Dubai is the perfect destination for a luxury family holiday — and a yacht charter is one of the most memorable experiences you can give your family while you’re there. Children and adults alike are captivated by the combination of sea air, stunning scenery, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and the sheer novelty of spending quality time together on a beautiful vessel.
At Arabian Yachting, we welcome families with guests of all ages including babies and toddlers. Our crew is experienced with family charters and takes great care to ensure every member of your family — from the youngest to the eldest — has a safe, comfortable, and genuinely wonderful experience.
Why Families Love Dubai Yacht Charters
A family yacht charter gives everyone something to enjoy simultaneously. Parents and grandparents love the relaxation, the scenic beauty, and the rare luxury of having nowhere to be and nothing to rush. Teenagers love the freedom and the social media content. Younger children are endlessly fascinated by the water, the boat, the crew, and the excitement of a day unlike any other.
Unlike many Dubai activities that cater to specific age groups, a yacht charter brings the whole family together in the same space, creating shared memories that become part of your family’s story. Many of our guests return year after year to celebrate special occasions with their extended families.
Safety for Children on Board
Child safety is our absolute priority on every family charter. All crew members are trained in first aid and child safety protocols. Life jackets in every size including infant, toddler, and child sizes are provided for all guests. Under UAE maritime regulations, children under 9 years old are required to wear life jackets at all times on deck. Our crew ensures this is followed without compromising the fun or comfort of the experience.
For infants under 2 years, we recommend keeping them in the air-conditioned cabin or saloon area with a supervising adult during the cruise. All our luxury, premium, mega, and super yachts have comfortable interior spaces perfect for babies who need shade, feeding, or napping.
The swimming stops are a particular highlight for children. Our captain selects swimming locations in calm, shallow-ish waters where the sea floor is visible and conditions are ideal for non-swimmers. Our crew remains in the water with swimming children at all times during the stop. Floating tubes, noodles, and basic swimming equipment are available for younger swimmers.
Best Activities for Kids During the Charter
The swimming stop is naturally the highlight for most children, but there are several add-on activities that take the family fun to another level. Banana boat rides are hugely popular with older children and teenagers — the combination of speed, laughter, and inevitable splashdowns creates memories that kids will talk about for years. Donut rides offer a slightly gentler version for younger or less confident children.
Stand-up paddleboarding is available at no extra charge during swimming stops and is surprisingly accessible for children aged 7 and above with some adult supervision. Snorkelling equipment is also available to help curious young minds discover the marine life beneath the surface.
For keeping younger children entertained during the cruise itself, we recommend bringing a tablet loaded with content, snacks they love, and a small bag of activities. The novelty of the yacht experience usually keeps children engaged for longer than you might expect, but having backup entertainment for the journey portions is sensible.
Best Yachts for Family Charters
The best yacht for your family depends on your group size and the ages of the children involved. For smaller families of 4 to 10 guests, our economy and luxury yachts provide more than enough space for a comfortable experience. The Orion 48ft and Misty 50ft Azimut are particularly popular with families due to their spacious deck layouts and comfortable cabin interiors.
For larger extended family gatherings, our mega yachts offer the deck space and crew capacity to accommodate up to 60 guests comfortably. Multiple deck levels mean children can have space to move around while adults relax separately if needed.
Our shared Dubai Marina Sightseeing Tour is also a fantastic option for families visiting Dubai on a budget. Running at 90 minutes, it’s perfectly timed for younger children’s attention spans, and the per-person pricing makes it very accessible.
Catering for Families
Family charters work best with good food — especially when children are involved. Our BBQ catering package is the most popular choice for families, with grilled chicken, lamb, seafood, and vegetables that appeal to all ages. We can accommodate dietary requirements, food allergies, and children’s specific preferences with advance notice.
You’re also welcome to bring your own food and snacks aboard. Many families bring birthday cakes, special treats, and favourite snacks alongside our catered food. Just let us know in advance and we’ll ensure appropriate storage and serving arrangements.
