About Xclusive Yachts
The official name is Xclusive Yachts , although visitors frequently search for “Xlusive Yachts”. It is not a conventional, single-address performance venue: it is a yacht-charter and cruise operator with vessels boarding mainly from Dubai Marina and Dubai Harbour, plus selected services from Marasi Bay Marina in Business Bay. It remained open and trading under the Xclusive Yachts name in August 2026, with daily cruises, private rentals and newly announced onboard events.
The company operates everything from compact sport boats to 141ft tri-deck superyachts and a 125ft event houseboat. Capacity therefore depends entirely on the assigned vessel. Current corporate material lists Xclusive 8 for 60 passengers, Xclusive 35 for 50, Encore for 30, Stardom for 100, Behike for 36 and Xclusive 15 for 190. Other sales pages sometimes advertise slightly different event limits, so the certified capacity stated for the specific booking and passenger manifest should always take precedence.
Its defining feature is a moving backdrop. Rather than watching Dubai through ballroom windows, guests cruise past Dubai Marina, JBR, Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai, Palm Jumeirah and, on longer routes, Atlantis and Burj Al Arab. Shared cruises make this experience available by the seat, while private charters turn the yacht into a floating birthday venue, wedding setting, corporate hospitality space or private party.
History and Development
Xclusive Yachts was established in 2006 by Amit Patel, reportedly beginning with one boat. The business subsequently expanded its owned fleet and added related activities including boat hire, yacht management, watersports, a boat club and an accredited sea school. Its own awards archive records regional charter, tourism, customer-service and hospitality recognition from 2010 onwards.
A major programming change came in January 2018, when the operator introduced its yacht-sharing concept in Dubai Marina and Dubai Canal. Guests could buy individual places on scheduled breakfast, afternoon and sunset sailings instead of hiring an entire yacht. An Abu Dhabi operation followed at Yas Marina in December 2019. Behike was introduced as its first superyacht in January 2022, followed by the launch of Stardom later that year and a new gulet-style vessel in 2023.
Encore, a 40-metre-class Sunseeker tri-deck yacht, joined the charter offering in December 2024. By 2025-2026, the programme had broadened beyond sightseeing into superyacht brunches, nightlife cruises, wellness mornings, women-only dance events and specialist community sailings. No comprehensive renovation history is published because the “venue” evolves chiefly through new vessels, refits and changing onboard configurations rather than alterations to one permanent building.
Events and Programming
Xclusive Yachts primarily books experience-led programming rather than headline concerts. Regular offerings include one-hour sightseeing trips, breakfast and barbecue tours, sunset sailings, dinner cruises, 21-plus yacht parties, premium superyacht sessions and private charters. Entertainment commonly consists of DJs, saxophonists, solo musicians, mixologists, live cooking stations and occasional cultural or interactive acts.
The publicly documented 2021-2023 programme centred on private rentals, shared tours, dinner and party cruises, New Year’s Eve charters, corporate events and the introductions of Behike, Stardom and the gulet design. The 2022 New Year programme included a DJ-led party boat, private fireworks charters and a speedboat option. Corporate programming promoted product launches, award ceremonies, gala dinners, conferences, staff parties and weddings for groups reaching roughly 200 people.
During 2024-2026, programming became more curated. Documented formats included daily superyacht brunches, sundowner and nightfall sessions, live-DJ marina parties, fine dining, coffee-themed mornings, Iftar gatherings, proposal and birthday packages, wellness and breathwork cruises, swimming events and an all-white superyacht party. Late-2026 announcements also included a dog-friendly sunset sailing, demonstrating a willingness to programme niche community events.
No confirmed programme for 2027 or later was found as of 13 August 2026. The visible New Year’s Eve page still described welcoming 2026, so it should not be read as confirmation of a 2026-2027 event. Overall, visitors should expect recurring hospitality, lifestyle and celebration concepts rather than touring bands or named international artists.
Tickets and Booking
Shared cruises are sold per person, while private vessels are reserved by the hour or as packages. Current advertised entry points begin around AED 89-AED 99 for short tours. Longer shared cruises generally fall around AED 160-AED 260 for children and AED 210-AED 510 for adults, depending on duration, catering, vessel and time of day. Night parties have recently ranged around AED 210-AED 360 per person.
