Joanna James
Sir Bani Yas Island is Abu Dhabi's top island destination. Being a resort island that specifically caters to tourism, watersports are among the top recreational activities one can engage in.
If you are fishing enthusiast a visit to Sir Bani Yas Island is highly recommended as the waters off the island are known for being ideal for deep sea fishing. Here you will learn the art of troll fishing – a technique of fishing where multiple are baited with bait-fish and tugged through the water at slow speeds to entice larger fish swimming in the deep waters. When you feel a tug on the string, reel it in and claim your prize! Deep sea fishing is the perfect way to while away the morning and afternoon, as you spend the whole day trying to catch fish such as Barracudas, Queen Fish, King Fish and Spanish Mackerel.
The waters off Sir Bani Yas Island are known for being home to many famous diving and snorkeling spots. The reefs off-shore are breeding grounds for many species of small fish as well as species such as the most iconic fish of the waters; the Hammour. The best snorkeling spots in Sir Bani Yas are located along the eastern beaches of the island, while the Gasha Island and the Stewart Channel are popular for snorkeling too. As far as diving is concerned, Sir Bani Yas Island is home to many PADI certified diving centers through which you can organize diving excursions. All necessary equipment will be afforded to you and the local guides will take you to best diving spots. Most resorts in Abu Dhabi, such as the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort, offer diving and snorkeling facilities to their patrons.
Kayaking is regarded as one of the most exhilarating ways to explore a watercourse, and Sir Bani Yas Island offers a recommendable kayaking experience. At Sir Bani Yas Island you can have two options; Mangrove kayaking or sea kayaking. Mangrove kayaking involves kayaking through the meandering and exotic Mangrove Lagoon of the Sir Bani Yas Island allowing you to discover the hidden beauty and wildlife of this spectacular lagoon. Sea kayaking on the other hand involves venturing out into the open ocean and braving the currents and elements. But your efforts will be rewarded, as kayaking along the island on the ocean allows you to witness the breathtaking views of Sir Bani Yas Island in all its glory!
Pearl diving is inextricably connected to the history of Abu Dhabi, as the pearl trade was one of the primary sources of income of the Emiratis of Abu Dhabi before the advent of oil. Just book a spot on the Pearl Diving tour and you will have the opportunity of learning the history of pearl diving and being trained by professional divers on how to retrieve pearls. Then hop on a traditional Arabian Dhow, strap on your diving gear and take the plunge to find the milky-white pearls. What makes it even more interesting is that if you manage to find and retrieve a pearl you get to keep it. What a souvenir that will make!
If you want to take your time and explore the waters off Sir Bani Yas Island, try your hand at paddle boarding. The watersport involves standing upright on a flat surfboard-like board and moving about the water using a long paddle. Although it sounds easy, paddle boarding gives your upper-body quite the workout. Thus, paddle boarding is excellent if you want to explore the spectacular waters of Sir Bani Yas Island while also getting a bit of a workout to keep you in shape while on your vacation.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
