Introduction: My Life in Dubai and the Dream to Travel
I have been living in Dubai for the last 15 years, and I can honestly say that this city never stops amazing me. Every corner has something special — from tall skyscrapers and desert dunes to luxury beaches and vibrant nightlife. But one thing that always fascinated me was watching the yachts passing by from JBR Marina. Every evening, when I looked down from my balcony and saw those white yachts cruising through the sunset, I used to think, “One day, I want to be on one of them.”
After years of seeing tourists and locals enjoying private yacht rides, I finally decided to book a luxury yacht tour in Dubai. What followed was one of the most peaceful and enjoyable experiences of my life — and I want to share it in detail so that anyone planning a similar trip knows exactly what to expect.
Planning the Yacht Tour: Choosing the Right One
Before booking, I spent a lot of time searching online for private yacht rentals in Dubai. There are so many options — from small 33ft boats for short trips to massive 100ft yachts for parties and celebrations. Since I wanted a relaxing trip with my family, I chose a 55ft private yacht that could accommodate around 10 people comfortably.
I booked it for 3 hours yacht trip during the late afternoon, which I highly recommend because you get to enjoy both daylight views and the beautiful sunset over the Arabian Gulf.
The booking process was very easy. Most yacht rental companies have WhatsApp support, so I just messaged them, asked about the prices, and shared my preferred date and time. Within a few minutes, they confirmed the booking and sent me all the details — location, yacht name, captain’s number, and what’s included (water, soft drinks, towels, music system, etc.).
Reaching the Marina: The Excitement Begins
On the day of the tour, I reached Dubai Marina Walk about 30 minutes before departure. The weather was perfect — sunny but breezy — and the view of yachts lined up at the dock was amazing. I could already feel the excitement building up.
Our yacht was parked near Marina Walk, one of the most famous landmarks in Dubai Marina. The staff greeted us politely, helped us with boarding, and gave a quick safety briefing. The yacht looked even better in person — clean, modern, and luxurious with soft white seating, an upper deck for views, and an indoor air-conditioned cabin.
Sailing Out of Dubai Marina: The Start of the Journey
As the yacht slowly started moving out of the marina, the atmosphere was magical. The tall buildings of JBR and Marina reflected on the water like a painting. People walking along the waterfront waved at us, and we waved back with smiles.
The sound of the waves and the gentle rocking of the boat made me instantly relaxed. I sat on the front deck with a cold drink in my hand and felt a sense of peace that’s hard to describe.
The crew played soft music, and the captain told us we’d be cruising past Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai, and Jumeirah Beach, all the way to Burj Al Arab.
Passing Bluewaters Island and Ain Dubai
Our first sight was Bluewaters Island, home to the giant Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel. Seeing it from the water gives a completely different perspective. The structure looked huge and beautiful under the blue sky.
We took some amazing pictures here — my family on the front deck with Ain Dubai in the background. The crew was kind enough to take photos for us. I appreciated how they made sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying the trip.
Cruising Toward Jumeirah Beach and Burj Al Arab
As we left the marina behind, the sea opened up wider and bluer. The yacht picked up speed, and I could feel the wind rushing past. My kids laughed and shouted with joy while the crew offered us cold juices.
We soon passed by Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) — my neighborhood! Seeing it from the sea felt so different. I’ve walked along those beaches so many times, but now I was looking at them from the other side — and it made me feel proud to call this place home.
After about 45 minutes, the Burj Al Arab came into view. That moment was unforgettable. The captain slowed down so we could take photos with the iconic sail-shaped hotel behind us. The sunset was starting, and the golden light made everything look magical.
The Sunset Moment – My Favorite Part
Watching the sunset from a Boat tour in Dubai is something every resident and visitor should experience at least once. The sky turned from bright orange to deep pink and purple as the sun slowly disappeared into the horizon.
The water around us glowed with warm colors, and the city skyline looked peaceful in the distance. I felt grateful at that moment — grateful for living in such a beautiful city and for finally doing something I had dreamed of for years.
My family and I just sat quietly for a few minutes, enjoying the view, the sound of the waves, and the fresh sea breeze. It felt like time had stopped.
Onboard Experience and Facilities
One thing I really liked about the yacht was how clean and well-maintained it was. It had everything we needed — comfortable seating areas, clean restrooms, a small kitchen, and a bedroom for resting.
