What's included in a private yacht charter?

When you see an hourly rate for a yacht charter in the UAE, it usually covers a standard set of inclusions. Here is the breakdown of what you are actually paying for.

The Standard Inclusions

• The Vessel: Exclusive use of the boat for your booked duration.
• Captain & Crew: A licensed captain and at least one deckhand/steward. Larger yachts include more crew.
• Fuel: Fuel for cruising at standard displacement speeds within the local area.
• Refreshments: Bottled water, ice, and basic soft drinks (Coke, Sprite).
• Safety Gear: Life jackets and mandatory safety equipment.

Often Included (But Check First)

• Towels: Most yachts 50ft+ provide fresh towels, but budget day boats often do not.
• Snorkelling Gear: Usually available on request, but quality varies.
• Bluetooth Audio: Almost all boats have a sound system you can connect your phone to.

Rarely Included (The Extras)

• Alcohol: Due to licensing laws, operators rarely provide alcohol. You must bring your own (BYOB).
• Catering: Food is an add-on. You can order through the operator or bring your own.
• Watersports: Jet skis, flyboards, and banana boats are hired separately by the hour.
• Crew Gratuity: A tip for the crew is not included in the base rate.