Small Boat Rental in Dubai: Boats for 8 to 15 Guests
A small boat in Dubai — up to about 45 ft, for 8 to 15 guests — costs from AED 350 an hour, and most cost AED 400–700. Most have a two-hour minimum, so a private trip for a group of up to ten usually comes to AED 750–1,400 with the captain included. Here is what you get at each size, real boats you can book, and when it is worth going one size up.
What "small" means in Dubai
In Dubai a boat is licensed for a fixed number of guests, and that number — more than the length — decides what you can book. On Aceplace, 19 boats are 45 ft or shorter:
| Length | Guests | Per hour, AED | What's on board |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31–36 ft | 8–10 | 350–700 | Open deck; some have one small cabin |
| 38–40 ft | 8–12 | 400–700 | Usually a cabin, air conditioning, a shower |
| 42–45 ft | 10–15 | 500–1,500 | Two cabins, a saloon, a sundeck |
For comparison, a typical 50–55 ft yacht takes about 17 guests for AED 800–950 an hour, usually with a three-hour minimum.
Small boats worth a look
All bookable instantly, prices for the minimum trip:
- Oryx 36 — 36 ft, up to 10 guests, Dubai Marina, built 2024. AED 375/hour, 2-hour minimum: AED 750. Small air-conditioned cabin, shower, sound system.
- Bayliner 40 — 40 ft, up to 12 guests, Dubai Harbour. AED 400/hour, 2-hour minimum: AED 800. Two cabins, air conditioning, indoor and outdoor tables, fishing gear on board.
- Majesty 44 — 44 ft, up to 15 guests, Dubai Harbour, built 2023. AED 500/hour, 2-hour minimum: AED 1,000. The most guests you can take on a small boat in our catalogue.
- BMW Nora — 33 ft, up to 8 guests, Dubai Harbour. AED 699/hour with a one-hour minimum, a BBQ grill and a bathing platform for swimming.
For an open, fast day boat rather than a little cruiser, see speedboats: from AED 550/hour for 10 guests.
A small boat that feels like a big one
If "small" is about the group, not the budget, a few compact boats come with the comforts of a large yacht. The Arya, a 42 ft Princess for up to 10 guests at Dubai Harbour, has a bar, a BBQ, Wi-Fi, a coffee machine and two cabins, with snacks included — AED 1,500/hour, 2-hour minimum. The Pershing 5x is longer at 54 ft but is licensed for only 8 guests: a fast, private boat for AED 2,000/hour.
Boat for 12, 15 or 30 people
- 12 guests — the largest of the small boats: the Bayliner 40 above, or Jump, a 40 ft catamaran at Dubai Harbour (AED 700/hour, 3-hour minimum). A catamaran is wide and steady, so it feels roomier than its length.
- 15 guests — Majesty 44 is the only small boat that takes 15. Above that you are looking at 50 ft and up.
- 30 guests — this is no longer a small boat: you need about 60–65 ft. See our guide to 60 ft yachts.
Children count towards the limit, and the crew cannot take more people than the number on the yacht page — it is a licensed safety limit. If your group is right at the edge, take the next size.
The trade-offs
- The ride. A small boat moves more in wind and waves. On a calm morning it's a pleasure; on a windy afternoon, anyone prone to seasickness will prefer something bigger.
- Shade and toilets. The smallest open boats have little shade, and a couple of them have no toilet. If that matters, check the amenities on the yacht page before booking.
- The space. Eight on a 33 ft boat is cosy. For a relaxed trip, plan on a couple of seats fewer than the maximum.
- The price. The total bill is the lowest you'll find — two hours on a small boat often costs less than the three-hour minimum on a 50 ft yacht.
Questions people ask
Can two of us rent a whole boat?
Yes. You always rent the whole boat with its captain, so a couple pays the same as a group — which makes a small boat the sensible choice. Ideas for two are in our guide for couples.
What is the smallest boat I can rent?
On Aceplace, a 31 ft fishing boat for up to 9 guests. Most small boats are 33–36 ft.
Can we stay overnight on a small boat?
Not as a standard booking — trips are by the hour, during the day or evening. The small cabins are for changing, shade and a rest.
Do I need a licence?
No. Every boat goes out with a licensed captain and crew.
Find a small boat
Search by your group and price: 8 guests up to AED 700/hour, 10 guests, 12 guests. For the cheapest way onto the water, read how to rent a yacht in Dubai on a budget, and for a party, what a yacht party costs.
Not sure which boat fits? Message us on WhatsApp — tell us the date, the group and the budget, and we'll send you options.
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