Frequently asked questions
Licences, bookings, guests, fuel, the rules on the water — everything members ask before they join.
The boat club
What is the boat club about?
The boat club is an easy way to enjoy a boating lifestyle without the worries. Xclusive Boat Club gives you access to a brand-new fleet without the cost and commitment of ownership. No maintenance, cleaning, berthing, insurance or registration costs to worry about — we take care of everything.
How do I join?
Email info@xclusiveboatclub.com or call +971 4 566 8022 to schedule a viewing. Our boat club manager will meet you and show you the fleet. You can also send an online enquiry.
How many boats do you have?
60+ brand-new boats across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. See the full fleet on our boats page.
How much does it cost?
Lite costs AED 11,430 for 12 months (Excl. VAT (rounded)), with boating and fuel charged separately. Midweek AED 1,570, Flex AED 1,810 and VIP AED 2,290 per rolling 30 days, excluding VAT, plus a one-off joining fee. Compare the plans.
Can anyone become a member?
Members must be at least 25 years old.
Where are you located?
- Dubai: Unit 02B, Vida Dubai Marina & Yacht Club, Al Hubob Street, Dubai Marina
- Abu Dhabi: Building 2, Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi
Do I take the boat out myself or do you provide a captain?
Members drive the boat themselves and do not need one of our captains. Midweek, Flex and VIP include free captains for your first month. Captains are available on request, subject to availability.
What type of boats do you have?
A variety, from mini yachts and wakeboard boats to bowriders and fishing boats.
How many locations do you have?
Nine marinas.
- Dubai: Dubai Marina, Dubai Harbour, Palm West, Business Bay, Creek Marina and Mina Rashid Marina
- Abu Dhabi: Yas Marina, Al Bateen and Hidd Al Saadiyat
Where can I take the boat?
There are restricted areas in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi waters, and you must bring the boat back on time. Anchoring locations and permitted driving zones are explained during your training.
Can I drive inside the Palm Jumeirah area?
No. You may only drive outside the Palm Jumeirah. Anchoring locations and permitted driving zones are explained during your training.
What is the maximum number of passengers I can take in one booking?
It depends on the capacity of the boat you book.
What if I arrive and the boat is unable to start?
Our priority is that every boat is well maintained with no mechanical issues, and we take preventive measures to avoid this happening.
What if I damage the boat?
If you cause damage under AED 15,000, you cover the cost. If the damage exceeds AED 15,000, you pay a maximum of AED 15,000 towards the insurance.
You must provide all supporting documents within 72 hours of the incident, including (but not limited to) a police report, a copy of your DMCA or FTA licence, your Emirates ID and a detailed account of what happened.
Damage to the interior or exterior caused by negligence is also the member's responsibility. We review the damage and send you the repair cost; your membership resumes once it is settled.
Do I need to be an experienced captain to join?
No experience is needed. We will coach you, train you and help you enjoy boating as much as we do.
Who cleans the boat?
Our dedicated team does. All boats are professionally maintained and repaired by certified marine technicians, and each one is thoroughly cleaned and inspected so it is ready for you.
Is Xclusive Boat Club licensed?
Yes. The club is licensed by the Dubai and Abu Dhabi governments and regulated by the Dubai Maritime City Authority.
How do you qualify members?
Membership is open to boaters of any skill level aged 25 and over. Whether you have never boated before or have boated for years, you are welcome.
Are corporate memberships available?
Yes. Contact us about corporate membership and we will tailor it to your needs.
How long does the membership last?
Memberships last for a full calendar year.
Are your boats new or pre-owned?
Our boats are bought brand new, and we plan to replace them every 3 years.
What happens after the membership term ends?
You can renew or cancel your membership in Dubai and/or Abu Dhabi. Either way, we need 1 month's notice in writing. To renew, you only pay the membership fee, and renewal depends on all previous dues being paid.
What makes you different from other boat clubs?
Why should I join?
- Enjoy boating on brand-new boats
- Dedicated, responsive staff
- A great way to entertain family, clients and guests
- No boat payments, licensing, insurance or berthing fees
- No cleaning, upkeep, repairs or maintenance
- And the best part: when you return to the dock, throw us the keys and walk away
Bookings
How do I book a boat?
Through our online booking system on desktop or mobile. You will get a confirmation one day before your booking.
How do I cancel a booking?
Cancel online or through the reservation portal before 19:00 on the previous day.
How many reservations can I have at one time? Can I book a boat every day?
You can hold up to 2 future bookings at any time. Once your first booking is completed, you can make the next one straight away.
Can non-members rent your boats?
No. The member must be present.
How can I be sure of boat availability at the weekend?