Private rental prices vary much more widely. Indicative rates run from roughly AED 350 per hour for small boats to AED 15,000 or more per hour for premium superyachts. Corporate vessels have recently been advertised from AED 2,500 per hour for Xclusive 8, rising to AED 18,000 per hour for Behike. Catering, alcohol, entertainment, décor, screens, photography and watersports can add significantly to the final price.
Sunset, weekend and festive-period departures are the first to fill. Reserve early for New Year’s Eve, major celebrations or groups needing a particular vessel. Check the exact departure marina, inclusions and cancellation terms before paying; similarly named experiences may leave from different locations and may include soft drinks only, premium beverages or no alcohol at all.
Seating, Layout and Technical Facilities
There is no universal seating plan. Most shared yacht tours use open seating and allow guests to move between permitted upper and lower decks. Dinner cruises provide private tables, with an optional paid upper-deck upgrade when available. Private event vessels can be arranged for seated dinners, boardroom-style meetings, theatre presentations, cocktail receptions or open dance floors.
The open upper deck or flybridge normally provides the clearest skyline views and photographs. The air-conditioned lower deck is better in extreme heat, wind or humidity. Guests prone to seasickness generally fare better near the vessel’s centre and on a lower level. Unlike a theatre, no seat offers identical sightlines throughout the trip because the yacht, sun and skyline are constantly changing.
Xclusive 15 is the largest documented event vessel, measuring 125ft and offering approximately 8,500 square feet of deck space, an open upper lounge and bar, and two air-conditioned lower areas with floor-to-ceiling windows. Xclusive 8 is a 90ft two-deck houseboat, while Stardom, Encore and Behike provide multiple exterior decks, saloons, sky lounges and cabins.
Published production information confirms speakers, microphones, Bluetooth-capable sound systems, LED screens, presentation support, projection, ambient lighting and event lighting. Corporate installations can include a stage, DJ position, branded walls, illuminated furniture and large video displays. No reliable public information identifies the audio brands, console models, speaker wattage, lighting inventory, rigging loads or power distribution, so organisers needing concert-grade production should obtain a vessel-specific technical schedule.
Getting There and Parking
Dubai Marina departures: check-in is normally at the Xclusive lounge, Retail Unit 3, Marina Level, Al Majara Tower, Al Hubob Street, with boarding behind Al Majara Towers. DMCC station on the Dubai Metro Red Line is the most convenient rail stop; follow signs towards the marina and Nuran Residences, then continue to Al Majara’s marina level. Allow roughly 10-15 minutes to walk from the station and additional time to find the waterfront entrance. Taxis and rideshares should use Al Majara Towers as the drop-off point.
Dubai Marina Mall is the usual car park for Marina departures. Its current published terms allow three free hours Monday-Friday and four free hours Saturday-Sunday, followed by AED 20 for each additional hour. The car park is open continuously, but overnight parking is prohibited. A long cruise can therefore exceed the complimentary period.
Dubai Harbour departures: shared Harbour tours and several superyacht experiences use Gate 19, FA-FB, beside Bar du Port at Dubai Harbour Yacht Club. There is no standard complimentary transfer; a taxi or rideshare to Dubai Harbour is generally simpler than Metro for this boarding point. Parking and valet arrangements vary across the destination, and Xclusive does not publish a dependable general parking tariff, so allow extra time rather than relying on a free space.
Inside the Venue
Guests usually check in at a lounge or meet-and-greet point before being escorted to the vessel. The Dubai Marina lounge offers free Wi-Fi. Boarding may involve marina ramps, gangways and steps. Red-carpet arrivals are a signature feature, but the practical process still includes identity checks, a passenger manifest and crew instructions before departure.
Every guest must carry the required original identification: tourists need a passport, while UAE residents may use an Emirates ID, passport or Emirates driving licence. Footwear is removed before boarding most yachts. Standard private-charter inclusions generally cover the captain, crew, fuel, water, soft drinks and ice. Food ranges from light refreshments to barbecues, buffets, sushi and live pasta stations, depending on the product.
Toilets, cabins, bars and indoor lounges vary by vessel. There is no advertised coat check, and reliable Wi-Fi is not guaranteed throughout the fleet. Some charters offer souvenir items and professional photography at extra cost. Mobile reception is usually available near Dubai’s coastline but can fluctuate offshore.
