From a two-hour skyline cruise to a day on the islands — how yacht hire works in Doha.
The Gulf off Doha is calm, warm and shallow, with sandbanks and islands twenty minutes from the marina — ideal yacht water. A private charter is the upgrade to the dhow cruise for groups, celebrations and anyone who wants to swim. Here is how it works.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| From | Porto Arabia, The Pearl |
| 40 ft, 2 h | ~QAR 1,200 |
| Includes | Crew, fuel, drinks |
| Swim | Yes, at anchor |
| Book | 3–5 days ahead |
Routes
| Route | Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Skyline sunset | 2 h | The Pearl, West Bay towers, the Corniche from the water, blue hour |
| Banana Island & sandbar | 4 h | Swim stop, snorkelling, island lunch (day pass extra) |
| Al Safliya Island | 4–5 h | Uninhabited island beach, anchoring and swimming |
| Full day north | 8 h | Sandbanks, dolphins off Al Khor in winter, fishing |
What's included
- Captain and crew, fuel, life jackets, towels, ice, water and soft drinks.
- Sound system and shaded seating; most yachts have a cabin and toilet.
- Extras: catering (mezze platters from QAR 60 per person), a birthday cake, jet-ski or banana-boat add-ons, a photographer.
Choosing a boat
- 40 ft sports yacht — up to 10 guests, ideal for couples and small groups.
- 55–65 ft flybridge — up to 20 guests, the most popular for birthdays.
- 80 ft+ — up to 40 guests for corporate events, with a chef.
Booking tips
Book 3–5 days ahead in winter and for any Friday. Bring swimwear, sunscreen and a cover-up for the marina walk; alcohol cannot be brought on board. We arrange the yacht, catering and transfers from your hotel in one booking.
Sample prices (2026)
| Boat | Guests | 2 hours | 4 hours | 8 hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 ft sports yacht | 10 | QAR 1,200 | QAR 2,200 | QAR 4,000 |
| 55 ft flybridge | 15 | QAR 1,800 | QAR 3,200 | QAR 5,800 |
| 65 ft flybridge | 20 | QAR 2,500 | QAR 4,500 | QAR 8,000 |
| 85 ft motor yacht | 35 | QAR 4,500 | QAR 8,000 | QAR 14,000 |
Indicative, per boat, including crew and fuel; Fridays and December carry a supplement. Catering from QAR 60 per person; a birthday cake QAR 150.
Occasions we run most
- Birthdays and hen parties — decorations, cake and a playlist on board.
- Proposals — a sunset skyline route with a photographer waiting at the marina.
- Corporate team afternoons — a 65 ft boat, lunch, a swim stop, back by 5.
- Family swim days — Banana Island sandbar with paddleboards and a picnic.
Safety and rules
Boats are licensed by the Ministry of Transport with a captain and a deckhand; life jackets for every guest; children must wear them on deck. No alcohol may be brought aboard, swimming is only at anchor with the crew watching, and jet skis are ridden with the operator's instructor. Cruises are cancelled for high wind — you get a full refund or a new date.
Fishing charters
From October to April the waters off Al Khor and the northern sandbanks hold hammour, kingfish and queenfish. Half-day fishing charters (5 hours) on a sports boat with tackle, bait and a captain who knows the marks start around QAR 2,500 for up to six anglers; catches can be cooked at a harbour restaurant afterwards.
BookableGet a yacht quoteTell us the date, number of guests and route — we reply with two or three boats and one price.Request a yacht quoteFAQs
From around QAR 1,200 (about $330) for two hours on a 40-foot yacht for up to 10 people, to QAR 4,000+ for larger yachts by the half day. Crew, fuel and soft drinks are included; catering is extra.