We limit membership in proportion to the number of boats we have, and each member can hold one weekend booking at a time under our fair-usage policy. For example, 10 boats with 6 booking slots across Saturday and Sunday (morning, afternoon, evening) gives 60 weekend slots, so every member can get a weekend booking. Additional bookings are subject to availability and approval by our reservations manager.
What does advance booking mean?
You can hold two bookings at any time. For example, if you have booked Monday and Tuesday, you can make your next booking once your Monday trip is completed.
Can I book a boat on the same day?
Yes, but a same-day booking fee applies. Contact our duty operations team to check availability.
Do you provide pick-up and drop-off?
No.
How quickly can I start using the boat?
First make your payment and submit the required documents: signed contract, passport, visa, Emirates ID, DMCA or FTA licence and a photo for your membership card. Bookings open once you complete orientation. The whole process takes 3–7 days.
How long does the DMCA card process take?
You can apply for a DMCA licence entirely online through the DMA website.
How many slots can I use in a day?
One slot a day.
Can I book on a public holiday?
Yes.
What happens if I don't show up for my booking?
Cancellations must be made before 20:00 on the previous day. Repeated no-shows or cancellations without notice incur an AED 500 fine.
Can I return the boat later than my arrival time?
No. Another member may have the next slot, and our team must check and clean the boat before it goes out again. Late returns are charged AED 500, and repeat offenders may be suspended.
Do I need to return the boat to the same departure point?
Yes.
Do I pay for the fuel I use?
Yes.
Do I have to refuel the boat myself?
No. Our team refuels the boat; you only pay for the fuel you used.
Can I go deep-sea diving?
No. Under Dubai and Abu Dhabi sea regulations, deep-sea diving is prohibited in the permitted anchoring zones.
Can I go spearfishing with my own equipment?
No. Spearfishing is prohibited in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Can I do water sports such as wakeboarding and tubing?
Yes, definitely.
Do I have to wear a life jacket while driving the boat?
Adults do not have to, but we encourage you to wear one at all times. Children under 6 must wear a life jacket at all times.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Yes.
Where can I beach the boat?
Beaching the boat is not permitted anywhere in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Inclusions
What are the benefits?
See our current membership benefits.
Do you offer boat training and classes?
Yes. We train members in powerboat driving, our fleet and emergency response plans. Our in-house Sea School offers the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate, which lets you skipper a boat up to 12 metres anywhere in the world.
If I hold a DMCA pleasure marine licence, is the joining fee reduced?
No.
Do you have full-time staff?
Yes, and we are happy to help.
Do you provide fresh towels?
No.
Do you provide ice?
Yes. We provide plenty of ice on every trip.
Will my dues increase year to year?
Our team will always offer you the best competitive rates.
Are there any usage charges?
Lite has a separate boating charge for each use, in addition to the annual membership fee. Midweek, Flex and VIP include five slots per rolling 30 days. Fuel and any applicable extras are charged separately. Ask our team for the current boating rates and terms.
Are there any hidden expenses?
Your membership and plan determine the charges. Lite boating is charged per use; fuel, fuel handling, damage and optional add-ons are separate. Ask the team to explain the current rates and full terms before joining.
How long are joining benefits valid for?
For the full term of your contract.
Do you provide soft drinks?
No.
Do I need my own cool box?
No. We provide a cool box with ice. You are welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks.
Rules
Is membership transferable?
No.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, pets are allowed on board.
Can I use the boat to teach people?
No. Any commercial use is strictly prohibited and breaches your contract.
What if I get a speeding fine?
You must settle all fines directly with the DMCA or FTA.
Can I drink and drive?
No.
Can my guests use the boats without me?
No. The member must be present.
Can I let a friend drive?
No. Only the registered Xclusive Boat Club member can drive the boats.
Is the membership fee refundable?
No.
Can I make overnight bookings?
No.
If I have a DMCA licence, can I book and use your boat straight away?
Yes, once all your documents are processed and you have received your membership card.
Do you rent out your boats?
No.
Where do I put the garbage?
Leave it with us — we take care of it after your trip.
Are children allowed on the boat?
Yes, when accompanied by an adult. Children under 6 must wear life jackets.
Is there an age limit for children on board?
No, but parents must keep their children safe on board at all times, wearing the right life vest.
How many people can come on the boat?
Never more than the passenger capacity of the boat you booked, which is shown on the boat.
Still have a question? Contact our team or WhatsApp us on 055 729 0415.
Come and see your next boat day.
Visit the marina with our team, or ask us to help you choose your membership.
Online enquiry
Talk to our team
Leave your details and a membership advisor will call or WhatsApp you, usually within the hour during office hours.