Many visitors know Yas Island from the land, but some of the nicest views of the island are from the water. A Yas Island boat tour on a private yacht lets your group see the island from a different angle, slow down for a few hours and enjoy the sea breeze together. This guide covers the kind of things you can do by boat around Yas Island and how to plan them.
A quick note before we start: the route on any trip is planned by your captain on the day, based on the weather, the sea and safety rules. The ideas below are general – your captain will tell you what is possible on your trip.
Where Your Yas Island Boat Tour Starts
Two of our yachts are based at Yas Marina on Yas Island: the Yas Horizon and the Yas Lounge. Starting at Yas Marina means you are on the water around Yas Island from the moment you leave the berth. Our other yachts depart from other Abu Dhabi locations, and we confirm the meeting point on WhatsApp after booking.
1. Cruise Around the Island and Take in the View
The simplest plan is often the most enjoyable: a slow cruise with music on the speakers and everyone out on deck. From the water you get wide, open views of Yas Island, the marina and the coastline, with the Abu Dhabi skyline in the distance on a clear day. Ask your captain to point out what you are passing – the crew know these waters well.
A 2-hour trip is enough for a relaxed loop with time for photos. If you want to add a swim stop or simply go slower, book 3 hours.
If you have family or friends visiting from abroad, a cruise is also an easy way to show them the island without a long day of driving between places. Everyone stays together, there is shade and seating on board, and the crew looks after the yacht while you catch up and enjoy the view.
2. Stop for a Swim
On calm days, your captain may find a quiet spot to stop so the group can swim. Swim stops always depend on the weather, the sea and local rules, and the captain has the final say. Life jackets are on board for every trip.
If you are travelling with children, the Saltwater 75 is a fun option: it carries a water slide, a trampoline and a floating sea pool that we can set up on request. The wide catamaran deck also makes it easy for kids to move around safely with adults nearby. It departs from another Abu Dhabi location, and we confirm the meeting point on WhatsApp.
3. Celebrate a Birthday on the Water
A boat trip turns a birthday into an event without much planning. Your group has the whole yacht, so you can bring a cake, decorate the deck and play your own music. The Yas Horizon takes up to 20 guests and has an indoor lounge as well as an open upper deck, which works well for parties. See more ideas on our birthday and yacht party page.
Party tips
- Tell us about your cake and decorations on WhatsApp so the crew can make space
- Choose an afternoon start so you get daylight photos and a sunset finish
- Count every guest, including children, when choosing a yacht
4. Watch the Sunset
Late afternoon is a lovely time to be on the water around Yas Island. The heat drops, the light turns golden and the island starts to light up as the sun goes down. For a sunset trip, start about an hour before sunset – roughly 4:30 pm in winter and 6:15 pm in summer. Read our sunset yacht cruise guide for more planning tips.
5. See the Island Lights at Night
After dark, Yas Island looks completely different from the water. Evening cruises are cooler than daytime trips in the warmer months, and the reflections on the water make for beautiful photos. The Yas Horizon is lit up at night, which adds to the atmosphere for an evening celebration.
6. Take Photos You Cannot Get on Land
A yacht gives you angles that are hard to find anywhere else: the group on the bow with open water behind, the skyline across the bay, the golden hour light on everyone’s faces. A few tips:
- Golden hour, the hour before sunset, gives the softest light
- Shoot from the upper deck for a wider view
- Keep phones on a strap or in a pocket when leaning over the rail
- Plan a group photo early, before everyone gets busy with the party
7. Spend a Relaxed Family Day
Not every trip needs a plan. Many families simply want a few hours together away from screens, with shade, snacks and a gentle breeze. Houseboats and catamarans are steady and spacious, which makes them easy for grandparents and young children. Our houseboats, the Island Loft 82 and the Island Loft 66, take up to 35 guests and depart from other Abu Dhabi locations.
Choosing a Yacht for Your Yas Island Boat Tour
| Plan | Suggested yacht | Guests | Departs from | Price per hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kids, swimming, water toys | Saltwater 75 | Up to 25 | Abu Dhabi | AED 1,579 |
| Evening party | Yas Horizon | Up to 20 | Yas Marina | AED 1,500 |
| Sunset or small celebration | Yas Lounge | Up to 15 | Yas Marina | AED 1,198 |
| Big family day | Island Loft 82 | Up to 35 | Abu Dhabi | AED 1,099 |
| Small group on a budget | Blue Fin | Up to 10 | Abu Dhabi | AED 699 |
| Couples and groups of up to 8 | Pearl Diver | Up to 8 | Abu Dhabi | AED 450 |
All prices are per hour for the whole yacht, with a 2-hour minimum. Every charter is private and includes a captain and crew, soft drinks and water, and speakers.
Practical Tips Before You Go
- ID: every guest needs an original passport or Emirates ID to board.
- Clothing: soft-soled shoes, sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen; a light layer for evenings in winter.
- Swimming: pack swimwear and a towel if you hope for a swim stop.
- Timing: arrive a little before your start time so you can board on schedule.
- Payment: card, Tabby (4 payments) or Tamara, with the link sent on WhatsApp.
Plan Your Yas Island Boat Tour
Send us your date, start time, number of guests and what you would like to do on the water, and we will suggest a yacht. If you want to start from Yas Marina, see our Yas Marina yachts; to compare the full fleet, visit yachts & prices.
