Simple yacht charter or full event: which one do you need in Dubai?
Over a decade in luxury hospitality and the yacht industry, planning private yacht events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Short answer: If you are a group of friends or a family who want a few hours at sea, book a simple charter: the yacht, captain and crew, from AED 3,900 for 4 hours with our Signature Charter, Sunday to Friday. If the yacht is a venue for clients, a team or a brand, with catering, staff and a run of show, you need a full event, from AED 13,940 for 20 guests all-inclusive.
Two ways to book a yacht in Dubai
Most requests we receive fall into one of two formats. A simple charter is the yacht, the captain and the crew for a few hours: your group brings the mood, the yacht does the rest. A full event adds everything around the yacht: catering, a service team, a DJ, decor or branding, guest arrivals and a run of show. Both are private, and both are booked with the same team. The difference is how much you want us to build around the yacht.
| Simple charter | Full event | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical group | Friends, family, a birthday, 2 to 25 guests | Clients, a team, a brand, often 20 to 150 guests |
| What is included | Yacht, captain, crew, fuel, soft drinks, water, ice, towels, sound system | The same, plus catering, waiters, entertainment, decor or branding and event management |
| Food and drinks | Bring your own drinks, or add a BBQ or canapés | Menu by our chef, served by our team |
| Planning time | A few days is often enough | Two to four weeks is comfortable |
| Budget, 4 hours | From AED 3,900 (Signature Charter, Sunday to Friday) | From AED 13,940 for 20 guests (all-inclusive corporate package) |
When a simple charter is all you need
If you are a group of friends or a family who want a few hours at sea, a swim, the skyline and the sunset, you do not need an event. Book the yacht, bring your drinks and your playlist, and enjoy. Our Signature Charter is built for exactly this: 4 hours on the Signature 62 for up to 25 guests, AED 3,900 from Sunday to Friday with the 3 + 1 offer, AED 5,200 on a Saturday, before VAT. If you want food without the logistics, the Sunset & BBQ and Celebration packages add a live grill cooked on board.
When you need a full event
Choose a full event when the yacht is a venue for someone else: clients, colleagues, a launch or an audience you want to impress. The signs are a guest list above 25, a seated dinner, a brand to show, guests arriving at different times, or a host who cannot spend the evening coordinating suppliers. Then one team should handle the yacht, the menu, the staff, the music and the timings. See our corporate packages and how we plan a corporate yacht event.
The middle ground
Many celebrations sit in between: a birthday for 15 with a cake and a BBQ, a bachelorette with decor and a photographer. Start from a package and add only what you need. You keep one price, one contact and one booking, and nothing you did not ask for.
What never changes
Whatever you book, the yacht is checked and ready before you arrive, our team is on the dock to welcome you, and you have one contact on WhatsApp before and on the day. Coordination is part of our service and is never charged as an event management fee on yacht events.
Quick answers
What is the cheapest way to book a private yacht in Dubai?
With Odyssia, the Signature Charter: 4 hours on the Signature 62 for up to 25 guests, AED 3,900 from Sunday to Friday and AED 5,200 on a Saturday, before 5% VAT, with the captain, crew, soft drinks, water, ice and towels included.
Do I need an event planner for a birthday on a yacht?
Usually not. For up to 25 guests, a package with a BBQ and a cake is enough. Choose a full event when you need a seated dinner, a service team, a DJ or decor for a larger group.
Can I bring my own drinks on a simple charter?
Yes. You are welcome to bring your own drinks: the crew chills them and prepares ice and glasses. Soft drinks and water are included.
How far in advance should I book?
A few days is often enough for a simple charter, although Saturdays and sunsets go first. For a full event, two to four weeks is comfortable.
Alicia McKay, founder of Odyssia
Alicia has spent over a decade in luxury hospitality and the yacht industry. With her team she plans and runs private yacht events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for brands, companies and private clients, from sunset dinners to Grand Prix hospitality.
Pricing
Complete guide
Buyer's guide
Corporate