty-minute walk apart.
How Much Does a Private Yacht Charter in Dubai Cost?
Market benchmarks, not quotes. Every listing shows the operator’s own price.
40–55 ft
AED 600–1,100 per hour
Up to about 12 guests
55–75 ft
AED 1,100–2,200 per hour
Up to about 20 guests
75 ft and above
AED 2,500–5,000+ per hour
25 guests and up, three-hour minimum
Private Yacht Charter in Dubai: How to Plan It
How long to book, which route to ask for, and what to agree with the operator before the day — the details that decide whether a private charter goes smoothly.
1How many hours should you book?
- Two hours covers the classic loop — Dubai Marina, Bluewaters and Ain Dubai, then the Palm and a view of Atlantis.
- Three to four hours adds a swimming stop and a slower pace, and reaches the Burj Al Arab side of the coast.
- Two hours is the usual minimum up to about 65 ft; above 80 ft it is normally three.
- An extra hour is usually charged at the same hourly rate — confirm it before you board, not on the water.
2Which boat size fits your group?
- Up to about 12 guests: a 40–55 ft boat.
- Up to about 20 guests: 55–75 ft, with more shade and deck space.
- 25 guests or more: a superyacht of 80 ft and above.
- The guest limit comes from the boat's licence and cannot be stretched — count children too.
3What to agree before you pay
- The licensed guest number, in writing.
- The exact berth and boarding time — the Marina has several berths a long walk apart.
- What the rate includes: crew, fuel, soft drinks — and what is extra.
- Whether food, drink or decorations can be brought on board, and any fee for it.
- The weather policy: refund or new date if the coastguard closes the sea.
- The deposit amount and when the balance is due.
4Who a private charter suits
- Birthdays, proposals and anniversaries — the whole deck is yours.
- Families with children, who can set their own pace and stops.
- Company outings and client entertaining.
- Groups of eight or more, where the per-person cost matches a shared cruise.
Private Yacht Charter in Dubai: FAQ
View all FAQs →Is the crew included in a private charter?
Yes. The captain and at least one deckhand are part of the hourly rate on every crewed charter in Dubai. Tipping is at your discretion and never compulsory.
Can we bring our own food and drink?
Most operators allow it, and some charge a cleaning or corkage fee. Alcohol on board is at the operator's discretion and subject to UAE law — get the answer in writing before the day.
What happens if the weather turns?
The coastguard closes the marina, not the operator. Ask in writing whether a cancelled charter is refunded or rescheduled before you pay a deposit.
How many hours should I book for a private yacht in Dubai?
Two hours covers the Marina, Bluewaters and the Palm. Book three or four if you want a swimming stop or to reach the Burj Al Arab side without rushing.
Can we swim from the yacht?
Often, in sheltered water off the Palm, if the route and the weather allow. The captain decides where it is safe — ask for a swimming stop when you book, not on board.
Do all guests need ID?
Operators usually ask for a passport or Emirates ID for every guest for the boarding list. Send the names ahead so boarding is quick.