Aden is directly on the route between the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal, and is able to provide a number of services for yachts such as entry and departure procedures that are deliberately kept simple. At the harbour master's discretion, Aden does not charge smaller yachts (of up to 100 tons (port dues, regardless of length of stay. Yachts contribute to the national economy through the purchase of fuel oil, supplies, and the use of restaurants, internet cafes and other facilities.
A number of yacht owners also take the opportunity to tour parts of the country, generally travelling to Taiz or Sana'a by bus or plane. Owners and crew members leaving their yachts for inland travel must obtain a visa for Yemen. Some yachts carry out repair and maintenance work, including mechanical and electrical repairs, hull cleaning and painting, when at Aden.
There are at present no marina facilities at the port and yachts anchor in good holding ground off the passenger terminal (also known as the Abkari or Tourist Pier) in water depths of 2.5 6.0 meters below chart datum, roughly between the Sailor's Club 200 meters west of the passenger terminal, and Flint Island.
Yachts are warned that pipelines and anchor cables exist on the seabed in this area. Yachts should anchor well clear of the coast guard base pontoons 1 cable east of the Abkhari Pier. Large Yachts may use the anchorage south of the western end of the rubble mound or, if taking fuel, use the bunker berths 6 In and 6 Out.
Yachts wishing to take on fuel at Aden use the Aden Bunkering Department jetty, with a depth alongside of 1.5 meters at chart datum.
