How Can Families Enjoy a Dubai Marina Yacht Experience?
Planning a family trip to Dubai but unsure how to make the most of a yacht experience? We recently enjoyed a private Dubai marina yacht cruise, taking in stunning seascapes, trying water activities, capturing professional family photos, and savoring a delicious dinner. In this article, we'll share practical tips and highlights on how families can safely, comfortably, and memorably experience Dubai Marina yachting, helping you plan a secure, enjoyable, and unforgettable yacht trip in Dubai.
Table of Contents
- How to Choose the Right Dubai Marina Yacht?
- How to Choose the Right Dubai Marina Yacht Rental Service?
- Board the Yacht: Departing From Dubai Marina
- Water Activities and Family Fun
- Tips for a Smooth Trip
How to Choose the Right Dubai Marina Yacht?
Our group of ten included both elderly members and children, so when renting a yacht at Dubai Marina, I placed great emphasis on comfort and safety. After comparing several yacht hire companies in Dubai, I narrowed down my choices to three popular yachts:
- Gib 52: 52 feet in length, accommodates up to 15 guests, rental price 850 AED per hour.
- Lana 62: 62 feet in length, accommodates up to 20 guests, rental price 1000 AED per hour.
- Amotea 72: 72 feet in length, accommodates up to 30 guests, rental price 1300 AED per hour.
During the selection process, I focused on the following aspects:
1. Yacht Size and Passenger Capacity
- Small Yachts: Accommodates 4–6 people, ideal for intimate family experiences with compact indoor and outdoor lounging areas.
- Midsize Yachts: Accommodates 6–10 people, offering balanced space and amenities including outdoor decks, dining areas, and multiple guest cabins.
- Large Yachts: Suitable for multigenerational families or large groups, featuring spacious cabins, decks, hot tubs, and entertainment areas.
2. Safety and Comfort Considerations
- Crew Experience: Ensure the captain and crew possess extensive maritime experience
- Infrastructure: Non-slip decks, high railings, and shaded areas to safeguard the elderly and children.
- Activity Space: Ample indoor and outdoor lounging areas, with sufficiently spacious outdoor decks.
Considering all these factors, I ultimately chose the Gib 52. Its moderate size ensures comfort while meeting safety and activity requirements. If your family is larger, you may opt to book a larger yacht. After selecting the right yacht at Dubai Marina, the next step is to choose a suitable yacht rental service to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience throughout your trip.
How to Choose the Right Dubai Marina Yacht Rental Service?
When booking a yacht at Dubai Marina, I pay attention not only to the yacht itself but also specifically to the services provided by the rental company, including catering and photography services. These services directly impact the family outing experience.
1. Catering Services
Various catering options are available from different Dubai yacht charter companies, ranging from light meals to VIP menus. Choose based on your family's preferences and budget.
Regular Dining Options
- Regular BBQ: AED 180 per person
- Regular Breakfast: AED 75 per person
- Hot Dogs & Buns: AED 95 per person
- Standard Fruit Platter (serves 2-3): AED 150
- Chips & Nuts (serves 2-3): AED 100
VIP Dining Options
- VIP Breakfast: AED 120 per person
- VIP BBQ: AED 355 per person
- VIP Seafood BBQ: AED 395 per person
- VIP Fruit Platter (serves 4-6): AED 300
- VIP Charcuterie Board (serves 4-6): AED 400
I will select dining packages in advance based on the travel schedule and family members' preferences. With advance planning, the dining experience during the yacht trip will be smoother, and it avoids the inconvenience of ordering meals on the spot.
2. Professional Photography Services
To capture cherished moments during family outings, I also consider whether Dubai yacht rental companies offer professional photography services. Some companies can arrange for photographers to accompany the trip for photos or videos, with services including:
- Group photos of the entire family
- Documentation of onboard activities
- Sunset or seascape photography
Booking photography services in advance not only ensures high-quality photos but also allows family members to fully enjoy the yacht experience without needing to operate photography equipment themselves.
3. Additional Services
Some Dubai Marina yacht charter companies offer optional extras:
- Water sports equipment: jet skis, paddleboards, snorkeling gear
- Special occasion decorations: birthday, anniversary themes, etc.
- Children's amenities: child-sized life jackets, play equipment
- Crew assistance: catering services, activity coordination
I typically discuss required extras in advance based on family members' needs and budget to ensure a comfortable and seamless yacht experience.
4. Recommendations for Choosing Dubai Marina Yacht Charter Services
- Book in Advance: Ensure ample time for catering and photography arrangements.
- Review Customer Feedback: Authentic reviews help assess catering quality, photography standards, and the reliability of additional services.
- Clarify Pricing and Fees: Confirm costs and potential surcharges beforehand to avoid unexpected expenses on-site.
- Match Family Needs: Prioritize services catering to seniors and children, such as child life jackets, simple catering options, and shaded outdoor areas.
By thoughtfully selecting your Dubai Marina yacht rental service, you can meet your family's requirements while ensuring a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience.
