Are you interested in discovering the city of superlatives by sea? Find out all our tips for renting a boat in Dubai!
Cloud-crushing buildings, state-of-the-art shopping malls, artificial islands and luxury hotels: welcome to Dubai, the world capital of excess!
Once a simple fishing port set in an arid desert, the second largest city in the United Arab Emirates has established itself as a destination for all possibilities.
Between tradition and ultra-modernity, Dubai has many treasures that you can discover by sea with this guide to yacht charter in Dubai.
Itinerary ideas by boat from Dubai
Mini day cruises
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- Excursion off the coast of Dubai: aboard a yacht, motorboat or catamaran, you’ll sail into the Dubai Marina, then into Dubai Creek. You’ll sail along the coast to get close to the city’s main attractions and monuments. With the impressive Burj Khalifa tower as a backdrop, you’ll admire the artificial Palm Jumeirah island or the magnificent Burj-Al-Arab hotel, two of Dubai’s must-see icons;
- To Musandam and Khasab: a change of scenery as we head for the Musandam peninsula, nicknamed the « Norway of Arabia ». You’ll cross the border into Oman and set foot in the typical town of Khasab. You then set course for the peninsula. The impressive fjords rise up before you, with their sheer cliffs plunging into the deep blue sea. Your day on a boat in Dubai also offers you the chance to explore the underwater world with fins, mask and snorkel.
Two-day weekend cruise
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To visit another mythical city in the United Arab Emirates, opt for a boat cruise from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
Along the way, you’ll follow the country’s desert coastline, lined with magnificent, unspoilt coves. Arriving in Abu Dhabi, stop off to visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the Ferrari theme park on the Yas peninsula.
4-day cruise
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If you have a little more time, opt for a 4-day cruise and extend the journey to Sir Bani Yas Island. You’ll enjoy new, sumptuous landscapes whose beauty won’t leave you indifferent.
The island of Sir Bani Yas is a surprising ecological setting, planted with palm trees and home to animal species such as gazelles, giraffes, ostriches and even cheetahs.
Allow plenty of time to try out the island’s other activities, such as mangrove kayaking, mountain biking and even snorkeling with turtles and dolphins.
7-day cruise
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To get the most out of this part of the Persian Gulf, choose a 7-day cruise.
The ideal itinerary will take you by boat from Dubai to Dammam, then Doha, Sir Bani, Abu Dhabi before returning to the starting point. On this tour, you’ll have the chance to set foot in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, adding to your collection of passport stamps!
What type of boat to rent in Dubai?
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Depending on your wishes and your budget, you have three options for renting a boat in Dubai harbor: a yacht, a motorboat or a catamaran. As the marina is suitable for huge vessels, you’ll have no trouble maneuvering any type of craft!
How much does a yacht charter in Dubai cost?
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The cost of chartering a boat in Dubai depends on the length of the charter, the season and whether or not you wish to hire a skipper and crew.
The price will then vary according to the type of boat, its length, its power, the number of passengers it can accommodate on board, its equipment and its year of construction.
Count this way :
- From 900 euros to 8,000 euros per day for a motorboat;
- From 1,800 euros to 5,000 euros per day for a catamaran ;
- From €1,900 to €4,500 per day for a yacht.
Depending on the offer you choose, the price of a boat rental in Dubai will include fuel, water, ice cubes and fruit juices, fishing equipment…
Safety equipment such as life jackets and buoys for adults and children are provided free of charge.
How to rent a boat in Dubai
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To rent a boat in Dubai, you can visit one of the agencies located near the marina. But to save time and give you more choice, it’s best to book your boat in Dubai online!
The Samboat website, for example, allows you to make a reservation before your trip, with both professional and private charter companies. This way, you can compare offers and select the one that best suits your expectations and budget.
You don’t have the skills required to sail a boat? Or would you prefer to spend your Dubai getaway relaxing with friends or loved ones? It’s also possible to hire the services of a skipper, captain or crew to drive yachts, motorboats and catamarans.
For even more fun on your cruise, ask the rental company for additional equipment such as water skis, wakeboards, buoys or even fins, masks and snorkels to enjoy the marine life!
Do I need a license to sail in Dubai?
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Have you obtained your boating license in France and would like to put it to good use during your yacht charter in Dubai? Be aware that each country has its own legal requirements! While it is valid without restriction in Europe, you must have your boating license translated into Arabic before you can use it in Dubai.
To avoid any disappointment during your stay, it’s best to hire a skipper!
Our tips for sailing in Dubai
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Before setting sail on your charter boat in Dubai, take the time to check the weather forecast. Between desert and sea, the city enjoys a subtropical climate. Winds are often strong, particularly in spring and winter, with a peak in February and April.
Even if the air is refreshing on the open sea, remember to protect yourself from the sun on your boat! Sunshine is omnipresent all year round, and temperatures can easily exceed 40°C! Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are therefore essential for the duration of your yacht charter in Dubai!
Finally, as Dubai’s marina is the world’s largest, and therefore very busy, you’ll have to contend with the presence of many other sailors entering and leaving the port!
When is the best time to sail in Dubai?
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Dubai’s lively climate makes it an ideal year-round destination! It all depends on whether or not you can handle the extreme conditions. If for you heat means happiness, then opt for a yacht charter in Dubai during the summer period, from June to September. That way, you’ll avoid the crowds.
If you’re looking for more bearable temperatures, prefer the months of November to March, as April is too windy for sailing.