Shared vs Private Yacht Tours in Dubai: I Tested Both in One Week

Well, I decided to settle a debate on yacht tours in Dubai. Over the course of one week, I tested both the shared and private yacht experiences, and I’ve got all the details here, no sugar-coating, just my honest experience. If you’re torn between the two, keep reading. I’ll break down the pros and cons of both, and by the end, you’ll know which yacht tour is worth your time.

Before sharing my personal experience, let’s go over the basics.

A shared yacht tour is a group outing on the water, where you get to cruise along Dubai’s iconic coastlines, enjoy the sights, and hang out with other travelers. It's cost-effective because you’re sharing the price with others. These tours usually have a fixed route and include well-known landmarks like the Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina.

On the other hand, a private yacht tour gives you complete freedom. You get the entire yacht to yourself (or your group), and you can customize the route, duration, and stops. Whether you want to stop for a swim in a quiet cove or cruise by the Palm Jumeirah while sipping champagne, it’s all up to you. It’s the perfect option for luxury and privacy.

The Shared Yacht Tour Experience: Affordable, But...

When I arrived at the marina, the crew was there waiting for me. The yacht tour collection were beautiful, sleek, spacious, and completely mine. No strangers, no crowds, just me and my group. We cruised around the Palm Jumeirah and spent extra time near the Burj Al Arab, which I loved.

As the yacht set sail, the hum of the engine felt more personal, and the breeze carried the fresh scent of the sea, there was no crowd, just a relaxing feeling of exclusivity.

I decided to kick things off with a shared yacht tour because it’s more budget-friendly, and I thought it would be a fun, social experience. I paid about AED 250 (~USD $68) for a 2-hour tour. The yacht wasn’t huge, but it had that typical Dubai vibe, sleek and modern, with enough space for everyone on board.

The booking process was simple, and when I arrived at the Dubai Marina, I was greeted by a friendly crew.

The excitement of the journey was building as the sound of the engine roared to life, and I could already smell the salty sea air, which added to the anticipation. As we set sail, the breeze hit my face, and I felt the excitement build. There were a few other groups of people, so I knew it was going to be a pretty social experience.

Once we set sail, I was struck by the beautiful views of the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah. Honestly, the sight from the water was incredible, with the turquoise waters reflecting the towering skyscrapers. The glistening skyline against the setting sun was like a postcard come to life. However, since it was a shared tour, space was a bit tight. A lot of people were jockeying for the best views and photo spots. As much as I enjoyed the sights, I didn’t have the freedom to move around or take my time with the views.

Also, the itinerary was fixed. We didn’t get much flexibility on how long we could stay at each landmark. I wished we could have stopped at quieter parts of the coast to really soak in the surroundings.

After my shared yacht experience, I was ready to take it up a notch and book a private yacht tour. The price was significantly higher at AED 1,200 (~USD $327) for 3 hours, but I figured it was worth a try. This time, I got to customize the experience, my own route, my own stops, and yes, champagne was included.

When I arrived at the marina, the crew was there waiting forme. The yacht tour collection were beautiful, sleek, spacious, and completely mine. No strangers, no crowds, just me and my group. We cruised around the Palm Jumeirah and spent extra time near the Burj Al Arab, which I loved. As the yacht set sail, the hum of the engine felt more personal, and the breeze carried the fresh scent of the sea, there was no crowd, just a relaxing feeling of exclusivity.

The flexibility of the private yacht tour was the game-changer. The crew was super accommodating, and I had full control over the itinerary. We stopped in a quiet cove where I went for a swim, and I spent a few extra moments just relaxing on the deck. The entire vibe was calm, private, and fully customizable, which made it feel much more special

Shared vs. Private Yacht: Which One Should You Choose?

Ticket Prices & Affordability: If you’re looking for something affordable and social, shared yacht tour is a great option. It’s budget-friendly at around AED 250 (~USD $68), and you still get to see Dubai from the water. However, be prepared to share the space with others and stick to the fixed itinerary. The added benefit is the cost, but you won’t have the same freedom or privacy as the private tour.

Which One Fits You Best? If you’re all about luxury, privacy, and customization, then the private yacht tour is definitely worth the splurge. It’s a more personal experience and gives you complete freedom, but it’s also priced higher at around AED 1,200 (~USD $327) for 3 hours. The ability to stop for a swim, get away from the crowds, and enjoy uninterrupted views of the skyline is something that truly enhances the experience.

Both shared and private yacht tours offer unique experiences, and it really comes down to your budget and what you’re looking for. The shared yacht was a great way to see the sights on a budget, while the private yacht felt like a luxurious escape. For me, the private yacht experience won out because of the flexibility, privacy, and luxury it offered. However, the shared yacht is a great option if you want to meet new people and explore Dubai without breaking the bank .