Nearby Amenities
For Dubai Marina departures, Dubai Marina Mall provides quick cafés and casual meals, while neighbouring Pier 7 contains several waterfront restaurants and lounges across seven levels. Both are a short walk from Al Majara and work well for pre-cruise dining, but leave enough time to reach check-in 20-30 minutes before departure. Nearby accommodation includes Address Dubai Marina and hotels throughout the Marina and JBR districts; Rove Dubai Marina is a practical mid-range option farther along the waterfront.
Dubai Harbour has its own seafront restaurant cluster. Bar du Port is immediately beside the Gate 19 meeting area, with cafés, seafood restaurants, fine dining and lounges elsewhere around the harbour. W Dubai–Mina Seyahi, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi and other Mina Seyahi resorts are convenient for Harbour departures. Late at night, taxis and rideshares are more dependable than planning around the final Metro service.
What Makes Xclusive Yachts Special
Xclusive Yachts helped popularise the idea that Dubai’s luxury-yacht experience could be sold as a shared excursion rather than only as an expensive private charter. Its combination of owned vessels, scheduled sightseeing, hospitality-led events and custom corporate production has made the city’s skyline part of the venue itself. The scenery changes from dense Marina towers to beaches, islands, resorts and open Gulf water during a single event.
The company’s economic contribution is difficult to isolate independently, but its trade material reports more than 450 employees, over 100 boats and yachts and more than one million customers annually. Its sea school also trains recreational captains, supporting Dubai’s wider maritime skills base. Dubai’s tourism authorities identify yacht tourism as a growth sector connecting marinas, hospitality, marine services and luxury travel; Xclusive is one of the larger operators participating in that ecosystem.
Visitor Tips, Reviews and Accessibility
Recent reviews are overwhelmingly positive overall: one major travel-review service showed a 4.9 rating from more than 26,000 reviews, while another consumer-review service showed 4.8 from 80 reviews. Recurring praise covers clean vessels, attentive crews, skyline views and smooth celebrations. Criticism has included unclear alcohol inclusions, loud music, limited commentary, cold or basic food and occasional poor handling at check-in. Read the selected package inclusions carefully rather than assuming every cruise is identical.
The US Americans with Disabilities Act does not govern a Dubai operator. Dubai instead has local disability-rights legislation and universal-design standards for People of Determination. Xclusive does not publish a comprehensive accessibility statement covering every yacht, accessible toilet or boarding route. Its high-speed sightseeing boat is explicitly described as unsuitable for wheelchair users, and many yachts have stepped gangways and stair-only deck access. Obtain written confirmation for the exact vessel before purchasing if step-free boarding, mobility assistance or an accessible toilet is essential.
Public Metro and Tram stations include lifts, wide gates and accessibility features, but that does not guarantee accessible yacht boarding. Arrive early, wear light clothing, bring sun protection and keep swimwear beneath ordinary clothes when swimming is included. Motion-sensitive guests should eat lightly, remain hydrated and avoid combining rough conditions with excessive alcohol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Xclusive Yachts one venue or several boats?
It is a fleet-based operator rather than one fixed venue. Your experience may take place on a small motor yacht, houseboat, catamaran or tri-deck superyacht. Boarding can be at Dubai Marina, Dubai Harbour or, for selected Canal tours, Marasi Bay Marina. Check the assigned vessel and departure point shown on the final booking confirmation.
What is the maximum capacity at Xclusive Yachts?
The largest current event vessel is advertised for approximately 190-200 passengers, while Stardom carries around 100 for events. Most private yachts hold between 9 and 50 guests. Capacities can differ between cruising, dining and overnight use, and the captain cannot exceed the certified passenger manifest even if an older marketing page shows a higher number.
How early should I arrive?
Arrive 20-30 minutes before most Marina and Harbour departures. This allows time to find the marina-level entrance, complete identification checks and walk to the yacht. Shared trips depart on schedule and generally do not refund late arrivals. Allow even longer during weekend traffic, New Year’s Eve, major events or when using the Dubai Marina Mall car park.
Do I need my passport?
Tourists should bring their original passport, while UAE residents may present an Emirates ID, passport or UAE driving licence. The details are required for the passenger manifest and Coast Guard compliance. Do not assume a photograph stored on a phone will always be accepted unless the particular experience expressly allows a digital copy. Missing identification can result in refused boarding or a fine.
Can I wear shoes on the yacht?