The upper deck was my favorite spot because it offered the best view. I could see the city’s skyline, the Palm Jumeirah, and other yachts cruising around.
The crew also offered us soft drinks, water, and ice, and we brought our own snacks. Some people even bring food, cakes, or decorations if they’re celebrating birthdays or anniversaries.
We connected our phones to the yacht’s sound system and played our favorite Arabic and English songs. The music, the view, and the company of family — it was the perfect combination.
Meeting Other Yachts and People
During the trip, we saw many other yachts passing by — some small, some huge. People were celebrating birthdays, taking selfies, or just relaxing like us. Everyone seemed happy.
The sea felt alive with positive energy. There were jet skis, banana boats, and other water activities around us, especially near JBR Beach. It showed how lively and fun Dubai’s coastline is.
Returning to the Marina: A Peaceful End
After about 3 hours, it was time to return to the marina. The captain slowed down as we entered the canal again, and the city lights started reflecting on the water.
The view of Dubai Marina at night is stunning — the buildings light up beautifully, and you can see restaurants filled with people enjoying their evenings.
When we docked, I thanked the captain and crew for the excellent service. They helped us off the yacht and made sure everything went smoothly. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.
How Much It Cost and Was It Worth It?
Many people ask me if renting a private yacht in Dubai is expensive. Honestly, it depends on the size of the yacht and how long you book it. For my 3-hour trip, the cost was around AED 1,200, and we shared it among six people — so it was about AED 200 each.
For the experience, the views, and the memories, I’d say it was 100% worth it. It’s not something you do every day, but it’s one of those things that make you appreciate Dubai’s luxury lifestyle and natural beauty.
Tips for Anyone Planning a Yacht Tour in Dubai
If you’re thinking of booking your own private yacht tour, here are a few tips from my experience:
- Book in advance – Weekends and sunset hours get full quickly.
- Choose the right timing – Late afternoon to sunset gives the best views.
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat – The sun can be strong even in the evening.
- Carry your own snacks – Most yachts allow you to bring food and drinks.
- Wear comfortable clothes – Light and casual.
- Charge your phone or camera – You’ll take a lot of pictures.
- Ask about route options – Some go to Atlantis or Palm Jumeirah.
- Respect safety rules – Always listen to the crew’s instructions.
Why Yacht Tours Are Special in Dubai
Dubai has many luxury experiences — from desert safaris to five-star hotels — but yacht tours are truly unique. The combination of sea, skyline, and sunset makes it unforgettable.
You get to see the city from a new angle — the tall towers of Marina, the calm beaches of Jumeirah, the magnificent Burj Al Arab, and the grand Palm Island — all in one trip.
It’s also a great way to celebrate special occasions — birthdays, anniversaries, or even romantic proposals. Some people even rent yachts for corporate events or family get-togethers.
My Personal Reflection
After living in Dubai for 15 years, I’ve done many things — from desert camping and visiting theme parks to exploring old souks. But this yacht tour made me realize how lucky we are to live in a city that offers everything — luxury, comfort, safety, and beauty.
When I came back home that evening, I stood on my JBR balcony again and looked at the yachts passing by. This time, instead of dreaming, I smiled — because I had lived that dream.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try It Too
If you’ve been living in Dubai or visiting as a tourist, and you haven’t experienced a yacht tour yet — you should definitely do it. It’s not just about luxury; it’s about peace, joy, and spending time with people you care about.
You don’t need a special occasion. Sometimes, just watching the sunset over the water is reason enough.
For me, this experience reminded me that sometimes, the best moments in life come when you step out of your daily routine and try something new.
The sea has a calmness that refreshes your soul. The sound of the waves, the open sky, and the shining city lights make you forget everything else for a while. That’s the magic of a luxury yacht tour in Dubai — and I’ll surely be doing it again soon.
Conclusion
My luxury yacht experience in Dubai was more than just a tour — it was a memory for life. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, taking a few hours to enjoy the beauty of this city from the sea is something I strongly recommend.
Every time I now see those yachts from my JBR apartment, I no longer just admire them — I remember how it feels to be out there, surrounded by calm waters, cool breeze, and the beauty of Dubai.
If you ever get the chance, don’t think twice. Book that yacht, invite your loved ones, and experience the luxury, peace, and happiness that only the sea can give.