After finalizing the private yacht and charter services at Dubai Marina, the next step is to develop a sailing itinerary, including departure times, route planning, and activity details. Communicating in advance with Dubai yacht hire companies regarding catering, photography, and water activities will ensure a smoother journey. For families with elderly members or children, it is particularly important to arrange boarding order, rest areas, and safety measures appropriately. With thorough preparation, we are eagerly anticipating our upcoming yacht excursion at Dubai Marina and are ready to enjoy a comfortable, safe, and exciting time at sea.
Board the Yacht: Departing From Dubai Marina
That afternoon, we arrived at Dubai Marina, where the luxury yacht was already docked. Staff warmly welcomed us aboard. During boarding, they provided a detailed overview of the yacht's layout, safety features, and important guidelines to ensure both children and seniors could enjoy the cruise safely.
After the luxury yacht set sail, we cruised along the Al Sufouh Beach coastline. Along the way, we could see:
- Dubai Marina's Modern Architecture: Skyscrapers reflect on the water, creating a unique panorama.
- Water Sports Enthusiasts: Sailboats, jet skis, and kayaks dot the sea, adding vibrant energy.
- Expansive Ocean Views: Crystal-clear waters and serene scenery make it perfect for photography.
- Burj Al Arab: Up-close views of the iconic landmark
- Al Sufouh Waterfront: Ideal for water sports and family photos
Children roamed freely on deck, enjoying the sea breeze, while adults relaxed in comfortable seats. The crew ensured our safety throughout the journey and provided drinks and light snacks.
Water Activities and Family Fun
1. Professional Photography for Family Portraits
A professional photographer we booked in advance captured our entire family portrait session aboard a yacht Dubai Marina. The images beautifully captured the children's smiles, family interactions, and the blend of our private yacht with the ocean backdrop. The photos turned out incredibly natural, unlike the stiff poses of traditional photo shoots.
2. Water Sports Experience
Dubai yacht charters come equipped with floats, snorkeling gear, and a small water slide. The crew first explains safety rules before guiding us through the activities. Children try out the floats under the crew's supervision, while adults can also experience snorkeling. Throughout the process:
- Comprehensive safety measures.
- Fully equipped facilities.
- Flexible activity schedules that can be adjusted to suit family needs.
The children's excitement and laughter filled the entire luxury yacht with joy.
3. Dinner at Sea
After sailing to the most scenic stretch of coastline, we enjoyed our pre-booked dinner. The menu featured local specialties and Western-style light meals, with flavors suitable for the whole family. As we dined, we admired the sunset's lingering glow while a gentle sea breeze caressed us, creating a serene and beautiful scene. Dinner time also provided a perfect opportunity for family bonding and taking photos.
As evening fell, we returned to Dubai Marina. The crew assisted us ashore and inspected the yacht at the marina. The entire Dubai yacht rental experience proceeded smoothly and safely, leaving everyone thoroughly satisfied.
This Dubai Marina yacht charter experience left us deeply impressed:
- Comfort and Safety: Professional crew and fully equipped yacht facilities
- Family-Friendly: Secure play areas for children while adults relax
- Complete Experience: Worry-free cruising, photography, water sports, and dinner
- Memorable Moments: Professional photography and a dinner at sea enrich family memories
Tips for a Smooth Trip
To ensure a smoother and more enjoyable yacht trip in Dubai Marina, it's well worth familiarizing yourself with some practical tips beforehand. Whether coordinating activity plans with the crew or preparing sunscreen and refreshments, these details can make your family's time at sea safer, more comfortable, and more fulfilling. Below are some useful suggestions I've compiled to help you prepare thoroughly and enjoy a perfect day on the water.
1. Communicate Needs in Advance
Confirm photography, water activities, and dining arrangements.
2. Bring Sun Protection Essentials
Sun hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are must-haves.
3. Pack Light Snacks
Prepare snacks and simple meals in advance for quick energy replenishment for children and seniors.
4. Plan Reasonable Sailing Duration
2–3 hours is optimal for enjoying scenery without fatigue.
5. Pre-Book Private Yachts and Services
Especially for families or large groups.
6. Choose Reputable Rental Companies
Quality providers prioritize safety and service.
7. Check Dubai Marina Yacht Size and Amenities
Ensure comfort and safety.
These tips can help families better plan their sea excursions and enhance their yachting experience at Dubai Marina.
This Dubai Marina yacht rental experience provided our entire family with a safe, comfortable, and enriching time at sea. By selecting the perfect yacht Dubai Marina in advance, arranging catering and photography services thoughtfully, and enjoying a variety of water activities, we not only took in Dubai's stunning seascapes and modern architecture but also created cherished family memories.
Whether for family outings, parent-child adventures, or group gatherings, selecting the right Dubai Marina yacht and rental service is key to ensuring a seamless experience. With thorough preparation and thoughtful planning, every yacht excursion can become a safe, relaxed, and unforgettable journey on the water.

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How Can Families Enjoy a Dubai Marina Yacht Experience?