Guests are normally required to remove footwear before boarding the yachts to protect the deck and reduce slipping hazards. Wear shoes that are easy to take off and avoid complicated boots or high heels. Socks may also become slippery on polished surfaces. Some small boats have different rules, but removal should be expected unless the crew tells you otherwise.
Is alcohol included?
It depends on the experience. Some yacht parties and premium superyacht sessions include an open bar or unlimited beverages, while standard shared tours prohibit alcohol or include only water and soft drinks. Private charters can have separate beverage packages. Confirm whether “beverages included” means soft drinks, house beverages or premium alcohol before booking.
Can children join?
Many sightseeing cruises and private yachts welcome children, although policies differ. Babies may be restricted to the saloon or cabin, and children below nine or ten may have to wear life jackets on deck or in the water. The regular yacht party is strictly for guests aged 21 and over, while the premium Sunseeker experience has advertised a minimum age of five.
Is swimming included on every cruise?
No. Swimming is prohibited on one-hour Marina and Canal tours, dinner cruises and certain special sailings. It is normally available only on products that include a scheduled swimming stop. Coast Guard rules prohibit swimming after sunset and more than three metres from the yacht, and the captain can cancel swimming because of weather, traffic or water conditions.
Can I bring food onto a private yacht?
The standard policy does not permit outside catering. Guests may sometimes bring simple dry items such as sandwiches, pizza, crisps and snacks, together with their own disposable plates and cutlery. Catered orders generally require final numbers by the previous evening and may become non-refundable at that point. Rules for short shared tours are stricter and usually prohibit outside food.
Are pets allowed?
The general charter terms prohibit animals and pets. An exception may be made for a specially programmed dog-friendly event, where the vessel, toys, swimming arrangements and cleaning plan have been prepared for animals. Do not bring a pet to an ordinary cruise based on that exception; only an experience explicitly sold as pet-friendly should be treated as permitting dogs.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The captain may shorten the route, remain in sheltered water, postpone departure or cancel when conditions are unsafe or the Coast Guard restricts sailing. Operator cancellations caused by dangerous weather or mechanical failure are normally rescheduled or refunded. Light haze, heat or moderate wind may not qualify for cancellation, so the decision rests with marine operations rather than individual preference.
Is there a dress code?
Daytime sightseeing is casual: light clothing, shorts, T-shirts and swimwear are appropriate, with sun protection strongly recommended. Evening superyacht experiences encourage smarter “dress to impress” clothing, but formalwear is rarely compulsory unless an event specifies a theme. Remember that shoes normally come off, decks can be breezy and loose hats may blow away while underway.
Where is the best place to sit if I get seasick?
Choose a lower-level position near the middle of the yacht, where movement is generally less pronounced than at the bow, stern or uppermost deck. Look towards the horizon, stay hydrated and avoid spending the entire trip inside while looking at a phone. If conditions concern you, tell the crew before departure rather than waiting until symptoms become severe.
Can I decorate a private yacht?
Yes, decorations and branding can be arranged in advance. Options include balloon arches, floral styling, themed backdrops, illuminated furniture, logo panels, branded seating, wall graphics and LED content. Large corporate installations may require several hours of setup before boarding. Decorations must be secured for marine conditions and approved so they do not obstruct exits, safety equipment or crew sightlines.
Is there a security deposit for private charters?
Private-charter terms state that a pre-authorisation or cash security deposit of AED 2,000 may be requested on arrival. It can cover damage, extra cleaning, supplementary services or fines caused by guest behaviour. Confirm whether it applies to your selected package, because shared ticketed cruises generally operate differently and do not process an individual charter damage deposit.
Can wheelchair users join an Xclusive Yachts cruise?
Accessibility must be assessed vessel by vessel. The high-speed sightseeing boat is not considered suitable for wheelchair users, and many larger yachts involve gangways, thresholds and stairs between decks. No fleet-wide assurance of step-free boarding, lifts or accessible toilets is published. Guests needing these features should secure written confirmation identifying the exact yacht and boarding arrangements before paying.
What items are prohibited onboard?
Pets, unauthorised third-party watersports, indoor smoking and behaviour that endangers guests or crew are prohibited. Guests may not jump from a moving or anchored yacht, litter in the water or ignore the captain’s directions. Alcohol abuse can lead to early termination without refund. Weapons, illegal substances and anything interfering with navigation or lifesaving equipment should never be brought aboard.
