Do you want to hire a boat or yacht?
It might not seem like it from the outset but Abu Dhabi is made up of hundreds of islands all connected together.
Now you think of it, there is a lot of water around isn’t here? In fact you’re only ever really a stone’s throw from the coastline, wherever you are in this city.
So if you want to see Abu Dhabi from a new angle or just want to see what’s waiting out on the waters, here are some the great boat trips you can take a places to hire boats and yachts in Abu Dhabi.
Boat tours
Al Dhafra Dhow Cruise
Fancy enjoying some waterfront fun and also enjoying a meal at the same time? Then Al Dhafra Dhow Cruise could be the perfect fit. Climb on board the traditional dhow boat and you can enjoy a cruise around the city by sea while also getting your fill of delicious food. Plus with twinkling lights and the chance to watch the sunset too, it’s a memorable and romantic occasion you’ll treasure long after the ship has docked.
Al Dhafra Dhow Cruise, behind the fish market near Al Mina Port (02 673 2288).
Belvari Marine
Head to Eastern Mangroves and you can explore the natural landscape inside an eco-donut that runs on solar power. The super fun (and super slow) transport are perfect for those nervous about the water and for kids, too. Plus, it’s like a massive doughnut, or a bagel, depending on your preference which makes it all a little more intriguing and entertaining.
Belevari Marine, Eastern Mangrove Marina, www.belevari.com (02 643 1494).
Captain Tony’s
Ready to set sail? Well you can enjoy almost every kind of pleasure cruise with Abu Dhabi’s Captain Tony’s. With daytime, nighttime, sunset, romantic, fishing and island-hopping options, the chances are, no matter what you fancy, if there’s a boat involved then Captain Tony’s has you covered. All you have to do is decide what you want to do, book and head to Yas Island to get on board.
Captain Tony’s, Yas Marina, Yas Island, www.captaintonys.ae (02 650 7175).
Jalboot
This fun water taxi service allows you the chance to get around the city by water which in our book is a brilliant way to get from A to B. For those looking to take in the sights the cruises are also a good way to see some o Abu Dhabi’s most recognizable landmarks from the water – which makes for some stunning photos. From the comfort of the air conditioned vessels you can make your way to stops including Etihad Towers, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi Mall and more.
Jalboot, Abu Dhabi Mall, www.jalboot.ae (600 575756).
Lulu Boats
If it’s a sightseeing experience you’re after then Lulu Boats is a good option with its island hoping adventure on the water. You can take an island our and see areas off of the main island for some fun exploring and disembark at some locations to soak up the sun, splash in the water or enjoy a real-life shipwrecked scenario safe in the knowledge you can leave the island again and will see familiar shores son enough.
Lulu Boats, Al Marina Dock A, www.luluboats.com (050 642 9777).
The Yellow Boats
If you spend time on the beach or out on the water the chances are you’ve seen these eye-catching vessels making their way around the capital. The Yellow Boats, are well, yellow, boats, taking boatloads of adventurers on tours around the city including past the Au Dhabi skyline and even past Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The tours last around 90 minutes and will take in many of the city’s landmarks along the way for those much-needed photo opportunities. Go on, jump on.
The Yellow Boats, Emirates Palace Marina, www.theyellowboats.com (800 892).
Learn to sail
Being a passenger is all well and good but if you’re someone who likes to be in control or just wants to learn a new skill then you can learn to captain a vessel here in Abu Dhabi. With courses offering skills and certification, an association like the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club can teach the basics all the way to more advanced techniques. What starts as a hobby in Abu Dhabi can unlock the ocean world of possibilities for sailing holidays and adventures that you couldn’t experience on dry land.
Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club, Theater Road, www.adsyc.ae (02 658 3333).
Boat and yacht hire
Belvari Marine
You might have seen the stunning 74-foot catamaran cruising in and out of Abu Dhabi’s marine thoroughfares. It’s the impossibly cool one with bronzed and ever so slightly smug passengers lounging on the “trampoline” deck. Yes, you’ve clocked it and Time Out can tell you a cruise, on bean bags, on a stunning craft, is every bit as romantic, adventurous and all-round dramatic as it seems. Operated by Belevari Marine, the vessel can be used for team-building exercises and even private functions such as wedding receptions and birthday parties.
Belevari Marine, Eastern Mangrove Marina, www.belevari.com (02 643 1494).
Easy Yacht
With name like Easy Yacht you’d expect the process to be, well, east and there to be a yacht involved. Book with the company and they promise to deliver a customized experience based on your needs. So if it’s a romantic journey, a day with a small group of friends, or you’re planning and event with a twist ten they’ve got all the bases covered and then some. Plus with a choice of yacht from smaller to larger vessels you can enjoy a bespoke experience when you set off.
www.easyyacht.ae.
Pheonix Tourism
Love to party and want to cruise around on a private yacht at the same time? We kno just the thing. Phoenix Tourism and its partners offer Abu Dhabi yacht parties and if you’ve got a bunch of friends, a minimum of three hours to spend and the overwhelming desire to splash out an live life to the fullest then this is your port of call. With an on-board DJ spinning the tunes on the decks (literally) you can partyand have a blast on the water while makin some pretty awesome memories.
Phoenix Tourism, Al Raha Beach Hotel, Al Raha Beach, www.phoenixtourism.ae (02 556 0041).
