Dubai is a city renowned for its opulent offerings, and there’s no better way to immerse your family in a touch of this luxury than by embarking on a family yacht cruise along the city’s magnificent coastline. Yacht cruising is an excellent activity for the entire family, and if the cost is shared amongst a group it can be a surprisingly affordable experience. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the joys of yachting in Dubai, sharing our first hand experiences and valuable tips.
- A Family Friendly Yachting Experience
- Essential Items for a Family Yacht Excursion
- What to Expect on a Family Yacht Cruise
- Sights to See
- The Best Time to Go
1. A Family Friendly Yachting Experience
The most popular locations for yachts in Dubai are the Palm and the Marina areas. Embarking on a yacht trip does not always have to be exclusively reserved for the ultra-wealthy; families can experience a taste of Dubai’s luxurious lifestyle by choosing a yacht experience that meets their budget. Yacht prices do vary significantly based on factors such as the size of the yacht and the length of time aboard. The cost typically ranges from 500 AED to 1500 AED per hour, and these rates may vary depending on the season. When shared with a group the cost of a yacht can be surprisingly affordable. Some questions to consider when looking for a yacht experience in Dubai with children are:
- Does the yacht accept children, and what safety precautions are in place, especially for younger children?
- What is the maximum number of guests allowed on board?
- What is the size of the yacht?
- What is included in the experience?
- Does the yacht have amenities on board to suit children?
- Are swimming towels provided?
- What are the catering options?
- Are there water toys available?
We have experienced a number of family yacht cruises with ROYAL AMORA YACHTS and have only ever had a wonderful experience. The yacht can host up to 27 guests. The hospitality and meticulous attention were outstanding, and safety remained paramount, with all levels of precaution closely observed. The captain went the extra mile by providing a comprehensive safety briefing tailored specifically for children, ensuring a worry-free journey for everyone on board. Whenever we have stopped to swim, the captain and crew have always ensured that the water is safe, with no strong currents or jet skis nearby, which is important when you have younger children swimming.
2. Essential Items For a Family Yacht Excursion
Most Yachts have a crew at your service, who take care of all of your needs throughout the cruise and provide comfort for you and your family. The crew are also a good point of reference if you have any questions or concerns during the journey.
There is no strict dress code for a yacht trip, you can decide what to wear, making it as fancy or as casual as you like. The thing to remember is you most likely will be swimming and it is normally hot in Dubai so comfort will be a number one consideration, especially for young kids.
What to take on board:
- Pack your family’s favorite snacks and beverages. However, if you prefer a hassle-free experience, catering options of various levels are usually available on most yachts.
- Don’t forget the essentials for sun protection, such as sunscreen, sunglasses and hats, as Dubai’s sun can be quite intense.
- Encourage everyone to wear swimwear, as the temptation to take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Gulf will be irresistible.
- You may wish to bring a spare change of clothes if you are swimming.
- Towels are normally provided on board, eliminating the need to carry additional items. But definitely check with the crew beforehand.
- In the cooler months if you are out on the water in the early morning or late afternoon remember to bring a sweater.
- Remember, there are no shoes onboard a yacht. You check your shoes with the crew before you board and they will be returned when you disembark.
3. What to Expect on a Family Yacht Cruise
A typical yacht cruise in Dubai lasts around 2-3 hours, providing plenty of time to to see the popular landmarks from the water, as well as stopping to have a swim in the Gulf, or even a spot of fishing. In our experience fishing and swimming are activities that kids love!
Yacht charters go throughout the day, however, early mornings and late afternoons are particularly popular due to the cooler weather. Plus, you can experience the beauty of sunrise and sunset on the water which also provides unforgettable photo opportunities.
This is your trip, so you can choose the landmarks you would like to see and the water activities you would like to take part in. This just needs to be communicated to the captain and crew before you set sail. Some of the larger yachts do have bigger water toys available (jet skis, kayaks and paddle boards). You would need to check what your yacht has available before booking your trip.
4. Sights to See
Dubai from the water is stunning, with a glittering skyline and many iconic landmarks. When you book your cruise let the company know what iconic sights you may wish to see. Some highlights of the Dubai coastline include:
- A cruise through the Marina
- Ain Dubai at Bluewaters
- Atlantis the Palm
- The Burj Al Arab
- The World Islands
- A trip down the canal in Jumeirah
5. The Best Time to Go
The best time of year to head out on the water is between October and April when Dubai experiences cooler temperatures. However, if you find yourselves visiting during the hotter months of May to September, fret not. By wisely selecting early mornings or early evenings, you can still enjoy a fun family yachting experience while avoiding the peak heat of the day. You may also find it is better priced during the hotter season.
Thank you for reading! You may also be interested in Top Summer Activities for Kids in Dubai.
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