Catamaran Charters Dubai & Abu Dhabi: Island Hopping Guide

If you want to island-hop in the UAE — Zaya Nurai, Lulu Island, or a day on the water stopping at sandbanks — a catamaran is worth considering. More deck space than a monohull motor yacht of the same length. Far more stable at anchor. And the layout tends to be social: wide saloon, open aft deck, often a trampoline net at the bow.

This page covers what a catamaran charter involves, who it's for, typical pricing, and the key differences from other vessel classes.

What Is a Catamaran Charter?

A catamaran is a multi-hull vessel — two parallel hulls joined by a wide deck. In UAE waters, catamarans available for private charter typically start around 55 feet and go up to 80 feet or more. They are usually powered (motor catamarans) or occasionally sailing cats with auxiliary engines.

Key characteristics:

• Capacity – Standard private catamarans carry up to 12 guests plus 2–3 crew (as per UAE regulations). Some larger certificated vessels can take more — confirm at enquiry.
• Stability – The wide beam (typically 25–30 feet on a 55-foot cat) means minimal roll at anchor. This makes them a strong choice for groups prone to seasickness. Guests can walk around without holding on.
• Space per guest – The main deck is open-plan. The aft deck and flybridge (on many models) are large enough for a dining table, sun loungers, and a wet bar. The bow often has a trampoline or sunpad area.
• Cabins – A 55-foot catamaran usually has 3–4 double cabins. The master cabin occupies the full width of one hull. Ceilings are higher than equivalently sized motor yachts.

Who Is a Catamaran Charter For?

Catamarans suit:

• Groups that prioritise social time – The wide saloon and contiguous indoor-outdoor space mean no one feels isolated. The flybridge or upper deck can serve as a separate lounge area.
• Families with children – Stability and flat decks reduce risks. Many charter companies allow children on catamarans with fewer restrictions than on open motor yachts.
• Day trips that involve swimming, snorkelling, and stopping – Because the boat doesn't roll, guests can spend hours in the water without discomfort. The shallow draft (typically 1.2–1.5 metres) lets the captain approach closer to sandbanks and islands.
• Guests who want privacy – Separate hulls mean cabins are physically apart. Each cabin has its own head and shower. The crew quarters are usually in the aft of one hull, separate from guest cabins.

Catamarans are less suited to:

• Speed-focused itineraries – Motor catamarans cruise at 12–18 knots. A 60-foot motor yacht can do 22–28 knots. If you need to cover long distances quickly (e.g. from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in under 90 minutes), a catamaran is not the fastest option.
• Formal events – The layout is casual. There is no formal dining room or large interior lounge like on a superyacht. If you're hosting a business dinner, a motor yacht or superyacht might be more appropriate.

Catamaran Charter vs Motor Yacht vs Sailing Yacht

Feature	Catamaran	Motor Yacht (50–70 ft)	Sailing Yacht
Guest capacity	Up to 12 (standard)	Up to 12 (standard)	Up to 12 (standard)
Speed	12–18 knots	22–28 knots	6–8 knots (sail); 8–10 knots (motor)
Stability at anchor	Very high	Moderate – hull rolls	Moderate – can roll at anchor
Deck space per guest	High – wide beam	Moderate – narrow beam for length	Low – narrow decks, rigging
Best for	Island hopping, groups, families	Speed, evening cruises, parties	Sailing enthusiasts, quiet days
Typical price range	AED 2,500 – 5,000/hr	AED 3,000 – 5,000/hr	AED 1,500 – 3,000/hr

Prices are indicative and vary by operator, season, and duration. Confirm at enquiry. VAT (5%) and optional APA (~30% on food/drinks) add to the cost.

Departure Points for Catamaran Charters

Catamarans depart from the same marinas as other private charters.

Dubai

• Dubai Harbour – Premium hub near Bluewaters and Ain Dubai. Quick access to Palm Jumeirah and the open sea.
• Dubai Marina – Most operators are based here. Marina Walk, Pier 7, and DMCC metro nearby.
• Palm Jumeirah – Some catamarans are berthed at the Palm's marina. Direct departure toward Atlantis.
• Festival City Marina – Up the Dubai Water Canal. Good for itineraries that include both canal and sea.
• Dubai Creek – Less common for large catamarans due to depth limits; check at enquiry.

Abu Dhabi

• Yas Marina – Close to Yas Circuit. Ideal for F1 weekend charters and trips to Lulu Island.
• Emirates Palace Marina – West Corniche. Short ride to the mangroves or Saadiyat Beach.
• Eastern Mangroves – Jetty inside the mangrove reserve. Eco-cruises by catamaran specifically.
• Marsa Al Bateen – Newer marina; quiet departure point.

Popular Catamaran Island-Hopping Itineraries

• Dubai to the World Islands (~1.5 hrs each way by catamaran) – Stop at the undeveloped sand islands for swimming. Several yellow sandbars appear at low tide.
• Dubai to the Palm Jumeirah outer crescent – Snorkel at the breakwater. Views of Atlantis from the water.
• Abu Dhabi to Zaya Nurai Island – A private island resort day-pass from ~AED 20,600 plus VAT for a catamaran. Food and water activities included; the catamaran parks at the island's jetty.
• Abu Dhabi to Lulu Island – The artificial island inside the breakwater. Shallow waters make it ideal for catamarans.
• Abu Dhabi mangroves – 55+ foot catamarans can navigate the eastern channel. Some operators specialise in catamaran eco-cruises.

Price Ranges for Catamaran Charters

Expect to pay:

• 55–60 ft catamaran – AED 2,500 – 3,500 per hour (half-day minimum 4 hrs).
• 60–70 ft catamaran – AED 3,500 – 5,000 per hour.
• 70+ ft catamaran – On request; typically AED 5,000+ per hour.

All prices are exclusive of 5% VAT. If food and beverages are required, the operator will charge an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) of ~30–35% of the base charter fee, used to buy provisions. Unspent APA is refunded.

When to Charter

Peak season (November – April): 24–28°C, calm seas, clear skies. Sunset slots (16:00–20:00) are the most requested – book 2–4 weeks in advance. Weekend charters (Thu–Sat) sell out first.

Shoulder season (October, April): Still warm but occasional cloud. Good availability and sometimes lower rates.

Summer (May–September): Hot (35–42°C) but inside the catamaran's air-conditioned saloon it's comfortable. Many operators offer summer discounts. Early morning or late afternoon cruises are best.

FAQ

Do I need a captain? Yes. All private charters in the UAE are captained. The crew is included in the hourly rate.

Can I bring my own food and drinks? Most operators allow BYOB, subject to house rules. Glass bottles may be restricted. Check at enquiry.

How many guests can I bring? Standard private catamarans are capped at 12 guests plus crew. For larger groups, a commercial certificated vessel (inspected for higher capacity) is required. Confirm at enquiry.

What happens if the weather is bad? The captain decides. If the trip is cancelled due to weather, operators typically offer a full refund or reschedule.

Is a catamaran faster than a motor yacht? No. Motor catamarans cruise at 12–18 knots. A comparable motor yacht is 22–28 knots. For island hopping where speed is less critical, the catamaran's comfort can outweigh the slower transit.