This information relates to the old Yellow Boats service. A new service operated by Abu Dhabi Maritime will be coming in late 2022 – Stay Tuned!
This winter, we’ve seen the launch of a new water shuttle service from Yellow Boats to connect waterfront communities at Al Raha Beach with Yas Island.
The new yellow boats shuttle service is all about improving connectivity for residents. It’s the ideal way to get a great view from the water and easily get from A to B to enjoy Abu Dhabi’s best entertainment venues on Yas Island.
Where do I catch the Yas Water Shuttle?
Capable of taking 20 passengers at a time, the Yas Water Shuttle will run in a loop picking up passengers from:
- Al Muneera (in front of the Mainland townhouses)
- Al Bandar Marina
- Yas Bay Waterfront (Pier71)
- Yas Marina (outer bank, not inside the marina)
When does the Yas Water Shuttle operate?
At launch, the timetable has been set with the boat running:
- Weekdays (Monday to Thursday): Every 20 minutes 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Weekends (Friday to Sunday): Every 40 minutes 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, then every 20 minutes 5:00 PM to 12:30 AM.
Find the current timetable here.

As this is a trial period, we cannot confirm yet if the shuttle will continue to run after 22 May – but judging by customer numbers so far, it’s a real hit!
What does the Yas Water Shuttle Cost?
The Yellow Boats water shuttle to Yas will cost you 5 AED per adult (with evidence of residency on Al Raha Beach, or having spent 50AED at Yas Bay) with under 5’s free (they launched with a free age limit of 12 but this has been reduced now to 5).
If you are not a resident or Yas Bay customer, your ticket will cost 40 AED.
- Information Line: 600 511115
Note that Yellow Boats also run paid Yas Island tours operating out of Yas Marina that can take you deeper into the mangroves and around the Al Raha area.
These shuttle boats are designed as a commuter service, not a fully guided sightseeing cruise. You’ll be charged 40 AED for the 30-minute round trip if you are not a resident or Yas Bay customer.
Like we need more of an excuse to go and check out the new Yas Bay?
You can find our complete guide to exploring Yas Island over here.
Yas Bay Shuttle – Winter 2022/23
We don’t have direct confirmation despite our best efforts on what will happen now that the Yas Shuttle trial period is over.
However, this Water Taxi operated by @admaritime has been spotted doing the rounds from Al Bandar to Yas Bay and passing back through the Al Muneera canal – so watch this space we may still have a fully inter-connected community transport solution!
PSSST – Further Update 9/11/22 there are signs up now indicating the new service will cost 10 AED per adult one way between Raha Beach communities and Yas Bay, children under 12 free.
The start date and operating times are the final pieces of the puzzle – we’ll update you as soon as we know more; it seems it will all be ready by the time Lion King/Grand Prix hit later in November 2022.

Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack as well as top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Find the latest Abu Dhabi COVID-19 Guidance here.
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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