3 days ago
These are the best ways to rent a yacht in Abu Dhabi
Nothing says 'I'm loving life' like a boat party. Sure to earn jealous eye rolls from your friends back home, heading out on a swish yacht or houseboat for the day is an Abu Dhabi rite of passage, and it's a thrill that never, ever gets old.
Allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the emirate's startlingly blue waters, discover untouched remote islands and maybe even spot a dolphin or two (if you're lucky), it doesn't have to cost you a fortune either.
Just gather your crew, get a date fixed in the diary and check out our pick of the best places to charter a boat in the capital.
Yacht and boat rentals in Abu Dhabi
Butinah Charters
Named after Bu Tinah Island, Abu Dhabi's private protected nature reserve, this reputable boat rental company offers a whole fleet of mega swish yachts. Including the aptly named 'Princess' yacht with three bedrooms, two baths, a sundeck and a BBQ station, an open-topped houseboat complete with a TV, sound system and room for 70 people, and many more stylish options, the friendly team will ensure you experience Abu Dhabi's beautiful waters in style. Offering departures from Emirates Palace, Yas Island, Marina Mall and various other locations, you don't have to travel far to find them either.
Corniche Road, @butinaboats (056 116 4128).
The Captain's Club
Why hire out one boat when you can have access to nearly 200? Undoubtedly the most exclusive club in Abu Dhabi, The Captain's Club lets you captain your own ship and hit the waves whenever the mood strikes you. Simply complete a two-day training course and you can enjoy taking charge of dozens of different boats and yachts found across the marinas of Saadiyat and Yas Island, Emirates Palace and Al Qana, and in various locations across Dubai and RAK. Involving none of the hassle, faff and maintenance that comes with being a 'real' boat owner, the perks well outweigh the monthly membership fee.
From Dhs1,500 per month (plus a Dhs2,500 joining fee). Yas Marina, Yas Island, @thecaptainsclub (800 82278).
Lulu Boats
Inviting you to escape into the blue and leave the city behind, Lulu Boats offers a huge choice of luxurious vessels. Catering to groups of all sizes – from couples looking for a romantic cruise to parties with up to 170 guests – you'll find mammoth 90-foot boats, traditional-style dhow boats, slick speed boats and everything in between. The routes take you past the magnificent Corniche and Al Lulu Island, while the team are skilled at adapting to every mood, and providing delicious catering, too.
Marina Breakwater, Al Kasir, (050 642 9777).
Sea Safari
Did you know that Abu Dhabi is home to over 200 postcard-perfect sand islands? Giving you permission to live and breathe your own Castaway-island adventure, Sea Safari's island hopping tours are a bucket list experience to remember. Accommodating either eight people for private bookings or 20 people when sharing, you'll be treated to a day filled with power-soft white sands, clear still waters, and the most gorgeous ocean scenes you can ever imagine. Chairs, umbrellas, snacks and refreshments are provided, and you can even add on a BBQ bonfire or fishing excursion as well.
From Dhs1,887 for four hours (private island hopping). (052 152 7369).
Seven Seas
Picture cruising past the iconic Corniche skyline with your favourite people, and jumping into the clear water without a care in the world. Offering the ideal way of celebrating landmark birthdays and big milestones, Seven Seas are experts at hosting epic boat parties. The stunning houseboat and luxury yacht both come with a bedroom, living area and bathroom, and they even throw in water, soft drinks, balloons and a speaker, too. All you need to do is bring your own snacks, beverages and good vibes, and let them take care of the rest. Oh, and did we mention that they can also arrange a huge inflatable slide?
@7seas_boats_rental (054 336 3033).
Yacht Rental Abu Dhabi
Offering one of the biggest and most glamorous yacht collections in the city, Yacht Rental Abu Dhabi lets everyone live like a celebrity for the day. Presenting a choice of party yachts, yacht dinner cruises, fishing trips, jet boats, houseboats, private yacht rentals and more, they've got every occasion covered, whether you're planning an intimate excursion for up to six of your nearest and dearest, or a mega celebration with 50 of your favourite party-loving pals. Home to an experienced event planning team, they'll also take care of the catering, decorations, lighting, sound systems, and even provide a DJ.
From Dhs350 per hour (jet boat). Khalifa Bin Zayed the First Street, (056 384 0613).
More going on in Abu Dhabi
UAE residents can now save big time on flights thanks to a new Skyscanner feature
No complaints here
You can now get a robotaxi from Zayed International Airport
Trips to the airport just got an upgrade
Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once
Your dinner inspo is sorted
20 incredibly fun ways to explore Abu Dhabi after dark
The city is at its most fascinating once the sun goes down
