Abu Dhabi in 1 Day for Friends - Self-drive, no license required — drive your own stable small boat
In Collaboration with Bayside Water Rides. Updated on February 13, 2026.
Begin at Al Bandar Marina and explore Yas Island’s coastline on stable, beginner-friendly self-drive boats escorted by a Bayside captain. Immersive onboard audio narration guides you past Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World, Yas Bay Waterfront and Yas Links, with a relaxed island stop for a swim or mangrove walk.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Bayside Water Rides, inspired by the tour Abu Dhabi: Self-Drive Boat Yas Island Audio Tour Solo & Grps. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Self-drive, no license required — drive your own stable small boat
- Immersive GPS-triggered audio narration of Yas Island landmarks
- Photo stops: Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World, and a coastal sculpture
- Relaxing island stop for swimming, short mangrove walk, or chilling on the sand
- Group led by a Bayside captain in a separate guide boat; private boats for each booking
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at Al Bandar Marina for check-in, safety briefing and self-drive boat allocation, then cruise the Yas Island coast with narrated highlights and an island stop.
Meet & Board — Al Bandar Marina (check-in, safety briefing & boarding)
Arrival, check-in and safety briefing at Al Bandar Marina. Boats are allocated privately by group size; lifejackets fitted and a short driving orientation given by the crew. The Bayside captain leads the convoy from a separate guide boat and activates the immersive audio narration before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start to complete check-in and listen to the safety briefing.
- Wear quick-dry clothing and flat shoes; crew provide lifejackets and there are shaded waiting areas.
- Bring a dry bag for phone/camera; small lockers or a shaded area are available at the marina for short stowage.
Cruise past Yas Marina Circuit (audio narration)
Glide along the edge of the Yas Marina Circuit while the onboard audio narration explains the history and the experience of Formula 1 racing at this iconic Abu Dhabi venue.
Tips from local experts:
- Position the boat at the captain’s guidance for the best unobstructed photo angles of the circuit from the water.
- The audio narration will trigger automatically; keep the device volume moderate so the guide boat can still be heard if needed.
- If you want a clear shot, ask your Bayside captain to reduce wake when passing the circuit for steadier photos.
View Ferrari World from the water (audio narration)
Pass by and view the striking red rooftop of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi while the audio guide explains how the park became one of Yas Island’s signature attractions.
Tips from local experts:
- Have cameras ready as the low-angle sunlight early in the morning enhances the red roof — hold the camera steady or use continuous shooting.
- Keep personal items secured and use a wrist strap for phones/cameras — small waves can jostle handheld devices.
- The guide often points out the best side to position your boat for photos — follow the lead boat to avoid crossing wakes.
Sail by Yas Bay Waterfront (narration on development & dining)
Cruise along Yas Bay Waterfront while the audio guide describes the waterfront’s development, hotels and dining scene — a good moment to scan for waterfront restaurants and venues.
Tips from local experts:
- If you plan to return to Yas Bay after the cruise for food, note the hotel names mentioned in the audio to pick a convenient dockside option.
- Shaded seating is limited on small boats; bring a lightweight hat and sunscreen for sun protection during this stretch.
- Listen for the audio cue to spot particular landmarks on the waterfront — moving boats may pass other small craft here so follow the guide boat’s spacing.
Pass Yas Links Golf Course and return (coastal views & island stop)
Admire the green fairways of Yas Links and continue through nearby canals and mangrove edges. The Bayside captain will guide the convoy to a small island stop for a brief swim, mangrove walk or relaxation before heading back to Al Bandar Marina.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring swimwear under your clothes if you plan to swim at the island stop; showers are available back at the marina.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen for swimming and short mangrove walks to protect the coastal environment.
- Follow the crew’s landing instructions closely at the island — natural shorelines can be uneven; water shoes are recommended for the stop.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Experience, Attraction, Neighborhood, Outdoor |
