Why a private yacht suits children
On a shared tour boat, a parent spends the trip keeping children out of other people's seats and photographs. On a private charter the whole yacht belongs to your group for the hours you book, so children can move around, sit on the bow with an adult, and ask the crew questions without anyone being inconvenienced. This guide covers the practical side: safety on board, choosing the time of day, swimming, food and what to pack.
Life jackets and the rules that apply
Life jackets are provided on board, and children under 12 must wear one. That is a rule on every charter, not a recommendation. There is nothing to bring for it, but it helps to tell a young child beforehand that the jacket is part of the trip, so it is not a surprise at the passerelle.
Every guest needs a valid Emirates ID or an original passport — copies are not accepted, and that includes children. No shoes on board, which on a sunny deck is worth preparing small feet for. Pets are not allowed on board.
Tell us the ages first
The single most useful thing you can do is put the children's ages in the request. The planning team passes them to the crew, who prepare accordingly, and it changes which yacht makes sense: a yacht with a large shaded saloon is a different proposition from an open flybridge when there is a toddler in the group.
You can bring up to 20 children on one booking, within the capacity of the yacht you choose. Enter adults and children separately in the planner and it only offers yachts that take the whole group.
Choosing the time of day
As general guidance, the sea is often calmer in the morning, before the afternoon breeze builds, and in the warm months the deck heats up through the day. A departure around 09:00 or 10:00 is gentle on children for both reasons, and you are back before an afternoon nap becomes an issue. Charters start between 09:00 and 20:00 and are back by 23:00; the minimum is 2 hours, and 3 hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
For a first trip with young children, three hours is a comfortable length: enough for a swim stop and a slow run back without the day turning into an expedition.
Shade, heat and comfort
Shade on deck matters more with children than the length of the yacht. Look at the photos of each yacht when you choose: covered lounges and an enclosed saloon give somewhere cool to retreat to. Pack high-factor sun cream, hats that stay on in a breeze and a light shirt to put on after swimming. Water, soft drinks, tea & coffee and ice are included on every charter.
Swimming and water activities
Swim stops are part of three-hour and longer routes, weather and the captain permitting, and the captain decides where and when it is sensible to stop.
Water activities are booked in advance as extras and are daylight only — none is offered on a charter starting at 18:00 or later. A banana boat takes up to four people (from AED 750 for 30 minutes); the yacht slide (AED 850 for the whole charter) needs a charter of at least 4 hours. For the jet ski, tell us in the request who would ride; the operator confirms the conditions that apply on the day. Water activities depend on the weather and are never guaranteed.
Seasickness and how to prevent it
If a child is prone to seasickness, tell us in the request: the captain keeps to sheltered water where possible. A morning departure, a light snack beforehand and a seat with a view of the horizon all help. Give any medication you normally use before boarding rather than after.
Food for children
Food is pre-ordered while you plan, not decided on the day. The Hotdogs & Burgers Menu is AED 135 per guest; a fruit platter is AED 220; a celebration cake is AED 280 if the trip is also a birthday. Snacks a child will actually eat are worth bringing from home anyway — what you may bring yourself, and any fees, are set out in the FAQ.
What to pack
Emirates ID or original passport for every guest · swimwear and towels · sun cream, hats, a light shirt · snacks, medication or formula · a change of clothes · slip-off footwear. Personal belongings cannot be left on the yacht after the charter, so pack what you can carry off in one trip.
Arriving, and the price
Boarding opens 10 minutes before departure — please arrive 20 minutes early for parking and check-in. Departures are from the Dubai Marina / Dubai Harbour area, and the exact meeting point is confirmed with your booking.
Charters are priced per hour for the whole yacht, so children are not charged separately; the shortest charter starts from AED 1,400. The estimated price appears before you send anything, and nothing is booked until we confirm availability in writing. When you are ready, the family trip page has the yachts and the planner.