Boat Charters

There are three reasons people charter boats in Dubai: to tour, to fish, or to party. Boats can be rented in almost any size, from four-person speed boats to 200-pax luxury yachts. Most charters start and end at Jebel Ali, the Dubai Marina, the Dubai Creek, or the sleepy Umm Suqeim fishing marina in the Jumeirah area.

A simple touring boat trip usually involves a jaunt around "The Pond" (the semi-enclosed area between Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah), a quick dip and then a spin around the Palm, or past the palaces that line Jumeirah Beach. Sometimes this is done on a cruiser, often a wooden dhow. Party boats come into season from October to April, and although usually charters, there are some organized yacht parties thrown by international DJs and local events companies.

Offshore fishing is a year-round sport here in Dubai, with good numbers of bottom-feeding grouper and snapper sharing the waters with tuna, barracuda, and larger sailfish, kingfish, and even a few sharks. The larger species are more prevalent in the cooler months (September to April). Between June and August, fishing is restricted to the early mornings before the waters become too warm for the fish to feed.

Due to the proximity of the Arabian (Persian) Gulf to neighboring countries, the UAE coast guard are very strict regarding identification. Make sure you have your passport with you if you are taking anything other than a ferry or abra ride. Some captains are very strict regarding swimming, so may enforce the wearing of life jackets despite the wearer's swimming ability. The consumption of alcohol on board fits into a gray area of the law, so it's best to keep it discrete, and keep behavior neat, especially when disembarking.

Bristol Charter. Bristol offers charters, water sports, and cruises around the marina area by catamaran (complete with trampoline "chill area") or by the hour on one-level wooden dhows. They also have small sports boats available for rental by the hour, and a 45-foot yacht suitable for fishing charters for up to eight passengers. Marina Walk, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dubai. 4/368--2480; www.bristolcharter.net.

Deep Blue Fishing. Deep Blue does a little of everything. Boats from 10 to 100 people are available, for anything from a quick look-see around the Jumeirah beaches, to fishing, parties, and smaller high-powered boats for water sports. Umm Suqeim Fishing Harbour, 2b St., Umm Suqeim 2, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, Dubai. 52/889--8973; www.deepbluefishing.ae.

Dubai Party Cruise. Dubai Party Cruise offers medium- to large yacht charters, and sunset cruises in yachts or rustic dhows. They have a party catamaran that comes with a DJ and BBQ, but recommend their 85-foot luxury yacht for the most fun, especially if you want to live the millionaire lifestyle (it fits 37 people and starts at AED3500 per hour). Al Owais Bldg., 22b St., Deira, Office 207, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dubai. 4/295--0517; www.partycruisedubai.com.

Go Fishing Dubai. Departing from Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Go Fishing Dubai offer a range of options including big game, trolling and regular fishing expeditions. There is a maximum capacity of eight people per boat, all of which are equipped with a toilet, sonar, GPS, and all required safety equipment according to UAE coast guard regulations. Marina Promenade, Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dubai. 4/362–7883; www.gofishingdubai.com.

Xclusive Yachts. Xclusive has a large range of boats, from tiny five-passenger ones, all the way through to 100-foot luxury yachts and houseboats. Private charters can be around Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands, or include a creek cruise with appetizers, lunch, or dinner. The more energetic might like to look at banana boats and donut rides. Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Al Habob St., Dubai Marina, Unit 9, Lower Ground Retail, Marina Level, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dubai. 4/432--7233; www.xclusiveyachts.com.

The Yellow Boats. Fast-paced, luminous yellow 10-seat rib boats mean you get to go further, for cheaper, in less time. Sightseeing tours start at AED150 for 45 minutes, and they have departures from Dubai Marina nearly every hour. Perfect for those who want a no-fuss boat trip, but charters are also available. Dubai Marina Walk, Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dubai. 4/432--8543; www.theyellowboats.com.