Yacht rental in Dubai: the complete guide (2026)
Over a decade in luxury hospitality and the yacht industry, planning private yacht events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Short answer: Renting a private yacht in Dubai starts from AED 1,300 per hour, usually for 3 to 4 hours, with the captain, crew, fuel, soft drinks, water, ice and towels included. Most yachts board at Dubai Harbour, minutes from Ain Dubai, the Palm and the Burj Al Arab. Pick the yacht by guest count first, then add catering, drinks and the extras that fit the occasion.
How a private yacht charter works
A private charter means the whole yacht, the captain and the crew are yours for the time you book. There are no other guests on board. You choose the date, the time, the route and what happens on board, and the crew looks after the sailing, the safety briefing and the service.
At Odyssia every booking is private. We do not sell seats on shared cruises: we design the experience around your group, then match it with the right yacht from our fleet of 34.
How much it costs
Prices are set per hour. On our fleet, yachts start at AED 1,300 per hour for up to 25 guests and superyachts go up to AED 20,000 per hour for 150 guests. A short charter on our smallest yacht starts at about AED 5,200 for 4 hours, before 5% VAT.
Our full price guide breaks down every range with three real budgets.
How long to book
Most yachts are booked for a minimum of 4 hours, and 3 hours is possible on some yachts and dates. Four hours is the sweet spot for a sunset or a party: enough to cruise past the landmarks, stop for a swim and enjoy the evening without rushing. A private day charter runs up to 12 hours, and some yachts can host you overnight.
Where you board
Most of our yachts board at Dubai Harbour, between Bluewaters, JBR and the Palm. From there you reach open water in minutes. Dubai Marina, Bluewaters and the Palm are also possible, and we work case by case in Abu Dhabi. Read Dubai Marina vs Dubai Harbour to compare.
What is included
Every Odyssia yacht includes the captain and crew, fuel, soft drinks, water, ice, towels and a sound system. You bring your guests and your ID; the rest can be arranged in advance.
Food, drinks and service
The yacht price does not include food or alcohol, and you choose how far to go. You can bring your own drinks and snacks, add a relaxed BBQ or buffet package, or have our chefs serve passed canapés from AED 350 per guest with an open bar from AED 450 per guest. A private chef can cook on board for smaller groups, and seated dinners are possible on larger yachts. Waiters and bartenders are quoted separately. See yacht catering.
Occasions we plan most
- Birthdays and yacht parties
- Sunset cruises and moments for two
- Bachelorette parties and baby showers
- Client entertainment, team events and brand takeovers
- New Year's Eve and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Choosing the right yacht
Start with the number of guests, then the occasion, then the budget. The licensed capacity includes everyone on board, so leave room for the catering team. Our guide how to choose a yacht in Dubai walks through every check.
Where to go
From Dubai Harbour, a classic route passes Ain Dubai and JBR, runs along the Palm to Atlantis The Palm and continues to the Burj Al Arab, with a swim stop when the sea allows. See the best places to see from a yacht for routes by duration.
When to go
The season runs from October to June, and late afternoon into sunset is the favourite slot. Summer charters work best in the morning or at sunset. Details in the best time for a yacht cruise.
How to book with Odyssia
Send us your date, guest count and occasion on WhatsApp. We reply within minutes and send a tailored proposal within 24 hours, with a recommended yacht. Reply “I confirm” and we hold the yacht for 24 hours; a 50% deposit confirms the booking, and the balance is due 7 days before the charter.
Quick answers
How much does it cost to rent a yacht in Dubai?
From AED 1,300 per hour for up to 25 guests, with a 3 to 4-hour minimum, up to AED 20,000 per hour for a superyacht for 150 guests, excluding 5% VAT.
What is included in a yacht rental in Dubai?
With Odyssia: the captain and crew, fuel, soft drinks, water, ice, towels and a sound system. You can bring your own drinks, or add food, drinks, decor and entertainment on request.
Can I rent a yacht in Dubai for a full day?
Yes. A private day charter runs up to 12 hours, with swim stops, lunch on board and water toys on request.
Do I need a licence to rent a yacht in Dubai?
No. Every charter comes with a licensed captain and crew, so you do not need a boating licence.
Where do yachts leave from in Dubai?
Most of our yachts board at Dubai Harbour, between Bluewaters, JBR and the Palm. Dubai Marina, Bluewaters and the Palm are also possible.
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
Buyer's guide
Routes