Joanna James
Famed for being the home of the Arabian Wildlife Park, Sir Bani Yas Island also offers the ideal coastal escape in which to enjoy a variety of water sports. The great thing is, such activities let you experience the island's natural beauty and rich biodiversity too.
Paddle-powered sightseeing awaits those who wish to try kayaking at Sir Bani Yas Island. You get to kayak amidst thriving mangroves during high tide which adds to the sense of adventure; you have opportunities to see various migratory birds too. Alternatively, you can kayak in the ocean taking in the magnificent coastal scenery that surrounds the island. A great way to get in some exercise as well, this activity gives you the chance to spot diving osprey, turtles and even some flying fish!
A novel way to get a full-body workout without even feeling it is to go stand-up paddleboarding. Originating in Hawaii, this activity features a large board that you must stand and balance on as well as a long paddle which can be used to propel you forward; the name of this water sport pretty much explains it all! At Sir Bani Yas, activities such as this provide distinctive perspectives of the Arabian Gulf and the island in a unique form of sightseeing in Abu Dhabi; for something more special, head out at sunset for a truly magical experience.
A water sport that can be enjoyed by the whole family, snorkelling is not to be missed and since no prior experience is needed, you can be exploring the waters in no time. A short distance from the island, you will find protected reefs which are home to diverse marine life making this activity an ideal choice when holidaying here. The best way to try it is while staying at local properties the likes of Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort which offer snorkelling for guests. As you peek into the world beneath the waves you may see barracuda, angelfish, batfish, groupers and more.
Those who love to dive will be pleased to know that off the shores of Sir Bani Yas Island you will find some captivating dive sites including sunken wrecks; do keep in mind you need the proper certification and training before undertaking such dives. Look for dive centres that provide the needed certification and excursions to such sites. Apart from wrecks, you can also see all manner of marine species when diving including barracuda, hammours, golden trevally, eagle rays and dolphins too.
The sea surrounding Sir Bani Yas Island and beyond also offers exciting deep-sea fishing opportunities that will test your skill as you begin a "tug of war" with large denizens of the deep! That said, always choose a fishing tour operator that follows ethical fishing practices which sometimes may include a "catch and release" policy and the non-use of barbless hooks. On your journeys out to the Arabian Gulf, you have a chance to catch barracuda, Spanish mackerel, kingfish and queenfish for a memorable day out.
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