Yacht Charter in Dubai β Frequently Asked Questions
Fifteen questions, answered in the order people ask them: what a charter costs and how the total is built, what happens after you send a request, what is included, how weather and the sailing permit work, and the cancellation and payment rules. Every figure here comes from the same constants the planner uses, so the answer and the price you see cannot drift apart.
- How is the price calculated?
- The price depends on your yacht choice, duration, and any extras you add. You will see a full price breakdown before you submit β no hidden fees, no surprises.
- Is my booking confirmed when I submit?
- No. Submitting the form sends a request, not a reservation. First we check availability with the yacht, then you receive our written confirmation on WhatsApp or by email, and a 50% deposit secures the date. Nothing is booked and no payment is taken before that written confirmation.
- What is included in the charter?
- Water, soft drinks, tea & coffee, ice, the crew and fuel are included in every charter at no extra charge. Food, decoration, photography and water sports are optional extras you add while planning. Children under 12 must wear a life jacket, provided on board.
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- Sailing permits are issued by the coast guard by 09:00 on the day of your charter, and we tell you as soon as we know. If a permit is not issued, you choose between a full refund and a free reschedule. If the permit is granted but the sea is rough, the captain may keep the route in sheltered waters β that is not grounds for cancellation. Water sports are weather-dependent and cannot be guaranteed; a jet ski is available in the JBR area only and a damage waiver is signed on board before use, and inflatables are limited.
- What is your cancellation policy?
- Free cancellation up to 96 hours before departure, with a full refund β that is 4 days. Between 96 and 48 hours before, 50% of the charter is charged; food, beverages and personalised items already ordered (a custom cake, printed or named decorations, neon text) are non-refundable, and other extras are refunded at 50%. Less than 48 hours before, or a no-show, the full charter price is charged, including catering. If we cancel a water-sports extra for weather or safety, that extra is refunded in full. Your cancellation counts from the moment your written notice reaches us on WhatsApp or by email, in Dubai time (GST, UTC+4).
- Do I pay now, or only after confirmation?
- Only after confirmation. We confirm availability within 2 hours on WhatsApp (09:00β22:00 Dubai time), then a 50% deposit secures your date. The remaining balance is due 48 hours before departure.
- Is the yacht private β just for my group?
- Yes β 100% private. No strangers, no shared decks. Just your group, your crew, your music.
- How many people can come?
- The yachts we work with carry between 12 and 75 guests depending on the vessel. When you plan your event, we will recommend the right yacht for your group size.
- Is there a minimum charter length?
- Every charter runs 2 hours or longer. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday the minimum is 3 hours. A few extras need a longer charter β the yacht slide, for example, needs 4 hours or more.
- Is alcohol allowed on board?
- Guests aged 21 and over may bring their own drinks for consumption on board only, subject to the operator's rules and UAE law. We do not sell or supply alcohol.
- Can we bring our own food?
- Dry food and snacks are free of charge. Raw meat you bring for grilling is AED 200. Outside catering requires prior notice and an extra cleaning fee: AED 200 for up to 15 guests, AED 500 for 16β40 guests and AED 1,000 for 41β80 guests.
- What payment methods do you accept?
- A 50% deposit secures your date and the remaining balance is due 48 hours before departure. You can pay by secure card payment link, which carries a 5% processing fee, or by bank transfer, which carries no fee from us β your own bank's charges are yours to pay. Full payment details are shared after confirmation, and no payment is taken on this website.
- What should we bring?
- Every guest needs a valid Emirates ID or an original passport β copies are not accepted. No shoes on board. Children under 12 must wear a life jacket, provided on board. Pets are not allowed on board. Personal belongings cannot be left on the yacht after the charter.
- Where do we meet?
- Departures from the Dubai Marina / Dubai Harbour area β the exact meeting point is confirmed with your booking. Parking details are sent with your confirmation. Boarding opens 10 minutes before departure β please arrive 20 minutes early for parking and check-in.
- What if the yacht has a technical problem?
- If the yacht you booked cannot sail because of a technical problem, or becomes unavailable for a reason outside your control, we offer you a comparable alternative yacht or a full refund of everything you have paid β your choice.
If your question is not here, send it on WhatsApp β the Dubai planning team answers within 2 hours between 09:00 and 22:00 Dubai time. For prices by yacht, see the prices page; to see your own total, use the planner.