The shimmering skyline of Dubai is best admired from the waters around it. A private yacht tour dubai price allows you to take in the sights of this glamorous city while cruising on the Arabian Gulf. And when the weather gets hot, jumping into the cool blue waters for a swim is the ultimate way to chill out.
Booking a private yacht tour dubai price with swimming in Dubai may seem expensive at first glance. But follow these tips to get the best price on a magical day out on the water.
Do Your Research
The first step is thoroughly researching the various yacht tour dubai price options in Dubai. There are dozens of companies offering private charters so take your time to browse them all. Check out their websites in detail and make a list of providers that fit your criteria.
Important factors to consider are the types of yachts, available routes and destinations, duration of tours, inclusion of transfers, and overall prices. Read reviews online and narrow down your list to 3-4 top choices.
Set a Budget
Having a clear budget in mind is key to finding the best yacht tour dubai price deal. Private charters range widely in price depending on the size of the yacht, duration, inclusions, level of luxury and customization.
Simple 2-hour tours may start around AED 1,500 while intricate full-day experiences on luxury boats can cost upwards of AED 15,000. Be realistic about what you can spend for a special day out. This will help focus your research on tours matching your budget.
Optimize Duration
Yacht tour dubai prices are generally charged by the hour. Opting for a shorter 2 or 3 hour tour instead of a full day is an easy way to lower costs. You’ll still have ample time to take in all the iconic Dubai sights like the Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa from the water.
Many 3-hour tours include a swimming stop too. Avoid overpaying for time you won’t fully utilize and pick a concise cruise that promises maximum highlights.
Choose a Smaller Yacht
The vessel size largely impacts yacht tour dubai price prices in Dubai. Luxurious multi-level boats with capacity for 20 people or more are the most expensive options. Opting for a more intimate and compact yacht keeps costs reasonable without compromising on comfort.
Smaller yachts for 6-8 passengers tend to have lower hourly rates while still providing modern amenities and an unforgettable experience. You’ll enjoy greater flexibility and attentive service too.
Travel in Low Season
Dubai’s peak tourist seasons like winter, spring break and summer holidays push up yacht charter demand and rates. For best value, consider booking your private cruise during low season months like June-August when temperatures are high.
While outdoor daytime activities are less ideal in the heat, an Arabian Gulf cruise remains pleasant. Fewer crowds equals better pricing plus you can swim, sight-see and relax indoors too. Off-peak tours can cost 30-50% less than peak dates.
Leverage Deals and Discounts
Keep an eye out for promotions and special offers as you evaluate your shortlisted tour companies. Seasonal discounts, combo deals, early booking rates and two-for-one packages can all translate to big savings on your private yacht cruise.
Sign up for email newsletters to stay updated on the latest deals. And don’t hesitate to negotiate prices for advance or group bookings. The deals are out there, you just have to actively look for them!
Choose a Morning Tour
Yacht tours departing in the morning tend to be more economical than midday and afternoon slots. Earlier timings work well as you can start sightseeing as the city wakes up and be back on shore before midday heat sets in.
Morning tours are popular with photographers and nature lovers wanting to catch the best light. Bonus savings from an a.m. cruise can fund a nice breakfast beforehand or lunch afterwards!
Stick to Weekdays
Similar to peak versus low season, private yacht tour rates also fluctuate by the day of the week. Weekend charters are often highest priced due to high leisure demand. Weekday tours see fewer bookings, meaning you can score a bargain.
Avoid wasting vacation days and opt for a Tuesday or Wednesday yacht charter. You’ll escape the weekend rush on the water too. If weekdays don’t work, Sunday tours are still calmer than Saturdays.
Share a Tour
Yacht tour dubai prices are normally quoted for the entire boat meaning you pay the same for 2 or 10 passengers. Gathering a group of friends or family to split the cost can make an expensive-looking tour suddenly affordable.
Many companies offer deals for groups larger than 6 ranging from discounted rates to free add-on services. Splitting the bill can give you a truly elite private yacht experience you may have otherwise passed on.
Don’t Overbook
While sharing a cruise is a smart tactic, overbooking a tour with too many people has disadvantages. Large groups limit interaction with the crew, increase wait times for amenities like water toys, and create crowding when swimming and sightseeing.
Aim to fill about 60-75% of a yacht’s capacity for a comfortable crowd. Oversized groups often regret not splurging a little more on a larger boat or second tour.
BYO Food and Drinks For Your Yacht Tour Dubai Price
Food and drinks packages onboard yachts add to the total booking cost. Bringing your own snacks, meals and non-alcoholic beverages is perfectly allowed and will save you money. Just be sure to confirm policies with your tour provider.
Consider packing a picnic-style lunch to enjoy on deck along with your favorite juices, sodas, water and other drinks. Most boats have coolers and fridges to store perishable items. You can still buy extras from the crew but avoiding their marked-up catering is wise.
This locks in current rates and guarantees availability at a fraction of the total cost. Just be sure to calendar your payment due date as you’ll forfeit your booking if late.
With its world-famous attractions and crystal blue waters, Dubai promises an incredible yacht sightseeing experience. Following these 15 tips will help you uncover the very best pricing on a private charter so you can make the most of your time on the water while sticking to your budget.
Happy smooth sailing in Dubai!