An Arabian Gulf Cruising Itinerary

For those looking for spectacular scenery, a temperate climate and luxury yachting grounds, the Arabian Gulf is the place. With such a great variety, the Arabian Gulf has so much to offer from luxurious shopping, heritage sites, restaurants, luxury spas, theme parks, desert islands and more.

Cruising at Yas Marina

To get the most out of this incredible cruising ground, Captain Stephen Corbett from JPS Yacht & Charter Service suggests a ten day itinerary starting and finishing at Yas Marina.

Day 1: Starting your journey at Yas Marina, cruise through the Gulf via Sheikh Khalifa Bridge and make your way to the natural haven of Sir Bani Yas Island.  Eight kilometres off the Coast of Jebel Dhanna this island offers an exciting range of activities making it an attractive stop on any itinerary. Take a game drive to explore the island and see some of Arabia’s unique and indigenous animals, kayak through mangrove forests or snorkel in sparkling clear waters, rich in marine life.

Yas Marina Abu Dhabi

Day 2: Waking up to views of this beautiful island, make your way to the luxurious Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Antara. Here try your skills at the archery range or take a mountain bike to explore the surrounding area and encounter exotic wildlife.

Day 3: An early morning departure is advised. Head east to Sir Abu Nu’air Island in the Emirate of Sharjah. This almost perfectly round and rich red sand island is the nesting ground for turtles every year. Anchor in the southeast Lee of the island, perfect for snorkelling and fishing or for those sports enthusiasts take advantage of the watersports on offer.

Day 4: For a true desert island experience Captain Stephen recommends heading to the man made Moon Island, 30 miles out to sea. Being a true desert island this is your chance to relax and take in the surrounding peaceful ambience.

Day 5: Leaving this deserted island, it’s 46 nautical miles to the clearance Port of Shindagha at Dubai Creek and then east to the exciting location of the Musandam Peninsula. Situated in the historic “Straits of Hormuz” this mountainous peninsula still has many coastal villages that can only be accessed by boat.

Superyachts at Yas Marina

Day 6: After an overnight stay on the Musandam Peninsular set off north for some of the best snorkelling and swimming on the itinerary yet, at Telegraph Island. The name of this island came in the 19th century when the British built a telegraph station on the island to get telegraph connection between India and England.

Day 7: With a historical day on Telegraph Island under your belt, it’s time to get back to nature at Khor Sham which is home to a unique breed of dolphin and provides a perfect place for dolphin watching. After the excitement of Khor Sham set sail to Kumsar, where you’ll experience the most remote and isolated town in Oman. So remote, that it is only accessible by sea, where the locals are fishermen by summer and farmers on the date plantations in Khasab by winter. Communication here could prove difficult as the Kumzari speak their own dialect, a mixture of Arabic and Persian with Hindi, Portuguese and English influences.

Aerial View of Yas Marina

Day 8: After a culturally enriching experience on Kumsar, it’s time to head back to the UAE for the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Staying overnight at the marina enjoy the entertainment on offer and relax at the resort and spa.

Day 9: Spend your ninth day cruising down the UAE coastline taking in the scenery along the way. When passing Dubai don’t miss the Palm Jumeirah or get lost circumnavigating the World Islands. Your last night of this Arabian Gulf itinerary is spent in the Ghantoot Channel.

Night time at Yas Marina

Day 10: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting sail down the coast to the Yas Channel entrance. Once back at Yas Marina, enjoy taking full advantage of the marinas restaurants, bars, shops and more.