A self drive boat in Abu Dhabi lets you do something most visitors never try: take the wheel yourself and explore the water at your own pace. No captain, no crew – just you, up to three friends and the coastline. If you are curious but not sure what is involved, this guide covers everything we know about our self-drive boat, the Solo Skipper.
We stick to the facts here. If you have a question we do not answer below, message us on WhatsApp and we will explain it before you book.
What Is a Self-Drive Boat?
A self-drive boat is a small motorboat that you steer yourself. Unlike a yacht charter, where a captain drives and you relax, here you are in control: you choose where to go along the coast, when to slow down for photos and when to head back.
Our Solo Skipper is a compact boat for up to 4 people. It is designed for beginners – easy to steer, stable and smooth – so it suits people who have never driven a boat before as well as those who have.
Do I Need a Boating Licence?
No. You do not need a boating licence to drive the Solo Skipper. This is one of the main reasons people choose it: you can try driving a boat without any special qualification.
Are there other requirements for the driver? We explain all requirements on WhatsApp before you book, so you know exactly what to bring and who in your group can drive.
Safety Briefing and Training
Before departure, our team gives you a full safety briefing and a simple training session of about 10 minutes. You learn how to steer, how to control the speed and how to handle the boat safely. Even if you have never driven a boat before, most people feel confident within a few minutes. Take your time during the session and ask anything you are unsure about – the team is there to help you feel comfortable before you leave.
There is safety equipment on board for every passenger, and a sunshade canopy keeps the sun off while you cruise.
Self Drive Boat Abu Dhabi: Key Facts at a Glance
- Guests: up to 4 people
- Load capacity: 400 kg in total
- Top speed: up to 30 km/h
- Licence: not needed
- Training: safety briefing plus a short training session (about 10 minutes)
- On board: sunshade canopy, safety equipment, soft drinks, water and speakers
- Price: AED 300 per hour for the whole boat, minimum 2 hours
Keep the load capacity in mind when you plan: four adults plus bags should stay within 400 kg. If your group is bigger or heavier, we suggest a boat with a captain instead.
How Much Does It Cost?
The Solo Skipper costs AED 300 per hour for the whole boat, not per person. With the 2-hour minimum, a trip starts at AED 600 – that is AED 150 each for four people. It is the lowest price in our fleet.
| Trip length | Total | Per person (4 people) | Tabby |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 hours | AED 600 | AED 150 | 4 × AED 150 |
| 3 hours | AED 900 | AED 225 | 4 × AED 225 |
| 4 hours | AED 1,200 | AED 300 | 4 × AED 300 |
You can pay by card, with Tamara, or split the cost into 4 payments with Tabby. We send the payment link on WhatsApp.
What Can You Do on a Self-Drive Trip?
A self-drive boat is all about freedom. You can cruise along the coastline, enjoy the skyline from the water and stop to take photos whenever you like. It is a fun way to spend a couple of hours with a partner, friends or a small family.
Because you set the pace, every trip is different. Some groups take it slow and enjoy the views; others like the feeling of the boat moving across the water. Either way, the boat is private for your group for the hours you book.
Who Is It For?
- Couples who want a private trip together
- Groups of up to 4 friends looking for something different to do in Abu Dhabi
- Small families who like to explore at their own pace
- Curious beginners who have always wanted to try driving a boat
Self-Drive or a Boat With a Captain?
A self-drive boat is not for everyone. If nobody in your group wants to drive, or if you are more than 4 people, a boat with a captain makes more sense. Here is a quick comparison:
| Solo Skipper (self-drive) | Wave Rider (with captain) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who drives | You | Our captain |
| Guests | Up to 4 | Up to 8 |
| Price per hour | AED 300 | AED 400 |
| 2-hour trip | AED 600 | AED 800 |
| Suits | Couples and small groups who want to steer | Groups who want to relax and enjoy the ride |
The Wave Rider is a speed boat for up to 8 guests with a captain, soft drinks, water and speakers. For bigger groups, see our houseboats or all boats and prices.
How to Book
- Message us on WhatsApp with your date, start time and the number of people.
- We explain the requirements for drivers and confirm availability.
- Pay through the link we send – card, Tabby or Tamara.
- Meet our team in Abu Dhabi – we share the meeting point after booking – for your safety briefing and training.
- Set off and enjoy the water.
What to Bring
- An original passport or Emirates ID for every guest
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Comfortable shoes with soft soles
- Your phone for photos (a waterproof pouch helps)
Tips for a Great Trip
- Listen carefully during the briefing and ask questions – there are no silly ones.
- Start slowly and get a feel for the steering before you speed up.
- Plan a 2-hour trip for your very own outing; you can always book longer next time.
- Choose a morning or late-afternoon start for softer light and cooler air.
A self drive boat in Abu Dhabi is one of the easiest ways to try something new without a big budget. Check the self-drive boat page for the latest details, then send us your date on WhatsApp – we will explain everything you need to know before you book.
