Joanna James
A dreamy heritage oasis set between majestic desertscape and jewel-toned ocean vistas, this island city is a record-breaking heartland of exhilarating adventures and beautifully traditional hospitality. Here are some water-borne escapades you don't want to miss in Abu Dhabi.
From themed splash parks and heart-pumping Corniche amenities to floating platforms mazing through lush mangroves and exquisite island allurements, Abu Dhabi is just as poetically cutting-edge in its aquatic provisions as in its famed architectural, recreation, and business prowess. If you're wondering where to start and not quite ready to take on the 'extreme' spectrum of the city's exhilarating water sports portfolio, wakesurfing hits the spot just right! Greatly adored by children and adults alike, wakesurfing involves surfing along the crystal turquoise wave created by the boat zooming in front of you with no cables attached! You can then seamlessly graduate to wakeboarding, which is a blissful experience and full-body toner, as you're propelled past the shimmering skyscrapers across the wide-open gulf.
The UAE's elegantly flamboyant Capital is full of larger-than-life moments to capture, from Bedouin-style desert campouts under the stars and the adrenaline-rich allure of dune bashing with its epic split-second views at the crest to breathtaking masterpieces like the rustic UNESCO-listed beauty of Al Ain's heritage oases and the native wildlife freely roaming Sri Bani Yas Isle. If your appetite for sportive fun approaches a wilder taste, you can't go wrong with being launched above the waves on your uber-cool flyboard, looking for all the world like an action-movie hero! For a more gently graceful flying experience, mastering the art of kitesurfing with WakeUp at Lulu Island along the iridescent stretch of the coast is unparalleled ecstasy for high spirits.
Make friends with your adventure-bound group on the power boat ride from Yas Marina before snorkelling into the world of breathtaking coral architecture and vibrant sea creatures near the Ooid Shoals. There's nothing quite like the meditative silence under the aquamarine depths that can go up to 3.5 metres if you're confident enough to further immerse into the ethereal underwater realms.
While the deliciously sparkling seascape of this exquisite archipelago is irresistible to every water sports fanatic, Wadi Adventure Park, with its intensely thrilling man-made rapids ranging from innocently rolling waves to 3-metre-high A-boards, is not to be overlooked! If you're looking for luxe serviced apartments in Abu Dhabi proffering prime access to its varied aquatic enticements, venture no further than Oaks Liwa Executive Suites
You're likely to be blissfully distracted with hundred-and-one diversions in Abu Dhabi, from getting lost in its glamorous shopping malls and sampling as much of its richly delectable cuisine as humanely possible to dropping in at the surreally gorgeous Sheikh Zayed Mosque, show-stopping Ferrari Cavalcades, and atmospheric traditional souqs. But for some serene connectivity with untouched nature, paddle boarding through the still mangroves is an idyllic escape.
A perfect splash-worthy day can't look any different from visiting the water-based playground floating in the jewel-green ocean fronting the Corniche. Ideal for anyone young at heart, with slides, ramps, trampolines, and a delightful obstacle course, the world's largest inflatable park is customised for exhilarating antics!
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.
